Webcam Not Working on Mac? Try These Fixes
An external webcam that won't show up, or shows a black screen, is almost always one of a few simple problems. Work through these in order.
1. Check camera permissions
macOS asks before an app can use the camera. If you said no once, the app can't see any camera.
- Open System Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security, then Camera.
- Turn on the switch for your calling app, such as Zoom, Teams or your browser.
- Quit and reopen the app.
2. Pick the right camera in the app
Most apps default to the built-in camera. In the app's video settings, choose your external webcam from the camera list. In browsers, check the camera icon in the address bar.
3. Close other apps using the camera
Only one app can use a webcam at a time on many setups. Quit other calling apps, camera apps or the webcam maker's control app, then try again.
4. Check the cable and port
- Plug the webcam straight into the Mac, not through a hub, to test.
- Try another port.
- Use the cable that came with the webcam. Some USB-C cables only charge and don't carry data.
- High-resolution and gimbal webcams may need a USB 3 port to work fully. The OBSBOT Tiny 2 listing, for example, notes USB 3.0 for data transfer.
5. Check the privacy cover
It sounds obvious, but a closed privacy shutter or cover is a common cause of a black picture. The Anker PowerConf C200 and many others have a slide-over cover.
6. Update the software
- Update macOS and your calling app.
- If your webcam has a control app, update it too, and check that it supports your macOS version.
7. Restart
Unplug the webcam, restart the Mac, then plug it back in. This clears most stuck camera connections.
Still not working?
Test the webcam on another computer. If it doesn't work there either, the camera or cable may be faulty, and it's time to contact the maker or the retailer.
When choosing a new one, look for a webcam whose listing confirms macOS support. Our webcam for Mac comparison only includes those.