# NotchStar mirror says it needs camera access: how to fix it

> If the Mirror tab asks for camera access after you clicked Don't Allow, turn NotchStar on under Privacy & Security, Camera, then reopen the tab.

Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-mirror-camera-permission-denied/
Last updated: 2026-11-04

Published 2026-11-04.

If the Mirror tab shows "NotchStar needs camera access for the mirror", macOS has the camera switched off for NotchStar. Open System Settings, go to Privacy & Security, click Camera and turn NotchStar on. Then reopen the Mirror tab. The tab also has a button that jumps straight to that pane.

## Steps

1. Choose the Apple menu, then **System Settings**.
2. Click **Privacy & Security** in the sidebar. You may need to scroll down.
3. Click **Camera**.
4. Turn the switch next to **NotchStar** on.
5. Close the notch, open it again and pick **Mirror**.

## If NotchStar is not in the list

Apple says the list shows apps that have asked to use the camera. If NotchStar is missing, open the Mirror tab once so it can ask, then check the list again.

## If the switch is on and the picture is still black

NotchStar uses the default camera that macOS picks. Another app may be holding it, or a different camera may be the default. See [which camera the mirror uses](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-mirror-which-camera/).

The permission only affects [Mirror](https://www.notchstar.com/features/mirror/). Read [how to allow camera access the first time](https://www.notchstar.com/help/allow-camera-access-notchstar-mirror/) if you want the normal route. Apple's page was checked on 4 November 2026 for macOS Sonoma 14 to Tahoe 26.

## Quick answers.

### Will the prompt come back by itself?

No. macOS asks once. After that the switch under Privacy & Security, Camera is the only place to change the answer.

## Keep reading.

- [A quick mirror before every call](https://www.notchstar.com/features/mirror/): Check how you look before a call with a live, mirrored camera preview in the notch. The camera runs only while the Mirror tab is open.
- [How to allow camera access for the NotchStar mirror](https://www.notchstar.com/help/allow-camera-access-notchstar-mirror/): Open the Mirror tab and click Allow when macOS asks for the camera. NotchStar only shows a live preview and never records. Steps if you missed it.
- [Which camera does the NotchStar mirror use?](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-mirror-which-camera/): The NotchStar mirror uses the default camera macOS picks. There is no camera picker in the app, so choose the camera in macOS or unplug the one you do not want.
- [Check your Mac camera before a video call](https://www.notchstar.com/guides/check-mac-camera-before-video-call/): Preview your camera, check permissions and confirm the camera selected in your meeting app. Use a mirror preview without mistaking it for a recording test.

## More in Mirror.

- [How to allow camera access for the NotchStar mirror](https://www.notchstar.com/help/allow-camera-access-notchstar-mirror/): Open the Mirror tab and click Allow when macOS asks for the camera. NotchStar only shows a live preview and never records. Steps if you missed it.
- [Does the NotchStar mirror record video or take photos?](https://www.notchstar.com/help/does-notchstar-mirror-record-video/): No. The NotchStar mirror is a live preview only. It does not record, save, send or photograph anything, and the camera stops when you leave the tab.
- [How to check your framing before a video call with NotchStar](https://www.notchstar.com/help/check-framing-before-a-video-call-notch/): Hover over the notch, pick Mirror and check your framing, lighting and background in two seconds before you join a call. The camera stops when you leave.
- [When is the camera light on with the NotchStar mirror?](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-mirror-camera-light/): The green camera light comes on when the NotchStar Mirror tab is open on screen and goes off when you switch tabs or close the notch.
- [Why the NotchStar mirror preview is flipped](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-mirror-image-flipped/): The NotchStar mirror flips the picture like a real mirror, so moving left looks like moving left. There is no switch, and only the preview is affected.
- [Which camera does the NotchStar mirror use?](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-mirror-which-camera/): The NotchStar mirror uses the default camera macOS picks. There is no camera picker in the app, so choose the camera in macOS or unplug the one you do not want.