# Which camera does the NotchStar mirror use?

> 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.

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

Published 2026-11-04.

The NotchStar mirror uses the default video camera that macOS gives it. NotchStar has no camera picker, so you cannot choose a different camera inside the Mirror tab.

## How the default is chosen

When the Mirror tab opens, NotchStar asks macOS for the default camera and shows that one. On most MacBooks that is the built in camera. With an external webcam plugged in, macOS may pick it instead, depending on your system.

## How to get the camera you want

- Unplug the external camera to get back to the built in one.
- Plug in the camera you want and reopen the Mirror tab.
- Quit any app that is holding the camera, then reopen the tab.

The camera is chosen again each time the tab opens, so a change shows up the next time you open Mirror.

## Call apps choose separately

Zoom, Meet, Teams and FaceTime have their own camera menus. The mirror only shows what the default camera sees, so confirm the device inside your call app too. The [camera check guide](https://www.notchstar.com/guides/check-mac-camera-before-video-call/) covers that.

If the tab shows a permission message instead of a picture, see [camera access denied](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-mirror-camera-permission-denied/). For the whole tool, read the [Mirror page](https://www.notchstar.com/features/mirror/).

## Quick answers.

### Can the mirror use my iPhone as the camera?

It uses whichever camera macOS picks as the default, so that depends on your system. NotchStar does not add its own choice.

## 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 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.
- [NotchStar mirror says it needs camera access: how to fix it](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-mirror-camera-permission-denied/): 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.
- [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.
- [NotchStar mirror says it needs camera access: how to fix it](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-mirror-camera-permission-denied/): 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.
- [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.