# How to allow camera access for an app on a Mac > Open System Settings, Privacy and Security, Camera, then switch the app on. Which apps are always allowed, and what to do if an app is not in the list. Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/tips/allow-camera-access-for-an-app-on-mac/ Last updated: 2026-11-04 Published 2026-11-04. Open System Settings, click Privacy and Security in the sidebar, click Camera, and turn on the switch next to the app. Apple's guide says to choose **Apple menu > System Settings**, then click **Privacy & Security**, which you may need to scroll down to find. ## Steps 1. Choose **Apple menu > System Settings**. 2. Click **Privacy & Security** in the sidebar. Scroll if you cannot see it. 3. Click **Camera**. 4. Turn access on or off for each app in the list. Apple adds that you may need to quit and reopen an app for the change to take effect, in its camera troubleshooting article. If your app keeps showing a black screen after you allow it, quit it fully and open it again. ## Why an app is not in the list Apple says the list shows only installed apps that have asked to use the camera. If it is empty, no installed app has requested access yet. Open the app and start its video feature, so that it asks. macOS then shows a prompt, and the app appears in the list afterwards. ## Apps that need no permission FaceTime, Photo Booth and other apps that come with your Mac have automatic access and do not appear in the permission list. That makes them useful for a quick check that the camera works. See [how to test your Mac camera](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/test-your-mac-camera/). ## Websites are separate A website in Safari is controlled in a different place. See [allowing the camera for a website in Safari](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/allow-camera-for-websites-in-safari/). Other browsers appear in the Camera list as apps, like any third party app. ## Turning access off again Return to the same list and turn the switch off. Apple says that when you turn off an app's access, you are asked to turn it on again the next time that app tries to use your camera. If you are unsure which app has the camera right now, see [how to see which app is using the camera](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/see-which-app-is-using-your-mac-camera/). ## Version note Apple's page, checked on 4 November 2026, is shown for macOS 27 and lists no separate steps for older versions. In the troubleshooting article Apple mentions System Preferences and Security and Privacy for older systems. On macOS before the System Settings design, the names differ. ## NotchStar NotchStar's [Mirror tool](https://www.notchstar.com/features/mirror/) is the only part of the app that uses the camera. macOS shows its normal permission prompt the first time you open the Mirror tab. If you decline, the tab links to the setting. The picture is never saved or sent anywhere. ## 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 fix a Mac webcam that is not working](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/fix-mac-webcam-not-working/): Apple's steps for a built in Mac camera that will not work: update, check Screen Time, allow the app, restart, and when to contact Apple. - [How to allow a website to use your camera in Safari](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/allow-camera-for-websites-in-safari/): Choose Safari, Settings, Websites, Camera to allow or block the camera for each site. Where this differs from the app permission list. - [How to see which app is using your Mac camera](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/see-which-app-is-using-your-mac-camera/): Look for the green dot in the menu bar and click Control Center to open the privacy window that lists apps using your camera or microphone. - [A privacy checklist for any Mac notch app](https://www.notchstar.com/guides/notch-app-privacy-checklist/): Seven checks to make before you install a notch app: permissions, notarization, network use, data storage and what to do if something looks off. ## More in Camera and calls. - [How to test your Mac camera](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/test-your-mac-camera/): Open Photo Booth or QuickTime Player to see if your Mac camera works. Look for the green light, pick the right camera, and check app permissions. - [How to see which app is using your Mac camera](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/see-which-app-is-using-your-mac-camera/): Look for the green dot in the menu bar and click Control Center to open the privacy window that lists apps using your camera or microphone. - [How to fix a Mac webcam that is not working](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/fix-mac-webcam-not-working/): Apple's steps for a built in Mac camera that will not work: update, check Screen Time, allow the app, restart, and when to contact Apple. - [How to use your iPhone as a webcam on a Mac](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/use-iphone-as-webcam-on-mac/): Mount an iPhone near your Mac, open FaceTime or a call app and choose the iPhone from the video menu. Requirements and fixes from Apple. - [How to use video effects on a Mac video call](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/mac-video-effects-for-calls/): Turn on Portrait, Studio Light, Reactions and other effects from the Video menu during a call. Which Macs and macOS versions Apple says support them. - [How to allow a website to use your camera in Safari](https://www.notchstar.com/tips/allow-camera-for-websites-in-safari/): Choose Safari, Settings, Websites, Camera to allow or block the camera for each site. Where this differs from the app permission list.