How to test your Mac camera
The fastest test is to open an app that uses the camera and look for your picture. Apple says the camera turns on automatically when you open an app or feature that uses it, such as FaceTime or Photo Booth, and a green light beside the camera glows while it is on. If you see yourself, the camera works.
Test with Photo Booth or FaceTime
- Open Photo Booth or FaceTime from the Applications folder or Spotlight.
- Wait a moment. The green light next to the camera should glow, and your picture should appear.
- Close the app. The light should go out when no app is using the camera.
Apple notes that FaceTime, Photo Booth and other apps that come with your Mac have automatic access to the camera, so they do not need permission. That is why they are a good first test: if they work and your call app does not, the problem is in the call app.
Test with QuickTime Player
Open QuickTime Player and choose File > New Movie Recording. A green light next to the built in camera shows it is active. Click the options menu button next to the record button to pick a Camera if you have more than one. You do not have to press record.
If you see a black picture or nothing
Go through the steps in what to do when your webcam is not working. The most common causes in Apple’s own list are app permissions and Screen Time limits. A call app may also be set to a different camera than the built in one, which you change in that app’s video menu.
Check the picture before a call
A test shows that the camera works. It does not tell you how the call looks. Check your lighting, the background, and where your eyes will land. Apple’s video effects, if your Mac supports them, are covered in video effects for calls.
A quicker preview in the notch
NotchStar’s Mirror tool shows a live, mirrored preview in the notch. Open the notch, pick Mirror, and macOS asks for camera permission the first time. The camera runs only while the Mirror tab is open, so the green light matches what you are doing. It is a preview only: it does not record, take photos or apply filters, and it uses your Mac’s default camera with no camera picker. The older camera check guide walks through the whole pre call routine.
