Microphone or camera not working on a Mac
On a Mac, almost every mic and camera problem is a permission that was never granted, or another app that is already using the camera. Here's how to sort it out.
Step 0: test in the browser
Open the mic or webcam test on this site. If the browser can't see the device either, the fix is in System Settings below. If the test works but one app doesn't, the fix is in that app's own permissions.
1. Allow the app in Privacy & Security
If the app isn't listed at all, open it and try to use the mic once. macOS adds it to the list the first time it asks.
- Open Apple menu → System Settings → Privacy & Security.
- Click Microphone and turn on the switch next to your browser and any call app (Zoom, Teams, Discord).
- Go back and do the same under Camera.
- Quit and reopen the app. macOS only applies new permissions after a restart of the app.
2. Choose the right input and raise the level
Open System Settings → Sound → Input. Select the microphone you use, then speak and watch the input level meter. Drag Input volume to around three quarters. AirPods and other Bluetooth headsets appear here too, and they often take over automatically when they connect.
3. Camera says it's in use, or shows black
- Close every app that might use the camera: FaceTime, Photo Booth, Zoom, Teams, OBS and other browser tabs.
- The green light next to the camera turns on whenever something is using it. If it stays on with everything closed, restart the Mac.
- If a restart isn't convenient, open Terminal and run sudo killall VDCAssistant, then try again. On newer macOS versions, sudo killall appleh13camerad does the same job on Apple silicon Macs.
4. Using an external webcam or USB mic
Plug it directly into the Mac rather than through a hub. Some USB-C hubs don't supply enough power for cameras. In call apps, pick the device by name in the app's video or audio settings. Many apps keep using the built-in camera until you change it.
5. Screen Time or a work profile is blocking it
Managed work Macs and Macs with Screen Time content restrictions can disable the camera. Check System Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy, or ask your IT team whether a profile is blocking it.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't Safari ask for camera permission?
Open Safari → Settings → Websites → Camera (and Microphone) and set the site to Ask or Allow.
How do I know which app is using my Mac's camera?
Click the Control Center icon in the menu bar. When the camera or mic is in use, the app's name is shown at the top.