Webcam not working on macOS
A webcam that won't turn on, shows a black screen, or "isn't detected" on macOS usually comes down to camera permission, another app holding the camera, or a privacy shutter. Try these, then confirm with the live preview.
Step-by-step fix
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Check the camera permission in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera and allow your browser/app.
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Close any other app that might be using the camera (Zoom, Teams, Discord) — only one app can hold it at a time.
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Make sure there's no physical privacy shutter or tape over the lens, and that the camera is enabled in Device Manager / system settings.
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Run the CheckMyMic webcam test — you should see a live preview, resolution and FPS.
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Still black? Update the camera driver and restart macOS.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my webcam a black screen on macOS?
A black preview almost always means another app already holds the camera, or a privacy shutter is closed. Close other video apps and check the lens, then re-run the webcam test. Still black? Recheck the camera permission under System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera before touching drivers.
How do I know my camera is detected on macOS?
Open the CheckMyMic webcam test and press Start camera — if it lists a device and shows a preview, it's detected. "No camera detected" means macOS isn't exposing one at all: a driver, connection or System Settings → Privacy & Security problem rather than an app setting.
I've tried everything and the webcam still won't work on macOS — what now?
Split the problem: run the CheckMyMic webcam test in a different browser, and — for an external camera — on another computer or USB port. Working elsewhere means macOS settings: recheck System Settings → Privacy & Security and the driver. Failing everywhere points at the camera itself. If it only fails in one app, our Zoom, Teams and OBS camera guides cover the app side.
My Mac says "no camera available" — what actually fixes it?
Close every video app and restart the Mac — macOS's camera daemon can wedge, and a restart resets it. If it keeps happening, check Screen Time → Content & Privacy hasn't disabled the camera, and for external cameras try a different USB port and cable before blaming the camera.