Mac camera not working? 6 fixes to try

howtosimply.com/guides/mac-camera-not-working-6-fixes-to-try/ · Checked October 2026 · MacBook Neo · macOS 27.0.1

3 of 6 steps with real screenshots · 2 official sources below

Device

Mac

Shown on

macOS 27.0.1 (MacBook Neo)

App

System Settings

Real screenshots

3 of 6 steps

Checked

October 2026

Sources

2 official, linked below

Step by step

1. 

   Update macOS

   Apple's first step is to make sure the software is up to date. Open System Settings, General, Software Update and click Check for Updates.

   On our MacBook Neo it said "Your Mac is up to date." with "macOS 27 Golden Gate 27.0.1", and Automatic Updates was On.

   Done

2. 

   Check that Screen Time allows the camera

   If Screen Time is in use, open System Settings, Screen Time, Content & Privacy Restrictions and make sure Camera is set to Allowed, then click Done.

   On our MacBook Neo, Camera is listed with AirDrop, Apple Advertising, CarPlay, Dictation, SharePlay and Tracking. Apple also advises checking that the app is not blocked by an app limit.

   Done

3. 

   Allow the app to use the camera

   Open System Settings, Privacy & Security, Camera. Apple says to switch on the app that needs the camera. You might then be asked to quit the app and open it again.

   On our MacBook Neo the list was empty and only said "Applications that have requested access to your camera will appear here."

   Apple's own apps are not listed: on our Mac, Photo Booth had used the camera and the list was still empty. Apps from other makers that ask for the camera appear here.

   Done

4. Restart the Mac

   Apple says to restart a Mac with Apple silicon; on an Intel Mac, reset the SMC, the controller that manages power.

   Done

5. Try a different app

   Open Photo Booth or FaceTime. If the camera works there, the fault is in the settings of the first app, which may have its own camera menu with the wrong camera selected.

   Done

6. Watch the light next to the camera

   A steady green light means the camera is on. If the light flashes green, Apple says your Mac might need service. Contact Apple Support.

   Done

If you do not see this option

• No apps in the Camera list The page lists only apps that have asked for the camera, as it says: "Applications that have requested access to your camera will appear here." Open the app and start its camera once, then check again. Apple's own apps, such as Photo Booth and FaceTime, did not appear in the list on our Mac.
• No App Restrictions in Screen Time In macOS 27, Camera sits under Content & Privacy Restrictions, with an Allowed menu next to it.

If this does not work

• An update is offered Install it first. Apple lists updating macOS as the first fix. Source: If the built-in camera isn't working on your Mac
• The camera light flashes green Apple says your Mac might need service. Contact Apple Support. Source: If the built-in camera isn't working on your Mac
• The fault continues on an Intel Mac Apple says to reset the SMC on an Intel Mac. Source: If the built-in camera isn't working on your Mac

About this guide

When the built-in camera shows a black picture in FaceTime, Zoom or Teams, an app is usually not allowed to use it, or another app is still holding it.

Screenshots: MacBook Neo, macOS 27.0.1, dark mode.

Good to know

Only one app at a time shows the camera picture reliably. Quit other video apps before a call.

Do not close a MacBook with a camera cover fitted. Apple warns that this can damage the display, because the gap between screen and keyboard is very small.

An iPhone makes a better webcam than the built-in camera: how to use an iPhone as a webcam for a Mac.

In short: System Settings > General > Software Update; Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Camera; Privacy & Security > Camera; restart; test another app; watch the light.