Did you recently ditch your Windows PC for a MacBook? Are you in the process of learning the ins and outs of your new computer? Are you trying to figure out how to enable camera on Mac?

Because of the pandemic, the use of the Mac webcam has become more important than ever. Thus, every new Mac user should know how to turn it on. Moreover, you should also master your Mac’s camera settings to maximize your experience.

But let’s start with activating your Mac camera. How do you exactly turn it on? What are the important tips and other essentials you need to learn?

Continue reading below for a comprehensive lowdown.

How to Enable Camera on Mac: As Simple as Can Be

Learning how to enable camera on Mac is fairly simple. But first, it is important to note that most Mac computers already come with built-in cameras. And if you bought a brand new Mac desktop or MacBook, your unit should already have one.

As for the cameras, you likely have a built-in FaceTime, FaceTime HD, or iSight camera. You should find this at the top edge of your computer screen.

If you own a regular MacBook, it comes with a 480p camera. Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro comes with a higher-definition camera at 720p.

But why do we say that opening your Mac camera is simple? This is because when you open an app that records videos, takes pictures, or make video calls, your Mac camera automatically turns on.

Thus, to turn on your camera, simply launch your Messages, Photo Booth, or FaceTime. To ensure that your camera is on, you should find a green light glowing beside your camera.

To turn it off, all you need is to close the particular app you are using. In turn, the action will close the camera and the green light will also turn off.

If it doesn’t turn off, try opening it using a different app. If it does, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app where the camera doesn’t turn off.

Click on the link to learn more about how to turn on camera on Mac computers and how to fix it if it’s not working.

Assigning Apps That Can Use Your Camera

Though some apps enable you to use your Mac camera by default, you can still limit the apps that can use your camera. To do this, go to your built-in camera settings by hitting the Apple menu icon.

Click on “System Preferences” then hit “Security & Privacy.” Select “Privacy” and choose “Camera.”

You will then see a checkbox beside the apps that can use your camera by default. Tick off the checkbox to restrict the apps’ access to your camera.

For third-party apps, you can grant them access to your camera. However, take note that they will have power over any information that they collect from your end.

Hence, you should read the terms and privacy policies of these apps before giving them access. Also, you can check out the macOS Deployment Reference for more information on your Mac’s security settings.

Improving Video Quality on Mac

As we mentioned earlier, the Mac webcam has never been more important. With more people working at home, they use their Mac cameras for their Zoom meetings. Unfortunately, some Mac users complain that their cameras do not yield great video quality during their calls.

Thankfully, there are a few tips that can help improve your video quality on your Mac. For starters, consider moving closer to your router. Sometimes, it is your slow connection or patchy WiFi that is the culprit.

Another option is to use Powerline adapters. These things work by extending your WiFi coverage to areas in your home that have dead spots. Dead spots are areas that your WiFi connection doesn’t reach.

Protecting Your Webcam from Hacking

Another valuable tip you should learn is protecting your camera from hacking. Back in 2013, research revealed that cybercriminals can spy on people using the latter’s MacBook webcams.

Hackers can access your Mac cameras without turning on the LED indicator light. And if you’re a regular Zoom user, you need to ensure your camera’s safety and security.

One of the first things you can do is to invest in security software. If you don’t have the budget yet, try using OverSight. This free tool works by blocking access to your webcam.

It notifies you whenever someone is trying to access your camera and microphone.

Moreover, you should learn how to lock down your webcam. This is crucial especially if you wish to protect your identity from cyber-attacks. Apart from placing restrictions on certain third-party apps, you can manage your camera’s accessibility when visiting certain sites.

The caveat, however, is that your desktop or MacBook must be running on macOS High Sierra or later versions.

To pull this off, open your Safari and click on “Preferences” from the top menu. Alternatively, you can press and hold the Command key plus the Back “<” button.

Now, click on “Websites” and select “Camera.” From there, you will see a list of the websites that are currently open. Moreover, each site features a drop-down menu.

Clicking this menu will open up the option to Allow or Deny access to your camera.

Other Helpful Tips

But what if your camera decides to stop working? First, you need to look into the status of the application. Check if your Mac is not denying access to your camera.

Thereafter, close the other applications that are currently open before giving the webcam another try. If the camera still doesn’t work, try restarting your computer.

If it still doesn’t work, then it’s time to reset your Mac’s System Controller. For MacBook users, shut it down first. Make sure not to unplug your MacBook.

Go to your keyboard and hold down Shift + Control + Options at the same time. While holding the keys, hit the power button to turn your MacBook on. Keep on holding the keys and wait for 30 seconds before releasing them.

Give your webcam another try.

Become a Mac Master

Now that you know how to enable camera on Mac, you will have a smoother time during your calls or while taking pictures. But the webcam is only one of the many tools you need to master in your Mac.

We invite you to read our other blog posts. We discuss many other tips and tricks that will help you become a master in Mac.