macOS
Fix Black Screen from Camera on macOS
Free the webcam from other apps, reset permissions, and confirm with the DevicePrep Webcam Test.
Updated 2025-12-09
Check live video in the browser to confirm the camera is available on macOS.
A green light with a black preview usually means another app or a blocked permission is holding the camera. Use the DevicePrep Webcam Test to see when Safari or Chrome can read the lens, then free the camera and reset services.
Quick wins (2 minutes)
- System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Camera -> allow the app you use.
- Close Zoom, FaceTime, Teams, and browsers to release the camera.
- Open the DevicePrep Webcam Test and click Allow when prompted.
- Flip any hardware shutter or keyboard camera key to open the lens.
- Run `sudo killall AppleCameraAssistant` and `sudo killall VDCAssistant` if the LED is stuck on.
- Restart the Mac if the preview stays black after these steps.
Step-by-step fix
- Open the DevicePrep Webcam Test and click Allow when macOS asks for camera access.
- System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Camera -> enable the app you are using (Zoom, Teams, Chrome, Safari).
- Quit all video apps (FaceTime, Zoom, Teams, browsers) to release the camera, then open only the one you need.
- Safari: Settings -> Websites -> Camera -> set the site to Allow. Chrome/Edge: click the address bar camera icon and allow the site.
- If the green LED stays on but the preview is black, restart the camera services: run `sudo killall AppleCameraAssistant` and `sudo killall VDCAssistant` in Terminal.
- Check for a physical privacy shutter or keyboard shortcut that disables the camera and open it.
- Restart the Mac if every app still shows a black screen after these steps.
Deep fixes
Check browser access first
Launch the Webcam Test in Safari or Chrome and allow camera access. If you see video, the hardware is fine and another app is blocking later. If the prompt never appears, the site was blocked earlier. Reset permissions in the address bar or in Safari Website settings, then reload. A black box with the LED on often means another app still holds the camera. Keep the test open while you close apps so you can see when the preview returns.
Allow the right apps in macOS settings
System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Camera shows every app that asked for access. Enable the one you plan to use today. If an app is missing, reinstall it and open once to trigger the prompt, then return to this panel to allow it. Browsers need permission here too; make sure Safari, Chrome, or Edge are toggled on. After changing permissions, quit and reopen the app so the new grant takes effect.
Close apps that hog the camera
FaceTime, Zoom, Teams, OBS, and browser tabs can keep the camera busy after you close their windows. Quit them from the menu bar or force quit if needed, then watch the Webcam Test preview. Security or antivirus tools with webcam shields may also hold the device. Pause those shields briefly while you test. If the LED turns off after closing apps, reopen only the one you need and retest.
Reset macOS camera services
Open Terminal and run `sudo killall AppleCameraAssistant` and `sudo killall VDCAssistant`. Enter your password when prompted. These commands restart the camera daemons that many apps share. The LED may blink off and back on as they restart. If you prefer not to use Terminal, reboot the Mac; it restarts the same services but takes longer. After the restart, open the Webcam Test first before launching other video apps so you can confirm access.
Check hardware blocks
Many laptops include a physical shutter or a function key that disables the camera. Open the shutter and toggle the key once. If you use an external webcam, try another USB port and cable, and avoid unpowered hubs. Run Software Update for macOS and for any camera firmware if your vendor provides it. Test the camera on another Mac or PC. If it fails there too, the hardware likely needs replacement.
Quick checklist
- App allowed in Privacy & Security -> Camera
- Browser site permission set to Allow
- Other video apps closed
- DevicePrep test shows live video
- Camera services restarted if needed
FAQs
Is the Terminal command safe?
Those commands only restart macOS camera services. They do not delete files and the camera comes back within a few seconds.
Why does the green light stay on when no app is open?
Another process is holding the camera. Fully quit all video apps and browsers, then rerun the test.
Should I install a third-party camera driver?
Most Mac webcams use system drivers. Install vendor software only if the manufacturer requires it for special controls.
Why is Safari different from Chrome?
Safari uses Website permissions under Settings -> Websites, while Chrome uses the padlock prompt. Allow the site in the browser you plan to use and test there.
Wrap up
Once the DevicePrep Webcam Test shows a steady preview, open your meeting app and confirm video appears there too. Run the Pre-Call Test to check mic and speakers so the full setup is ready before your next call.