macOS
Fix Black Screen from Camera on macOS
Fix a Mac camera black screen by releasing the camera from other apps, resetting permissions, and validating with a live Webcam Test.
Check live video in the browser to confirm the camera is available on macOS.
A green camera light with a black preview usually means the camera is “busy” (another app is holding it) or the browser/app is blocked by permissions. The goal is simple: confirm the camera is detected, free it, then re-test until you get a steady preview.
What this guide covers
- Your Mac camera light is on but the preview is black
- The camera works in some apps but not in Zoom, Chrome, or Safari on macOS
- macOS says the camera is in use even after you close apps
Quick wins (2 minutes)
- Run Device Check to confirm the camera is detected by the browser, then open Webcam Test for a live preview.
- System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Camera -> allow your browser and the meeting app you use.
- Fully quit Zoom/FaceTime/Teams/OBS and close video tabs to release the camera, then retry.
- Flip any physical shutter (or keyboard camera key) to unblock the lens.
- If the LED stays on with a black preview, restart camera services:
sudo killall AppleCameraAssistantandsudo killall VDCAssistant. - Restart the Mac if services keep getting stuck.
Step-by-step fix
- Run Device Check: if no cameras appear, test another USB port/cable (external webcam) or restart the Mac (built-in camera).
- Open the DevicePrep Webcam Test and click Allow when prompted; keep this tab open while you change settings.
- System Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Camera -> enable the browser/app you’re using (Safari/Chrome/Zoom/Teams), then fully quit and reopen it.
- Release the camera: quit FaceTime/Zoom/Teams/OBS and close browser tabs that might be using video; re-run Webcam Test.
- Fix site-level blocks: Safari Settings -> Websites -> Camera -> Allow; Chrome/Edge: address bar camera icon/lock -> Allow, then reload.
- If the LED stays on but the preview is black, restart camera services in Terminal:
sudo killall AppleCameraAssistantandsudo killall VDCAssistant. - Check hardware blocks (shutter / function key), then restart the Mac if every app still shows a black preview.
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.
Sources
Documentation referenced while maintaining this guide.
Wrap up
When Webcam Test shows a steady preview, open your meeting app and confirm video appears there too. If the app still fails, it’s almost always app-level device selection or a privacy block. Run the Pre-Call Checklist to confirm mic and speakers before your next call.