How to Enable and Disable the Webcam on Mac

Most laptops have a Web camera built-in, and for many users, it's the preferred method of video chatting. Here are step-by-step instructions that explain how to enable and disable the webcam on Mac. The process is straightforward and can be done in just a few minutes.

How to enable the webcam on a Mac

If you use a Mac, you’ll need to enable your webcam before you can start video chatting. To do this, open the Apple menu and click “System Preferences.” Click the “Security & Privacy” icon, then click the “Privacy” tab. At the bottom of the window, you'll see “Enable webcam.” Check the box next to “Use current Web camera for webcam or screen recording.”

Or, for even more advanced settings, you may want to try using Alt+Print Screen, which will print your screen to your clipboard. This is more reliable than webcams.

Once you have webcams enabled, you should make sure that your webcam captures everything — even if there's no one in the room. Otherwise, it will be impossible to engage in a video call in full detail.

How to disable the webcam on a Mac

If you’re concerned about privacy, you might want to disable the webcam on your Mac. To do so, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Disable Webcam. If you’re concerned about security, you can also enable Mac’s built-in webcam cover. This will use your webcam as a disguise for the underlying camera, which will help you hide your identity.