See which apps can use your Mac's camera and microphone

Why it happens

An app can only use your camera or microphone after you've said yes to its request, and every app you allowed is listed in Privacy & Security. Your Mac also shows when they're in use: the green light next to the built-in camera comes on with the camera, and an indicator appears in the menu bar. So you can always check, and take access away.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings and click Privacy & Security in the sidebar.

2. Click Camera. Every app that asked for the camera is listed with a switch.

   Privacy & Security›Camera

3. Turn off any app you don't use for video calls or photos, or don't recognise. You can turn it back on later if you need it.

4. Go back and click Microphone, then do the same there.

   Privacy & Security›Microphone

5. Next time you wonder if you're being watched or heard, look at the menu bar. When an app is using the camera or microphone, an indicator appears there, and clicking it or opening Control Center shows the app's name.

Still not fixed?

1. Check websites too. In Safari, choose Safari, then Settings…, click Websites and look at Camera and Microphone to see which sites you've allowed.

   Safari›Settings…›Websites›Camera

2. Screen recording can capture what's on screen and its sound. Open Privacy & Security, then Screen & System Audio Recording, and turn off apps you don't need there.

   Privacy & Security›Screen & System Audio Recording

3. If you find an app you never installed, quit it and delete it from Applications, and keep your Mac up to date in General, then Software Update.

   General›Software Update

4. Thinking of covering the camera on a MacBook? Apple advises against it, because a cover can damage the screen when you close the lid. The green light is your signal instead.

5. If the green camera light comes on when nothing should be using it, or you think someone else has access to your Mac, contact Apple Support.