Find out which app is using your Mac's microphone or camera

Why it happens

Your Mac shows an orange dot whenever any app is using the microphone, and a green dot for the camera, so nothing listens or watches without you seeing it. Usually it's something you forgot about, like a call that's still open or a website in a browser tab. The dot goes away as soon as the app stops.

How to fix it

1. Look near the Control Center icon at the right end of the menu bar for an orange or green dot.

2. Click Control Center. At the top you'll see Microphone or Camera, with the name of the app that's using it.

   Menu bar›Control Center

3. If it's an app you're using on purpose, such as a video call, all is well. If not, switch to that app and quit it with Command-Q.

4. To stop that app using the microphone again, open System Settings, click Privacy & Security, then Microphone, and turn off the switch next to it.

   Privacy & Security›Microphone

5. For the camera, do the same under Privacy & Security > Camera.

   Privacy & Security›Camera

Still not fixed?

1. See a purple icon instead? That means an app is recording your screen or your Mac's sound. Check which app in Control Center, and review access in Privacy & Security > Screen & System Audio Recording.

   Privacy & Security›Screen & System Audio Recording

2. If the dot stays after you've quit everything, restart your Mac. That closes any helper that kept the microphone or camera open.

3. If an app you don't recognise keeps turning up, find it in the Applications folder. If you didn't install it, move it to the Trash.

4. If the green dot or the camera light comes on with no app named in Control Center, or won't go off after a restart, contact Apple Support.