Fix a black or blank screen when you share or record your Mac

Why it happens

Your Mac stops apps from seeing your screen until you allow it. Without that permission, an app gets only the wallpaper or a black picture, so people on the call see nothing useful. The switch only takes effect once the app restarts.

How to fix it

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

2. Scroll down and click Screen & System Audio Recording.

   Privacy & Security›Screen & System Audio Recording

3. Turn on the switch next to the app you're sharing or recording with. If it isn't listed, click the add button (+) under the list and choose the app from Applications. Only do this for apps you trust, because they can see everything on your screen.

4. If your Mac offers Quit & Reopen, click it. Otherwise quit the app with Command-Q and open it again.

5. Start sharing again and pick the whole screen or the window you want. The app's preview should now show your screen.

Still not fixed?

1. Meeting in a web browser? Turn on the switch for the browser itself, not the website, then quit and reopen the browser.

2. Switch already on but still black? Turn it off and on again, then quit and reopen the app.

3. Some things always show black, such as films from streaming services and other protected video. That's copy protection and can't be switched off.

4. Sharing a second monitor? Make sure you choose that screen in the app's share window. Restart your Mac if it still comes through black.

5. If every app still shows black after a restart and the latest macOS update, contact Apple Support.