Your Mac defaults to the built-in camera, but you can change which one any app uses

When you plug in an external camera to your Mac, most apps still use the built-in FaceTime camera by default. You have to tell each app which camera to use instead. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're in a video call, recording, or adjusting system settings — and some apps let you choose while others don't.

The fastest route is usually through the app itself during a call or recording. If that doesn't work, you can change the default camera at the system level, though this affects all apps at once. External cameras show up in your Mac's System Settings under Camera, and most modern apps will recognize them when ready after you plug them in.

Key Takeaways

  • Most video apps let you switch cameras from a menu or settings button during a call, without restarting the app.
  • If your external camera doesn't appear in any app, restart your Mac after plugging it in — most cameras need that to register.
  • Some apps (like Zoom or Google Meet) remember your camera choice between sessions, while others reset to the built-in camera each time.
  • You can set a default camera in System Settings, but this only works if the app respects system defaults — many don't.

Switching cameras during a video call or recording

The easiest method is to change cameras while the app is already running. In Zoom, click the arrow next to the camera icon in the toolbar and select your external camera from the list. In Google Meet, click your profile picture, then Settings, then Camera, and choose the external camera. In FaceTime, click the camera icon in the menu bar during a call and pick the external camera.

If you don't see a camera menu in your app, look for a gear icon (Settings), a three-dot menu, or a preferences option. Some apps hide the camera selector in different places — Slack puts it under Preferences > Audio & Video, while OBS (a recording tool) has it under Settings > Video. Once you switch, the app usually remembers that choice until you change it again or restart the app.

Checking System Settings if your external camera isn't showing up

If your external camera doesn't appear in any app, the first step is to restart your Mac. Many USB cameras need a restart to register with the system. Plug in the camera, shut down your Mac completely (not sleep), wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.

Once your Mac is back on, open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top left and selecting System Settings. Click Privacy & Security on the left sidebar, then Camera. You should see your external camera listed here if your Mac recognizes it. If it's not there after a restart, the camera may not be compatible with your Mac, or the USB cable may be loose. Try a different USB port or a different cable if you have one.

Setting a default camera in System Settings

You can change which camera your Mac uses by default, but this only works for apps that respect system settings — many don't. Open System Settings, go to Privacy & Security, then Camera. You'll see a list of cameras, but Mac doesn't have a "set as default" button here. Instead, the system uses whichever camera was plugged in most recently.

This means if you want your external camera to be the default, plug it in and restart your Mac before opening any video apps. However, most apps (Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, Slack) ignore this and stick with their own saved choice. The system-level setting is mainly useful for apps that don't have their own camera menu, which is rare.

Why some apps don't let you switch cameras

A few older or simpler apps don't give you a way to change cameras at all. This usually happens with apps that were built before external cameras became common, or with very basic recording tools. If an app doesn't have a camera menu, your only option is to unplug the built-in camera (which you can't do on a Mac) or use a different app.

For most work, Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, and Slack all let you switch cameras easily. If you're recording video, OBS and ScreenFlow both have camera selectors. If you're using a less common app and can't find a camera option, check the app's help menu or preferences window — sometimes it's labeled as "Video Input" or "Video Device" instead of "Camera".

Troubleshooting when your external camera stops working

If your external camera worked once but then stopped appearing in apps, unplug it, wait 5 seconds, and plug it back in. Then restart the app you're using. If that doesn't work, restart your Mac. Many USB cameras need a restart to reconnect properly after being unplugged.

If restarting doesn't help, check whether the camera is plugged into a USB hub or a USB-C adapter. Some hubs don't provide enough power for cameras, or they don't pass video data correctly. Try plugging the camera directly into a USB port on your Mac instead. If it works when plugged directly but not through the hub, the hub is the problem — you'll need a powered hub or a different one.

Switching back to your built-in camera

To go back to your Mac's built-in camera, use the same menu where you switched to the external one. In Zoom, click the camera arrow and select "Built-in Camera". In Google Meet, go to Settings > Camera and pick "Built-in Camera". In FaceTime, click the camera icon and select the built-in option. The name usually includes "FaceTime" or "Built-in".

If you unplug the external camera without switching back first, most apps will automatically fall back to the built-in camera the next time you start a call. However, some apps might try to use the external camera and fail, so it's cleaner to switch manually before unplugging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use two cameras at the same time in one app?

No. Most video apps only let you use one camera per call or recording. Some advanced tools like OBS let you add multiple cameras to a single scene, but standard apps like Zoom and Google Meet don't support this. If you need multiple angles, you would need to use a tool designed for multi-camera setups.

Why does my external camera work in one app but not another?

Different apps access cameras differently. Some apps check the system camera list, while others scan for cameras on their own. If your camera works in Zoom but not Google Meet, try restarting Google Meet or checking its camera settings. If it doesn't work in any app, the problem is likely with your Mac's recognition of the camera, not the app.

Do I have to give apps permission to use my camera?

Yes. The first time an app tries to use your camera, macOS asks for permission. Click "Allow" to let it access the camera. You can change this later in System Settings under Privacy & Security > Camera — you'll see a list of apps and can toggle camera access on or off for each one. If an app is blocked, it won't see any cameras at all.

What if my external camera is plugged in but my Mac doesn't see it?

Restart your Mac first — most cameras need a restart to register. If it still doesn't appear in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera, try a different USB port or cable. Some USB hubs don't work with cameras. If the camera works on another computer, it's likely a Mac compatibility issue or a problem with your specific USB setup.

Will my app remember which camera I chose?

Most apps do remember your choice between sessions, but some reset to the built-in camera each time you restart the app. Zoom and Google Meet usually remember. FaceTime and Slack usually remember. If your app keeps switching back to the built-in camera, you'll have to change it manually each time you open the app.