Instructions apply to devices with macOS 10.10 and later.

How to unlock the Camera on Mac

In theFinder, open theApplicationsfolder.

Select an app that uses the iSight camera.

The Applications folder

As soon as you open PhotoBooth, FaceTime, or another iSight compatible app, the iSight camera activates.

You’ll know it’s on and working when you see the green indicator light above your monitor.

The green light doesn’t necessarily mean the iSight camera is recording anything, but it is active.

Mac Applications folder with FaceTime and Photo Booth highlighted

you could only activate the iSight camera by opening an app that uses it.

In other words, you could’t just decide to turn the iSight camera on or off on its own.

Good lighting and placement are crucial to a clearer video.

There aren’t any built-in apps to adjust configs.

For configs such as brightness and contrast, use the appWebcam Settingspurchased on the App Store.