How to fix it when Mac camera light is always on

I'm not using any apps, so why is my camera light on? Sounds familiar? Then, you've landed in the right place. 

A little green light indicates that your Mac's built-in camera is active when using certain apps like FaceTime or Photo Booth. It can be worrying if that light stays on continuously or appears when you're not using any apps. Don't panic; we've put together the tips you need to solve this mystery. Let's go.

Why is my Mac camera light on?

Usually, once you've finished using an app or feature that has access to your camera, the green light indicator and the camera should turn off. 

If you've discovered that your Mac camera light is on continuously or stays on after you've closed an app, it's time to jump into action. But first, here are some reasons why your Mac camera light is on: 

• Malware that has hacked your camera
• An app that's using it in the background
• Software glitches

We'll show you how to address all of these.

How to turn off green camera light on MacBook

1. Check your Mac for malware

It's the m-word no Mac user wants to hear. Contrary to a popular belief that MacBooks are immune to threats, malware is still a considerable risk to Mac users. 

Malware is constantly evolving, and some of the latest threats can turn on Mac cameras and record both video and sound, a pretty scary thought.

If you simply rely on your Mac's built-in XProtect software to keep your Mac safe, you might be alarmed to discover that it's just not powerful enough to keep you shielded against the ever-increasing threats out there. Plus, Apple isn't a dedicated antivirus or security company, so using a third-party expert is highly recommended. 

We use CleanMyMac X to protect our Macs — its Malware Removal module provides real-time protection and can perform powerful, in-depth system scans and removal.

Here's how you can quickly check for and deal with malware:

1. Try the free version of CleanMyMac X here.

2. From the sidebar, choose Malware Removal and click Scan.

3. If malware is found, click Remove to get rid of it.

It's peace of mind and protection in just a few clicks.

If malware wasn't your issue, then it's likely that an app is using your camera in the background. Jump to the next section for ways to check.

Tip: For more tips on how to tell if your laptop camera is hacked, check out this article. It lists not only signs of Mac camera hacked but also fixes that go beyond malware removal. 

2. Control which apps have camera access

Apple is constantly improving security. For example, apps require your permission and approval to use your camera and microphone. When you first install an app, you will need to give permission the first time you open it. 

Here's how to check which apps have camera access on your Mac:

1. Select the main Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security.

2. Under Privacy, locate Camera in the list.

3. Turn off any application that you don't want to have access to the camera from the list by switching the toggle next to it.

Another simple way to manage permissions and access rights is with the app we mentioned earlier in the article — CleanMyMac X. 

It also comes with an intelligent feature called Application Permissions, which enables you to control all of your permissions, including the camera, in a few simple clicks. Here's how to use it: 

1. Open the application, select Privacy from the sidebar, and click Scan.

2. Select Application Permissions, locate Camera in the list, check what apps have access, and select and click Remove to revoke access. 

We really like this method because, unlike the System Settings way, you get an accurate overview of all your file, system, and folder permissions in one place.

3. Turn off your Mac's camera

It's not unusual for people to ask how to turn on a Mac camera, but there isn't actually an on or off button. Instead, you would need to manage app permissions using the methods above to disable access to the camera.

Here is another alternative for you to check out — go to browser settings and double-check if any websites can access your camera. Follow these steps for your browser:

• Safari: Settings > Websites > Camera
• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Camera
• Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera under Permissions > Settings

Many people think, "Easy, I'll just cover the camera with a sticker," but this can actually cause damage to the screen and display when the lid is closed, so although it's tempting, it's not worth the risk.

Tip: As you've started managing app permissions, you may wonder if there is anything else to remove from your Mac. Yes, there is, and these are unnecessary files. Check out this article to learn about all the ways to delete files on Mac.

4. Restart the camera on a Mac

If you're still having camera issues, as another option, you could restart your Mac camera-related processes with Terminal; here's how:

1. Open Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

2. Insert this command followed by Return: sudo killall VDCAssistant; sudo killall AppleCameraAssistant

3. Input your admin password, then press Return to run the command.

5. Update your macOS

Sometimes, your Mac camera light may be on because of a software glitch. Most likely, it would be a bug in your macOS that may have been addressed in a new version. So, it's a good idea to check if your Mac is up to date. Here's a quick reminder of how to do it: 

1. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update. 
2. If an update is available, click Update Now to install it. Also, enable automatic updates. 

After this, all issues with your Mac camera will likely be solved. 

So, we've come to the end of the article, but now you know what to do if your Mac camera light is on. Don't forget to avoid issues with malware; be sure to only download from trusted sources.