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To stop a particular website from using your webcam, change that site’s camera permission in the browser. To stop a native app, use your operating system’s camera privacy settings. For a broader block, Windows also has a device-level camera-access switch; macOS lets you disable access app by app.
Choose the permission that matches what you want to block
- One website: Change its camera permission in Chrome, Edge, or Safari. The website permission controls that site, while your operating system separately controls whether the browser app can use the camera.
- One native Mac app: Turn off that app in macOS’s Camera privacy list.
- Windows apps: Turn off camera access for the device, for listed Microsoft Store apps individually, or for desktop apps as a group.
Turn off camera access in Windows
In Windows 11, open Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Camera. Microsoft’s camera permissions guide covers Windows 10 and 11.
Block app access across the device
Switch Camera access off to block app camera access at the device level. This is broader than disabling one app, and it does not prevent every camera use: Windows Hello may still use the camera to sign you in.
Block a listed Microsoft Store app
Leave the main camera controls on, then switch off the relevant app in the list. Only apps that appear there can be controlled individually through that list.
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Block desktop apps as a group
Use Let desktop apps access your camera to control traditional desktop apps together. It is a shared setting, not an individual switch. Browsers such as Edge and conferencing apps such as Teams count as desktop apps for this purpose. Microsoft also cautions that desktop apps may not appear in the list or may access the camera through methods not fully represented by the controls. Its camera and privacy guide explains camera indicators and related exceptions.
For Windows 10, the path is Settings > Privacy > Camera. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025; the system can still run, but it no longer receives Microsoft’s free updates, technical support, or security fixes.
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Turn off camera access in macOS
Open Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera, then switch off the app you want to block. The list contains apps that have requested camera access. Apple says built-in apps such as FaceTime and Photo Booth have access automatically. This Camera privacy panel is available from macOS Mojave onward, according to Apple’s Mac camera access guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Block camera access for a website
Website permissions are separate from an operating system’s permission for the browser app. Blocking a site can disable video calls or other camera-dependent features on that site.
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- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
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Microsoft Edge
- Open Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Site Permissions > All sites.
- Select the website.
- Set Camera to Block.
Microsoft notes that a blocked site may not work properly, including for video conferencing. On Windows, Edge’s own ability to access the camera is controlled separately by the desktop-app setting described above.
Google Chrome on desktop
To set the default or review site exceptions, open Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Camera. You can inspect allowed or blocked sites and remove an exception. To change only the open site, select the site-information icon beside the address, open Site settings, and change its camera permission. Google’s Chrome camera and microphone guide documents these controls.
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Google says a previously allowed site can start recording while you are on that site, but not while you are in another Chrome tab or another app. A work or school administrator may manage Chrome settings. Google also documents permission changes in its site settings guide.
Safari
Open Safari > Settings > Websites > Camera and review the setting for the individual site or the default. Safari’s website permission is distinct from macOS’s Camera list, which controls app access. Apple documents this location in its Mac camera access guide.
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- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
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What to expect after blocking access
- A blocked website may lose video calls and other camera features.
- A Windows device-level block applies broadly to app access, but Windows Hello can still use the camera for sign-in.
- On Windows, individual controls are available for listed Microsoft Store apps; traditional desktop apps share a separate control.
- On macOS, built-in apps including FaceTime and Photo Booth have automatic camera access.
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