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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →To let Facebook Messenger use your camera or microphone, allow each permission in your device settings. If you use Messenger in a browser, also allow the Messenger website in the browser’s site settings; operating-system permission alone is not enough.
The steps vary by device, and camera and microphone permissions are separate. Enable both for video calls; microphone access alone supports audio but does not enable video.
Before changing permissions
Try the feature that is failing first. For example, start a call, tap the camera icon, or hold the button to record a voice message. The operating system may then display a permission request.
Choose Allow when prompted. If you previously selected Block or Don’t allow, use the instructions for your device below.
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| Where you use Messenger | Camera setting | Microphone setting |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone or iPad | Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera | Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone |
| Android | Settings > Apps > Messenger > Permissions | Settings > Apps > Messenger > Permissions |
| Windows 11 | Settings > Privacy & security > Camera | Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone |
| macOS | System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera | System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone |
| Messenger in a browser | Browser site permissions | Browser site permissions |
Allow Messenger to use the camera and microphone on iPhone or iPad
Turn on camera access
- Open Settings.
- Tap Privacy & Security.
- Tap Camera.
- Turn on the switch next to Messenger.
Turn on microphone access
- Open Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security > Microphone.
- Turn on the switch next to Messenger.
Camera and microphone permissions are independent. Turn on both if you want to make video calls. Microphone permission alone is enough for voice messages and audio calls, but it cannot provide video.
Messenger is not listed in Settings
Apple lists apps under Camera or Microphone after they have requested the relevant permission. If Messenger is missing:
- Open Messenger.
- Attempt to take a photo, record a voice message, or start a video call.
- Allow the permission request that appears.
- Return to Settings > Privacy & Security and check the Camera or Microphone list again.
iPhone shows a green indicator when an app is using the camera. An orange indicator means an app is using the microphone without the camera.
Allow Messenger permissions on Android
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Tap Messenger. If it is not shown, tap See all apps first.
- Tap Permissions.
- Tap Camera, choose Allow or an available allowed option such as Allow only while using the app, and return to the permissions list.
- Tap Microphone and choose Allow or an available allowed option.
Depending on the phone and Android version, choices can include Allow only while using the app, Ask every time, and Don’t allow. Menu names and available choices vary by device. All the time is a location permission, not a normal camera or microphone choice.
Check Android’s system-wide camera and microphone switches
Android can disable camera or microphone access for every app. Messenger’s individual permission may say Allow while the system-wide switch remains off.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Security & privacy or Security & Privacy.
- Tap Privacy.
- Tap Privacy controls.
- Turn on Camera access and Microphone access.
On Android 12 and later, you can also swipe down twice to open Quick Settings and check the Camera and Microphone tiles. If either tile is disabled, tap Edit or Add and place the tile in Quick Settings if necessary, then turn it on.
Android 12 and later display a green indicator in the top-right corner when an app is using the camera or microphone. Tap it to identify the app or service and manage permissions.
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Allow Messenger to use the camera and microphone in Windows 11
Enable camera access
- Open Start > Settings.
- Select Privacy & security.
- Under App permissions, select Camera.
- Turn on Camera access.
- Turn on Let apps access your camera.
- If Messenger appears in the Microsoft Store app list, turn on its individual switch too.
Enable microphone access
- Open Start > Settings > Privacy & security.
- Select Microphone.
- Turn on Microphone access.
- Turn on Let apps access your microphone.
- If Messenger appears in the Microsoft Store app list, turn on its individual switch.
If Messenger does not appear in the Windows app list
Windows may be treating your Messenger installation as a desktop app. Desktop apps cannot be individually enabled in the Microsoft Store app list. Instead, enable:
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- Let desktop apps access your camera
- Let desktop apps access your microphone
This also applies when you use Messenger through a browser. Windows classifies browsers such as Microsoft Edge as desktop apps for these privacy controls. Windows displays a camera notification or activates the camera light when the camera is in use. A microphone icon appears in the taskbar notification area when an app is using the microphone.
Allow Messenger to use the camera and microphone on a Mac
Enable camera access
- Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
- Select Privacy & Security.
- Choose Camera.
- Turn on access for Messenger or for the browser you use to open Messenger.
Enable microphone access
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Select Microphone.
- Turn on access for Messenger or your browser.
Quit and reopen Messenger or the browser after changing the permission. macOS may not apply the change to an already-running app until it is restarted.
Choose the correct microphone
If Messenger has permission but other people cannot hear you, check which input device macOS is using:
- Open Apple menu > System Settings.
- Click Sound.
- Under Input, select the intended microphone.
- Raise the input volume if the input meter does not respond when you speak.
Check Screen Time restrictions
Screen Time can block camera use even when Messenger is enabled in Privacy & Security.
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- Go to Screen Time > Content & Privacy.
- Open App Restrictions or Apps, depending on the macOS version.
- Make sure Camera is selected and Messenger is not blocked by an App Limit.
macOS shows a recording indicator in Control Center when the microphone is being used or was used recently.
Allow camera and microphone access for Messenger in a browser
There are two permission layers when you use Messenger on the web:
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- The operating system must allow the browser to use the camera and microphone.
- The browser must allow the Messenger website to use them.
Allowing the browser in Windows or macOS does not automatically authorize the Messenger site.
Google Chrome
When Chrome asks for access, choose an Allow option such as Allow while visiting the site or Allow this time. Do not choose Never allow if you want to make calls.
To change a saved setting:
- Open Chrome’s More menu, shown as ⋮.
- Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings.
- Open Camera and select the Messenger site, or repeat the process under Microphone.
- If Messenger is under Not allowed to use your camera or microphone, change it to Allow.
To make Chrome ask again, remove the saved denial from the same site-permission list by selecting Delete beside the Messenger site.
Chrome can also use a camera or microphone different from the operating system’s default. Select the intended device from the dropdown under the Camera or Microphone site settings.
If Chrome is managed by an employer or school, an administrator may prevent you from changing these permissions.
Microsoft Edge
In Edge, allow the Messenger site to use the camera and microphone. When Edge first requests access, choose Allow. To change a saved setting:
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- Open Settings and more (…) and select Settings.
- Go to Privacy, search, and services > Site Permissions > All sites.
- Select the Messenger site.
- Set Camera and Microphone to Allow.
Also make sure Windows allows desktop apps, including browsers, to access the camera and microphone.
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Mozilla Firefox
When Firefox asks for permission, select Allow. Tick Remember this decision if you do not want Firefox to ask on every visit.
To allow the Messenger website manually:
- Open Firefox’s menu and select Settings.
- Select Privacy & Security.
- Under Permissions, click Settings… beside Camera.
- Select the Messenger site, set its permission to Allow, and click Save Changes.
- Repeat the process beside Microphone.
If Firefox does not show a prompt, click the permissions icon on the left side of the address bar and click the X beside the existing permission status. Visit Messenger again and Firefox should ask for access.
As an alternative, press Ctrl + I on Windows or Linux, or Command + I on macOS. Open Permissions, clear Use Default for Use the camera or Use the microphone, select Allow, and close the dialog.
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- Enable both permissions. Video calls require camera and microphone access; enabling only one is not enough.
- Check the system-wide switch. Android’s Camera access and Microphone access controls can override Messenger’s individual setting.
- Check the browser site setting. The browser may still have Messenger listed as Block or Never allow.
- Choose the correct device. A USB webcam, headset microphone, built-in microphone, or virtual device may be selected instead of the device you expect.
- Close competing apps. Another call, recording, or camera application may be using the device.
- Restart the app. Quit and reopen Messenger or the browser after changing permissions. On macOS, restarting is particularly important after a privacy change.
- Check restrictions. Screen Time, a managed browser, or an employer/school policy can prevent access even when the normal switch appears enabled.
Messenger does not provide one universal in-app switch that overrides these controls. The operating system controls app access, and a browser also applies its own permission for the Messenger website.
Note: These Windows instructions use Windows 11. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, so Windows 10 no longer receives free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Why does Messenger need microphone permission?
Messenger uses microphone access for voice messages, video recording with sound, and voice or video calls.
Why does Messenger need camera permission?
Messenger uses camera access to take photos and videos inside Messenger and to provide video during calls. Camera permission is separate from microphone permission.
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Why is Messenger missing from the iPhone Camera or Microphone settings?
Apple lists apps after they have requested the relevant permission. Open Messenger and attempt to take a photo, record audio, or start a video call, then check Settings > Privacy & Security again.
Why is Messenger allowed to use the microphone but video still does not work?
Microphone permission does not enable the camera. Turn on Camera permission separately in your device settings and, on Android, make sure the system-wide Camera access switch is enabled.
Why does Android show that Messenger has permission, but the microphone still does not work?
Check Settings > Security & privacy > Privacy > Privacy controls and turn on Microphone access. Also check the Microphone tile in Android 12 or later Quick Settings.
Why does Messenger not appear in the Windows app permission list?
Windows may classify Messenger or the browser as a desktop app. Enable Let desktop apps access your camera and Let desktop apps access your microphone instead of looking for an individual app switch.
Why did allowing the browser not fix Messenger calls?
Browser access and website access are separate. Enable camera and microphone access for the browser in Windows or macOS, then allow the Messenger site in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
How do I make Chrome ask for Messenger’s camera permission again?
Open Chrome > More > Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings, open Camera or Microphone, find the Messenger site under the blocked list, and select Delete. Visit Messenger again and respond to the new prompt.
The Bottom Line
Enable Camera and Microphone separately at the operating-system level. If you use Messenger in a browser, also allow the Messenger website itself. When the switches are already enabled, check Android’s global privacy tiles, Windows desktop-app access, macOS Screen Time, browser site permissions, and the selected camera or microphone device.
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