How can I use my webcam instead of the built-in cam on my iMac

I am trying to us an app that allows you to switch from the built-in cam to my webcam but there switch button does not always work. In iMac system setting I have to show this app using the built-in cam. Is there someway to disable the built-in cam and use my webcam only/?

iMac (M3, 2023)

Posted on Jul 12, 2025 10:46 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 12, 2025 11:48 AM

Hey there!


While you can’t disable the built-in camera on your Mac, many apps let you choose a different one. This Apple Support article explains how: Choose an external camera on Mac - Apple Support.


If that doesn’t help, let us know which app you’re using so we can help further.


-Jack

7 replies

Jul 12, 2025 5:30 PM in response to Jack-19

Thanks for the reply. I have done that and it works fine for Facetime, PhotoBooth and QuickTime Player. The app I want to use it with is CamFrog. I have added this app to the System Settings >Privacy and Security>Camera as an app that I want it to access. The app has a window that opens with the iMac cam and a area to click on to change cameras. This worked great, when it was working. Now this window does not open, but the iMac cam does, which is fine but I would rather use the webcam as it is more flexible. If I disconnect the camera in the System Settings, then no camera appears.

It is an app problem but thought I might be able to work around it.

Any ideas?

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How can I use my webcam instead of the built-in cam on my iMac

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