Troubleshooting Camera & Microphone Access on Mac

On Mac, your browser settings and macOS privacy settings must allow temporary camera and microphone access for Vocal Video.

If you get an error message that your camera and/or microphone can’t be accessed, first check your browser permissions, and then if necessary check your macOS settings.

The collector error 'Hmm, we can't access your camera.' with instructions to allow camera and microphone access and reload

Check your browser permissions

Safari

  1. Open Safari
  2. From the Safari menu, choose Settings for This Website, or click the Websites settings icon in the address bar.
  3. Make sure:
    • Camera → Allow or Ask
    • Microphone → Allow or Ask
  4. Refresh the page and try again

Safari's Websites settings with Camera selected and vocalvideo.com set to 'Ask'

Chrome

  1. Click the Site Settings icon to the left of the address bar. Depending on your Chrome version and current permissions, you may see a sliders, camera, microphone, or lock icon
  2. Make sure:
    • Camera → Allow
    • Microphone → Allow
  3. Refresh the page and try again

Chrome's site settings menu opened from the address bar, with arrows pointing to the Camera and Microphone toggles

If camera or microphone access still isn’t working: 

Check macOS settings

  1. Open System Settings

  2. Go to:

    Privacy & Security

  3. Select:
    • Camera
    • Microphone
  4. Make sure your browser is enabled for both

Return to your Vocal Video recording page and refresh the page before trying again.

Additional notes

If you’re using a work or school device, camera or microphone access may also be restricted by your organization’s security settings.

Still need help?

Contact support@vocalvideo.com and include your device type, browser name, and whether the camera preview appears on screen.