How to Fix Camera & Microphone Device Permissions on Mac

How to Fix Camera & Microphone Device Permissions on Mac

A step-by-step guide for candidates using Wamly on macOS

Before your Wamly interview can begin, the platform needs access to your camera and microphone. On a Mac, permissions are controlled in two separate places: your browser and your Mac system settings. If either is blocked, the hardware check will fail. This guide walks you through fixing both.

Part 1: Check Your Browser Permissions

When you visit your interview link, Chrome will show a popup asking for camera and microphone access. If you dismissed or denied that prompt, follow these steps to reset it.

Steps to reset browser permissions in Chrome
  1. Open your Wamly interview link in Google Chrome.
  2. Click the lock icon (🔒) to the left of the URL in the address bar. The panel shown below will appear.


  1. Locate Camera and Microphone in the list. Make sure both toggles are switched on (shown in red/active).
  2. If either was blocked, toggle it on now.
  3. Close the dropdown. Chrome will prompt you to reload — click Reload.
  4. When the browser asks for permission again, click Allow.
Notes
If you don't see the lock icon, check that the URL starts with https:// — Wamly requires a secure connection.

Part 2: Check Your Mac System (Device) Permissions

Even when your browser has permission, macOS has its own privacy layer that can block access. You need to grant Google Chrome (or your browser) access to your camera and microphone at the system level.

Enable camera access on Mac
  1. Click the Apple menu (apple symbol) in the top-left corner of your screen.
  2. Select System Settings (macOS Ventura or later) or System Preferences (older macOS).
  3. In the left sidebar, scroll down and click Privacy & Security.
  4. Click Camera in the right-hand panel.
  5. Find Google Chrome in the list.
  6. Toggle the switch on so it turns blue, as shown below.


  1. You may be asked for your Mac password or Touch ID to confirm.
  2. Quit and reopen Chrome for the change to take effect.
Enable microphone access on Mac
  1. Return to System Settings → Privacy & Security.
  2. Click Microphone in the right-hand panel.
  3. Find Google Chrome and toggle the switch on (blue), as shown below.



  1. Confirm with your Mac password or Touch ID if prompted.
  2. Quit and reopen Chrome.
Notes
Both camera AND microphone must be enabled — in both your browser and Mac settings — for Wamly to work correctly.

Part 3: Save Settings and Re-enter the Interview

After enabling permissions in both places, follow these steps to ensure everything resets properly:
  1. Confirm both device and browser permissions are switched on.
  2. Fully quit your browser (press Cmd + Q — don't just close the window).
  3. Reopen your browser and paste the interview URL back into the address bar.
  4. Go through the hardware check again — your camera and microphone should now be detected.
Notes
Simply closing the browser tab is not enough. Quit the browser completely and relaunch it so the new permissions take effect.

Part 4: Still Having Trouble?

If your camera or microphone is still not detected after following the steps above, try the following:

  1. Make sure no other app (Zoom, Teams, FaceTime) is actively using your camera or microphone at the same time.
  2. Try a different browser — if Chrome isn't working, try Safari, or vice versa.
  3. Restart your Mac and try again.
  4. Check for macOS updates: System Settings → General → Software Update.
  5. If using an external webcam or microphone, ensure it is properly connected and selected as the input device on Wamly's hardware check screen.

Notes
Need more help? Email support@wamly.io