Granting macOS permissions for Zoom

With macOS Mojave 10.14 or higher, you'll be prompted to allow Zoom to access your computer's microphone, camera, and other systems. This article guides you on granting these permissions to ensure Zoom functions smoothly while maintaining your device's security.

When you receive an initial request for permission, and if your security permissions allow, you can click OK to grant the permission. If you select Don’t Allow, and access is disabled, you’ll need to allow access manually.

Prerequisites for granting permissions on macOS

• macOS 10.14 or higher
• Operating System (OS) administrator access

How to grant or edit permissions

Note: You can also check Apple Support for steps on how to change your Mac’s privacy and security settings.

1. In the top-left corner, click the Apple logo .
2. Select System Settings.
3. Choose Privacy & Security.
4. Under Privacy, click the permission you need to change.
5. Toggle the switch to change zoom or Zoom Rooms permissions. If you’re currently using Zoom, you’ll be prompted to restart the app for the new settings to take effect.
   
   Note: If you need to allow other permissions, repeat steps 4–5 for any additional permissions you need to enable.

Permissions for the Zoom desktop app

The Zoom desktop app might request access to the following permissions, depending on the features you are accessing:

• Camera: Allow Zoom camera access on your Mac to share video in meetings or webinars.
• Microphone: Enable Zoom microphone access on your Mac to use your computer’s audio in meetings or webinars.
• Screen and System Audio Recording: Turn on Zoom screen and system audio recording access on your Mac to share your screen in meetings or webinars.
• Files and Folders: Toggle Zoom’s files and folders access on your Mac to share files in chat and record locally during meetings or webinars.
• Accessibility: Enable Zoom accessibility access on your Mac to allow remote control during meetings.
  
  Note: To allow remote control access to your computer, you must turn on accessibility access on your Mac.

Permissions for the Zoom web client

When joining from a web browser using the Zoom web client, make sure your browser is authorized to access the following permissions, depending on the features you're accessing:

• Camera: Allow browser camera access on your Mac to share video in meetings or webinars.
• Microphone: Enable browser microphone access on your Mac to use your computer’s audio in meetings or webinars.
• Screen and System Audio Recording: For macOS Catalina 10.15 or higher, turn on the browser screen and system audio recording access on your Mac to share your screen in meetings or webinars.

Permissions for Zoom Rooms

Zoom Rooms might prompt you to authorize access for the following permissions, depending on the features you are accessing:

Note: For Zoom Rooms on macOS, keep the keyboard and mouse connected to the computer until you grant Zoom access to the camera and microphone. Note that administrator access is required.

• Camera: Allow Zoom Room camera access on your Mac to share video in meetings or webinars.
• Microphone: Enable Zoom Room microphone access on your Mac to use your computer’s audio in meetings or webinars.