Due to increased security and permissions with macOS versions 10.14 Mojave and 10.15 Catalina, you'll be prompted to allow the Zoom desktop app, Zoom Rooms app, and Zoom web client to use the microphone and camera. On macOS version 10.15 Catalina, you must also authorize screen recording to use screen sharing. If you want to allow others to remotely control your desktop, you'll also be prompted to allow the Zoom desktop app that access. 

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.

This article covers:

• How to grant or edit permissions
  • Permissions for the Zoom desktop app
  • Permissions for the Zoom web client
  • Permissions for Zoom Rooms

Prerequisites for granting permissions on macOS

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

Note: If you recently upgraded your Zoom Rooms macOS to Mojave or Catalina, keep the keyboard and mouse connected to the computer until you open Zoom and authorize access to the camera and microphone. You will need OS administrator access for the computer.  

How to grant or edit permissions

1. In the top-left corner, click the Apple logo .
2. Select System Preferences.
3. Choose Security & Privacy.
4. Click the Privacy tab.
5. In the bottom-left corner of the Security & Privacy window, select the lock icon to allow changes.
   A prompt will appear, asking for your OS administrator username and password. Complete the required fields, then click Unlock.
6. In the left-side panel of the Security & Privacy window, click the permission you need to change.
7. Under Allow the apps below to access your camera, click the checkbox for zoom.us or Zoom Rooms.
   A prompt will appear, asking you to restart the Zoom desktop app or Zoom Rooms app
   Note: To use local recording on macOS Catalina 10.15, make sure the Documents Folder checkbox under zoom.us is checked.
8. Once you’re done granting all necessary permissions, click Quit Now.
   Note: If you need to allow other permissions, click Later and repeat steps 7 – 8 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.

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 which features you are 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 and 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: 

• 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.