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Only when websites ask. Chrome requests Camera, Microphone, and Screen Recording at the macOS level so that websites (like Google Meet) can use them — but each site still has to ask you separately inside the browser. Chrome itself isn't watching you. To check on your Mac, open System Settings, go to Privacy & Security, and review the Camera, Microphone, Screen & System Audio Recording, Accessibility, and Full Disk Access lists for Google Chrome.

Security/App Permissions

Web Browser

Does Google Chrome access your camera, mic, or screen?

Only when websites ask. Chrome requests Camera, Microphone, and Screen Recording at the macOS level so that websites (like Google Meet) can use them — but each site still has to ask you separately inside the browser. Chrome itself isn't watching you.

Google Chrome's permission profile

Screen Recording
Optional
Microphone
Optional
Camera
Optional
Accessibility
No
Full Disk Access
No

“Used” = needed for a core feature · “Optional” = only for a specific feature · “No” = not normally requested

Why Google Chrome requests these

macOS grants the permission to Chrome as a whole, then Chrome gates it per-site. A video-call site needs camera/mic; a screen-share site needs Screen Recording.

What to watch for

Inside Chrome, review chrome://settings/content to see which individual sites have camera/mic access — that's where over-permissioned sites hide, not in macOS settings. Revoke Chrome's macOS Screen Recording if you never share your screen on the web.

How to check Google Chrome's permissions on your Mac

  1. 1macOS: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera / Microphone / Screen Recording → look for Google Chrome.
  2. 2In Chrome: open chrome://settings/content to audit per-site camera and microphone permissions.
  3. 3Remove access for any sites you don't recognize.

Check other apps

Does Zoom have access?

Yes. Zoom uses your camera and microphone for video calls and requests Screen Recording so you can s...

Does Loom have access?

Yes — that's its whole job. Loom needs Screen Recording to capture your screen, plus Camera and Micr...

Does Grammarly have access?

Yes — Accessibility. The Grammarly desktop app uses macOS Accessibility access to read and edit the ...

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a website use my camera through Chrome without asking?

No. Even if Chrome has macOS camera permission, each website must request access and you must approve it. Check chrome://settings/content to see and revoke per-site grants.

See everything Google Chrome (and every other app) can access

A free CoreLock Security Score lists every app with screen-recording, mic, camera, accessibility, or full-disk access — and flags the risky ones — in about 60 seconds.

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