How To Turn Your Mac Into A Security Camera Using The Best Security Camera Apps Of 2025
You don’t need to buy expensive CCTV cameras and gadgets to secure your space. You already have a perfectly working security camera that you might not even know about. And that is your personal Mac. Whether you want to secure your home, office, or garage, SpyCam for Mac has you covered.
In this tutorial, I will show you how you can set up SpyCam to turn your Mac into a powerful motion-detection camera that arms itself when you leave your space unattended.
Turn your Mac into a Security Camera in Just 5 Steps
SpyCam for Mac is an easy-to-set-up Mac app that sits conveniently in your menu bar and captures important moments via motion detection. The app is made to be stealthy and discreet while it’s working. In just five quick steps, you can turn your personal Mac into a powerful motion-detection camera.
1. Prepare your Mac
For the app to work, you need a Mac running macOS Ventura or later. You also need a working camera. If you are on a MacBook, you can use the built-in FaceTime HD camera.
You can also use an external camera, connected to the Mac with a secure cable. SpyCam supports all external camera devices, including 4K-capable models.
2. Install the app
Go to the Mac App Store and download SpyCam. Note: the app does NOT require any sign-up.
3. Go through the Quick Setup
With the app installed on your Mac, you can now proceed with the onboarding. The setup is straightforward and comprises a few essential options you can adjust:
- Video Quality - Choose from Low to the Highest quality available. Note: SpyCam supports 4k and Ultra HD camera devices. For best mix of video resolution and storage space, pick Medium quality.
- Recording Duration - The duration for which SpyCam should record. Every time motion is detected, SpyCam will start recording. Each recording can be a fixed amount of time. If you choose “Auto” option then SpyCam will continue recording indefinitely until there is not more motion detected at that time.
- Cooldown Period - If you don’t want to overload your storage space or you expect there to be a significant amount of movement, pick a cooldown period. This will make SpyCam pause after each recorded video. It will resume motion detection automatically after the cooldown period ends.
- Motion Sensitivity - SpyCam implements a robust motion detection algorithm that can detect even the slightest movements. Set this option to high or low depending on your preference and environment. The default value for motion sensitivity is ideal for most cases.
4. Pick a Menu bar icon
The final step is to pick a menu bar icon that best suits you. There are 30+ icons to choose from. From a camera icon to a turtle, you can personalize SpyCam to your taste.
5. Test and preview the footage on your phone
Once done, you can now start monitoring your space. To do that, go to the “Home” tab and click the “Start Monitoring” button. This arms the SpyCam and starts recording whenever motion is detected.
By default, all videos are saved in your “Photos” app. If you have iCloud enabled, each clip will be synced automatically between your devices. This makes it easy to preview all saved footage from your iPhone or iPad instantly.
Commonly Asked Questions
Does SpyCam use my personal data?
No! SpyCam does not use or share your personal data. The app works entirely offline. All videos are saved on-device and backed up via your individual iCloud account. Unlike other apps in the space, SpyCam does not use third-party servers for storage. You can rest assured that your videos are for your eyes only.
Can I activate SpyCam only when I leave my Mac?
Yes! In a recent update, we introduced Surveillance Mode. This feature automatically activates the app when you lock your screen. SpyCam works quietly in the background even when the Mac’s screen is turned off.
Can I preview footage on my phone?
Yes! You can view all your saved videos on your phone. SpyCam saves your clips inside the “Photos” app and backs them up with iCloud. If you have the same Apple ID on both devices, videos will appear automatically in your iPhone’s “Photos” app, almost instantly.
Are there any alternatives?
Yes, there are a couple of alternatives to SpyCam, which I will mention below. Note that many of the apps in this space are pretty outdated and/or not as feature-rich.
5 Best Apps to Turn Your Mac Into a Security Camera
In this section, I’ll discuss the best apps in the Mac app space that turn your device into a security camera.
1. SpyCam
With a new look and a fresh update, SpyCam is by far the most popular security camera app for Mac.
Monitor anywhere with super reliable motion detection. The five-minute setup makes SpyCam a security camera that not only packs a punch, but is super easy to use.
SpyCam emphasizes privacy and data protection. It is built from the ground up to be secure. You can rest assured that no data will leave your devices.
Notable features include:
- Quick menu bar integration
- Surveillance Mode that activates only when you lock your Mac
- Adjustable motion detection
- Cooldown options
| Rating | Reviews | Recently Updated? | Privacy Focused? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 / 5.0 ( Mac App Store ) | 1200+ Reviews ( Mac App Store ) | ✅ | ✅ |
2. Hidden
Hidden is another app that needs no introduction. It is designed to turn your Mac, iPhone, or even iPad into a security camera. Unlike other apps in the space, it includes a neat feature called “Private Mode”. Once enabled, it disguises the app as a Calculator, a Clock, or simply a black screen. The app also uses iCloud to save each clip for quick sync across all your devices.
Here’s a list of its notable features:
- Private Mode that disguises the app as a Calculator, Clock or a Black Screen.
- Battery Saver option - lowers video quality and dims the screen to preserve battery.
- Works on Mac, iPhone and iPad and all of them can record video and preview it.
Overall, it is the strongest contender to SpyCam and deserves second place on this list.
| Rating | Reviews | Recently Updated? | Privacy Focused? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 / 5.0 ( Mac App Store ) | 100+ Reviews ( Mac App Store ) | ✅ | ✅ |
3. CamEyes
CamEyes is a classic. It has been around since macOS Mojave. It offers a few unique features, including:
- Supports multiple cameras at the same time
- Able to select a specific focus zone to detect motion
- Sync with Dropbox or iCloud
One thing to note: the app hasn’t been updated in a while. New macOS versions might have bugs or missing functionality.
| Rating | Reviews | Recently Updated? | Privacy Focused? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 / 5.0 ( Mac App Store ) | 100+ Reviews ( Mac App Store ) | ❌ | ✅ |
4. ZoomOn
ZoomOn is one of the few home security cameras for Mac that support HomeKit, ONVIF, and other IP Cameras. The Mac app serves as a viewer-only. You cannot record video via the built-in camera on the MacBook, for example. You can, however, attach it to your in-home security cameras and view footage in real-time.
A list of notable features:
- Compatible with HomeKit Camera devices.
- Realtime video feedback - can preview your footage in realtime.
- Noise Detection - can detect audio sounds and start recording automatically.
| Rating | Reviews | Recently Updated? | Privacy Focused? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 / 5.0 ( Mac App Store ) | 1000+ Reviews ( Mac App Store ) | ✅ | ❌ |
5. AirBeam
AirBeam has been out for a while now. It’s a solid app that turns your iPhone or iPad into a security camera. The Mac app is designed to be a viewer-only, meaning you can’t record video from the Mac itself. You need either an iPhone or an iPad for the job.
Some notable features:
- Motion and Audio detection - Can trigger a recording based not only on motion but on sounds too.
- Supports multiple cameras at the same time.
- Realtime video feedback - see and hear video and audio in real time.
| Rating | Reviews | Recently Updated? | Privacy Focused? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2 / 5.0 ( Mac App Store ) | 500+ Reviews ( Mac App Store ) | ❌ | ❌ |
Use Cases for Mac Security Cameras
- Home Security - Secure your home easily. Guard your door, porch, garage and even your mailbox. All while you are away from home.
- Office Monitoring - Protect shared workspaces after hours and watch your desk while unattended.
- Pet Watcher - Use SpyCam to keep an eye on your pet. While gone, SpyCam monitors and detects motion the moment your furry friend does something they are not supposed to.
- Package Proof - If you are expecting a delivery to your door, SpyCam will catch the exact moment your package arrives. You will know the exact time your goods were delivered and make sure they are safe.
Summary
As we can see, it’s now easier than ever to secure your space. You don’t even need expensive cameras or equipment to do it. All you need is your Mac, a good surface to keep it on, and an app that runs quietly in the background and records videos with motion detection.