Top 7 Fix Center Stage not working on Mac in macOS Ventura

Last updated on October 22, 2022

Many of you are probably wondering what the main feature is. Well, the Center Stage uses machine learning technology to Customize the front-facing ultra-wide camera while using video-enabled apps like Face Time on a compatible device. While using video apps, Center Stage always keeps you and everyone with you in the center frame, even though you’re all moving.

However, the Center Stage feature was originally intended for iPad and iPhone users, but now you can use it with compatible Macs. Of course, you’ll need a pass-through camera supported iPhone or a studio display supported Mac to use the Center Stage feature. Still, you encounter a problem like Center Stage not working on Mac. Don’t worry; We have a list of quick and easy fixes for you. The following fix will help you solve your problem.

FIX #1: Device Compatibility

To use Center Stage on Mac, you must use iPhone as a continuous web camera on Mac. If you encounter the issue of Center Stage not working on your Mac, it is due to device incompatibility. This means you are trying to use Center Stage on unsupported Mac devices or iPhones. Therefore, you need to verify that you are using a compatible Mac and iPhone. However, if you don’t know a compatible Mac and a compatible iPhone, don’t stress; we mentioned it below.

How to use Center Stage on a Mac with Studio Display (fix #10)

Compatible Mac device:

It includes all Macs that macOS Ventura supports. Here is the list.

• iMac (2017 and newer)
• MacBook Pro (2017 and later)
• MacBook Air (2018 and later)
• MacBook (2017 and later)
• Mac Pro (2019 and later)
• iMac Pro
• Mac mini (2018 and later)

Compatible iPhone:

Center Stage feature on Mac is available with iPhone as a walkthrough camera. It is supported by iPhone 11 and later (has a wide-angle camera).

FIX #2: Enable continuity webcam on iPhone

To use Center Stage on a Mac, you must first enable the continuity webcam on your compatible iPhone.

Here are the steps to enable a continuity webcam on your iPhone.

1. Open settings apartment on your compatible iPhone.
2. Now tap General.
3. Beat the AirPlay & Handoff option.
4. Finally turn on the switch next to it the continuity camera cam.

Try it too Disable and enable the “Continuity Camera Webcam” with the above steps.

FIX #3: Enable Center Stage on Mac for FaceTime

Now you need to enable Center Stage for video calling apps like FaceTime, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meets on your Mac.

1. Open to FaceTime Facetime app on a Mac.

2. Click Video of the facetime top menu. Choose iPhone camera or iPhone namein addition to FaceTime HD camera.

or Connect your iPhone to your Mac with USB-C to Lightning cable.

3. Next go to control center from the top menu. Click on video effect.

6. Finally, Choose the Focus.

For Zoom or other apps

• Go to and click top arrow icon next to it share video Select your iPhone to use iPhone as a Mac webcam for the Zoom app. Once you choose.

• Go to control center on Mac from the top menu > video effects > middle stage.

That’s it! Now your central stage is ready to work. However, if the center stage isn’t working, try disabling it and re-enabling it using the steps above.

FIX #4: Update macOS and iOS

Check if your macOS is updated to the latest macOS Ventura. Also, iOS will be updated to the latest ios16.

FOR MAC

If you want to check what operating system your Mac is running, please follow these steps.

1. Select on your Mac Apple menu.
2. Click on system settings.
3. Next, select software update.
4. The prompt appears; Now check whether your Mac software version is the latest Ventura or not.
5. If not, then update it to the latest version of macOS, Ventura.

For iPhone

Follow these steps to check which iOS your iPhone has. Also, if it is an older version, update it.

1. Open Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General.
3. Next, select software update.
4. Check if iPhone is up to date or not here.
5. If not, update it with the latest iOS 16 versions. On their iPhone.

FIX #5: Check Apple ID for Mac and iPhone

Assuming you want to use Center Stage on a Mac, then make sure you’re compatible iPhone and Mac are registered with the same Apple ID.

Here are the steps to verify Apple ID for both devices.

CHECK APPLE ID ON MAC:

1. Choose Apple logo.
2. Then click on system settings.
3. Choose now Apple ID profile name.
4. Make a note of the logged in “AppleID.”

CHECK APPLE ID ON iPhone:

1. Open settings On your iPhone.
2. Next, tap Apple ID profile name.
3. now fit the Apple ID of the Mac you just wrote down with the Apple ID on the iPhone.

FIX #6: Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity

Make sure you turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on compatible Macs and iPhones. In addition, this is the primary and most neglected solution. We often forget to attempt basic troubleshooting; Instead, we run after and try others.

Follow these steps to turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both devices.

On Mac:

1. Click on that control center icon at the top right of the Mac screen.
2. Now select the Wi-Fi icon and activate the switch next to it.
3. Next select Bluetooth and activate the switch next to it.

On iPhone:

1. To open the Control center, Drag your finger down from the top-right corner of your iPhone screen.
2. Next, please tap on the Wi-Fi icon to turn it on.
3. Similarly, tap Bluetooth to make it possible.

After enabling Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both devices, Center Stage still doesn’t work. Then make sure you have an active Wi-Fi connection; Otherwise, contact your internet service provider.

FIX #7: Force quit conflicting app

If your Center Stage has a problem, make sure there isn’t a conflicting app running on your Mac. However, if a conflicting app is running on your Mac, force quit it.

1→ Go to Apple logo > Force quit… or use Command-Option-Escape.

2→ Select all apps, Command + A > Force quit.

FIX #8: Update video-supported app on your Mac (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams)

If your video-enabled third-party app doesn’t work with Center Stage on Mac, update your video app. Because sometimes the latest macOS doesn’t support outdated video apps.

However, the problem persists even after updating video apps. So try uninstalling and reinstalling the video app. I hope it works for you. Otherwise, try other fixes mentioned in the article.

FIX #9: Try restarting compatible Macs and iPhones

While it takes a few seconds to restart the device, it sometimes works wonders. Therefore, restarting the device with a problem is the primary troubleshooting. So, restart your compatible Mac and iPhone to fix central stage not working on your Mac.

SOLUTION #10: Contact Apple Support

If built-in Apple video apps like Facetime, Photobooth, etc. don’t work, contact Apple support. There are several ways to contact Apple Support.

FIX #11: Contact the app developer

You can contact the app developer if an app is not working properly.

Solution #12: Use Center Stage with your studio display. (Without iPhone)

Assuming you have a studio display, you can use it for the center stage function; Therefore, you do not need an iPhone.

To use Studio Display with a Mac, you need a Mac with a Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 port running macOS 12.3 or later.

Here is a list of Studio display compatible Macs.

1. Mac Studio was launched in 2022
2. 14-inch MacBook Pro, introduced in 2021
3. 16-inch MacBook Pro introduced in 2019 or later
4. 13-inch MacBook Pro introduced in 2016 or later
5. 15-inch MacBook Pro introduced in 2016 or later
6. MacBook Air introduced from 2018
7. Mac mini introduced in 2018 or later
8. Mac Pro was introduced in 2019
9. iMac was introduced in 2017 or later
10. iMac Pro (2017)

If you have one of the Macs listed above and a studio display, you can use the center stage feature.

FIX #13: Third party app (all iPhone)

Assuming you don’t have a Continuity cameras supported iPhone or a Center Stage supported Mac. But no worry; We have a solution to your problem.

Although there are various third-party webcam software available in the market, Camo is one of the best of them all. Additionally, Camo is a webcam with Apple’s Center Stage feature. In addition, Camo forwards its video and audio to your Mac and Windows PC. Plus, connect your computer to Wi-Fi connectivity for a seamless camo experience, or your choice of a USB port. In addition, Camo supports most video recording, conferencing and streaming apps like MS Teams, Zoom, Meet, Skype, Slack, Google Chrome, Safari, Cisco, Facetime, Webex and many more.