Face Time full face camera and zoom

After upgrading to macOS Golden Gate v 27.0.1 I'm having trouble with "zoomed in" FaceTime that cannot be changed.

Previously, in face time clicking on (enabling) center stage then clicking on (disabling) center stage corrected the "zoomed in" video on FaceTime.

After this update, it doesn't. I go from zoomed in to see my nostril hair (via NO center stage) to a nauseating camera follow on YES center stage.

As of this update, there is NO option to not be full screen face in face time

Are there any options?

Posted on Oct 1, 2026 7:01 PM

1 reply

Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 21, 2026 1:22 PM in response to TK-Tigger

Hi there

Please try this

When Center Stage is turned off, macOS unlocks hidden manual framing tools that allow you to zoom out.

Open FaceTime and ensure Center Stage is turned OFF.
Click the Video icon (the green camera icon) in the Mac menu bar at the top of your screen.
Hover your mouse pointer directly over the video preview thumbnail inside that dropdown menu.
A set of controls will appear over the thumbnail. Click the Zoom Out (minus icon) button or use the slider to pull the frame back until you no longer see a tight crop. You can also click and drag the preview to center yourself.