How do I allow Music.app to use my webcam?

I know exactly what you're talking about—when redeeming Apple gift cards in the Music.app (or App Store, or iTunes), it’ll prompt to use the webcam to scan the code. Since your Mac mini doesn’t have a built-in camera like your old iMac, you’re depending on macOS recognizing that third-party webcam properly.

See if the following will work for you to let the Music app user your webcam:

Let's start by making sure your webcam works:

1. Plug in the Webcam if not already so.
2. Open FaceTime or Photo Booth to confirm the camera works. If it shows up and functions there, you’re good on the hardware side.

Now, let's make sure that the camera is enabled for the Music app in Privacy & Security:

1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera
2. Verify the Music.app is listed and enabled here. If Music isn’t listed, it might not have requested camera access yet—which is common if the redeem screen hasn't been opened.

Ok, let's now try to trigger the Music app to trigger a camera request:

1. Open Music.app → go to Account → Redeem. This should activate the webcam and ask for permission (a system prompt will appear the first time).
2. Grant access when prompted.

Should performing the steps above still doesn't help:

1. Quit the Music.app.
2. Go to System Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy → Apps and make sure Camera isn’t restricted.
3. Then re-launch Music and try the Redeem again.

If the camera still isn’t being accessed, there's a chance the webcam may not be fully compatible with AVFoundation (Apple’s camera framework). Some generic or low-level UVC webcams don’t handshake properly. If possible, test with a known compatible webcam (e.g., Logitech C920 series tend to work flawlessly), or try using your iPhone as a Continuity Camera—which is fully supported for this type of thing.

Possibly, but I'm not 100% sure. If you decide to get one, I suggest that you check out the vendor's return policy should it not.