2. How to Use the Plugable USB2-MICR...

How to Use the Plugable USB2-MICRO-250X on macOS With Photo Booth

Last Update: December 31st, 2025
Article ID: 3642929

The Plugable USB2-MICRO-250X digital microscope is compatible with macOS using the built-in Photo Booth application. No additional drivers are required.

This article walks through connecting the microscope, confirming macOS detects it, and viewing the live image using Photo Booth.

Requirements

  • Plugable USB2-MICRO-250X microscope
  • macOS system with a USB-A port or USB-C adapter
  • Photo Booth app, included with macOS  

Step 1: Connect the Microscope

  1. Plug the USB2-MICRO-250X directly into your Mac, or into a USB adapter if required.
  2. Allow a few seconds for macOS to recognize the device

The microscope's LED lights should turn on when the Photo Booth application is launched and the microscope is selected. 

Step 2: Verify macOS Detects the Microscope

You can confirm the microscope is detected by macOS using System Information.

  1. Click the Apple menu, hold down the Option key, and then select System Information.
  2. Select USB from the left-hand column
  3. Look for a device listed as Digital Microscope

If the microscope appears in the USB device list, macOS is correctly detecting it.

Step 3: Open Photo Booth

  1. Open Photo Booth from the Applications folder or by pressing Command + Space (Photo Booth)
  2. If Photo Booth asks for camera access, click Allow

Photo Booth will open using the default camera, which may be your built-in webcam.

Step 4: Select the Microscope as the Camera Source

  1. In Photo Booth, click Camera in the menu bar
  2. Select Digital Microscope from the list

The live view should switch to the microscope image.

To switch between image capture and video recording, simply click the camera icon in the bottom-left corner.

Step 5: Adjust Focus and Lighting

  • Rotate the focus dial on the microscope to sharpen the image
  • Use the inline control wheel to adjust LED brightness
  • Position the microscope closer or farther from the subject as needed

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If the microscope does not appear in Photo Booth, quit and reopen the app
  • Try connecting the microscope directly to the Mac instead of through a hub
  • Confirm the microscope appears in System Information > USB
  • Restart the Mac if the device is not detected
  • Contact support@plugable.com if issues persist.