Having trouble with your Mac camera? Here’s how to fix it.
Checking and Adjusting Permissions
1. Open the System Settings on your Mac by clicking on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and selecting “System Preferences.”
2. In the System Preferences window, look for the “Security & Privacy” icon and click on it.
3. In the Security & Privacy settings, select the “Privacy” tab at the top of the window.
4. On the left side of the Privacy tab, you’ll see a list of categories. Look for “Camera” and click on it.
5. On the right side of the window, you’ll see a list of applications that have requested access to your camera. Make sure the checkbox next to the application you’re trying to use is checked. If it’s not, click on the checkbox to enable camera access for that application.
6. If the application you’re trying to use is not listed, you can click on the “+” button below the list to add it manually. Navigate to the application in the Finder and select it.
7. After adjusting the camera permissions, close the System Preferences window and try using your camera again.
If you’re still experiencing issues with your Mac camera not working, you can try the following additional steps:
8. Restart your Mac. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve camera-related issues.
9. Make sure your camera is not being used by any other applications. Quit any applications that may be using the camera, such as FaceTime, Skype, or Photo Booth.
10. Check the connection of your camera. If you’re using an external webcam, ensure that it is properly connected to your Mac. If you’re using the built-in camera on your Mac, make sure there are no physical obstructions blocking the camera lens.
11. Update your macOS to the latest version. Apple frequently releases updates that include bug fixes and improvements, which could potentially resolve camera issues.
Remember to always grant camera access to trusted applications only and exercise caution when allowing access to your camera for unknown or suspicious applications.
Restart and Reboot Options
- Restart Your Mac
- Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select “Restart” from the drop-down menu.
- Wait for your Mac to fully shut down and then turn it on again.
- Force Quit Apps
- Press Command+Option+Esc to open the “Force Quit Applications” window.
- Select any applications that might be using the camera and click “Force Quit”.
- Try using the camera again after force quitting the applications.
- Reset SMC (System Management Controller)
- Shut down your Mac completely.
- Once it is shut down, press and hold the Shift+Control+Option keys on the left side of the keyboard.
- While holding these keys, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds.
- Release all the keys and power button simultaneously.
- Turn on your Mac and check if the camera is working.
- Reset PRAM or NVRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory or Non-Volatile Random Access Memory)
- Shut down your Mac completely.
- Press the power button and immediately press and hold the Command+Option+P+R keys.
- Keep holding the keys until you hear the startup sound for the second time.
- Release the keys and let your Mac restart normally.
- Check if the camera is functioning properly.
Managing Camera Access and Usage
To fix the issue of your Mac camera not working, you may need to manage camera access and usage. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Check camera permissions: Ensure that the application you are using to access the camera has the necessary permissions. To do this, go to System Settings and select Security & Privacy. Under the Privacy tab, click on Camera and make sure the checkbox next to the app you want to use the camera with is selected.
2. Reset camera settings: If the camera still isn’t working, you can try resetting the camera settings. Open Terminal, which can be found in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder. Then, enter the following command: sudo killall VDCAssistant. This will force the camera to restart, which may resolve any issues.
3. Update macOS: Keeping your macOS up to date is essential for optimal performance. Check if there are any updates available by clicking on the Apple logo in the menu bar and selecting “About This Mac.” If there is an update available, click on “Software Update” to install it.
4. Check for app updates: If you are experiencing camera issues with a specific application, make sure it is up to date. Open the App Store and click on “Updates” to see if any updates are available for your installed applications. Updating the app may include bug fixes that could resolve camera-related problems.
5. Restart your Mac: Sometimes a simple restart can fix various issues, including camera problems. Click on the Apple logo in the menu bar and select “Restart” to reboot your Mac. After the restart, check if the camera is working properly.
6. Check hardware connections: Ensure that your webcam or built-in camera is properly connected to your Mac. If you are using an external camera, make sure it is securely plugged into the appropriate port. If you are using a built-in camera, double-check that it is not physically obstructed.
7. Test with another application: If the camera is still not working, try using a different application to see if the issue is specific to a particular software. For example, you can try using FaceTime or Photo Booth to test the camera’s functionality. If the camera works in one application but not in another, it indicates a software compatibility issue.
8. Contact Apple Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They can provide more specific troubleshooting steps or arrange for a repair if needed.
Updating and Resetting System Settings
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Update macOS | Make sure your macOS is up to date by going to the Apple menu, selecting “Software Update,” and following the instructions to install any available updates. |
| Update Camera Drivers | Check for any available updates for your camera drivers. Visit the manufacturer’s website or use the App Store to check for updates specifically for your camera model. |
| Reset System Management Controller (SMC) | Resetting the SMC can help resolve certain hardware-related issues. On Mac notebooks with a non-removable battery, shut down the computer, then press and hold Shift + Control + Option on the left side of the built-in keyboard, and press the power button simultaneously. Release all keys, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac. On Mac desktops or notebooks with a removable battery, shut down the computer, disconnect the power cord, remove the battery, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds, then reattach the battery and reconnect the power cord before turning on your Mac. |
| Reset NVRAM or PRAM | Resetting the NVRAM or PRAM can help resolve certain settings-related issues. Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R until you hear the startup sound for the second time. Release the keys, and your Mac will restart. |
| Reset Camera Permissions | If the camera issue is caused by incorrect permissions, you can reset the camera permissions by going to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Camera. Uncheck the box next to any applications that have access to the camera, then check the box again to reset the permissions. |
FAQ
Why is my Mac camera just a black screen?
Your Mac camera may be showing a black screen due to a possible issue with the driver software provided by OSX to control the camera. Restarting the camera might help resolve the problem.
How do I enable my camera on my imac?
To enable your camera on your iMac, go to Apple menu > System Preferences, and then click on Privacy & Security. Look for the Camera option and make sure it is enabled. If you don’t see the Camera option, you may need to update your macOS to Mojave or a later version. From there, you can manage the camera access for individual apps in the list.
How do I reset my IMAC camera?
To reset your iMac camera, follow these steps:
1. Go to ‘Applications’ and click on the arrow next to ‘Utilities.’
2. Scroll down and locate ‘Terminal.’
3. Open the Terminal window.
4. Type in ‘sudo killall VDCAssistant’ and press ‘Enter.’
5. If prompted, enter your administrator password and press ‘Enter.’
Why is my camera not working on my Mac?
Your camera may not be working on your Mac because the privacy settings for camera access may be turned off. To fix this, go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences. Then, click on Security & Privacy and go to the Camera tab. Make sure to enable camera access for the specific apps you want to use. If necessary, close and reopen the app for the changes to take effect.
