Mac camera not working — FaceTime, Zoom and black image
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Quick answer
Camera issues on a Mac are 90% software (privacy settings, an app holding a 'lock' on the camera, or drivers). If software fixes don't work, it's either the camera flex cable (common on the 13-inch Pro Touch Bar) or the entire webcam module — both replaceable at our shop.
Alle spørgsmål
Why doesn't the camera work?
Check in this order: 1) System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera — does the app have permission? 2) Test the camera in Photo Booth (built into macOS). 3) If Photo Booth shows black, it's a system-level issue. 4) Restart. 5) If still nothing, open Terminal and run 'sudo killall VDCAssistant' (the camera's background process).
Why doesn't the FaceTime camera work?
1) Test the camera in Photo Booth first to separate FaceTime from hardware. 2) If Photo Booth works but FaceTime doesn't, sign out and back into FaceTime. 3) Delete ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.facetime.plist. 4) If Photo Booth doesn't work either, it's a system or hardware issue — contact us.
Why is the camera black?
A black image in every app: 1) another app may be holding the camera open — close all apps and try again. 2) Restart the Mac. 3) Check for a physical cover (stickers, slide cover). 4) If still black, the camera flex cable may be broken or the ISP controller faulty. We can diagnose it in 30 minutes.
Why does the camera only work sometimes?
Intermittent camera faults are typically caused by: 1) a specific app conflicting, 2) a broken flex cable between the camera and the logic board (on the Pro 13-inch Touch Bar this is a variant of flexgate), 3) a faulty USB/T2 controller. Contact us for diagnosis.