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FIXINGMACPRO

“Camera Not Working on Mac? Here’s How to Fix It!”

Camera Not Working on Mac? Here’s How to Fix It

Is your Mac’s camera refusing to cooperate during FaceTime calls, Zoom meetings, or when launching your favorite photo app? Don’t worry — this is a common issue, and it’s usually easy to fix.

🔍 Step 1: Check App Permissions

macOS protects your privacy by asking for permission before an app can access the camera. If an app doesn’t have permission, it won’t be able to use the camera.

  1. Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
  2. Click Privacy & Security → Camera.
  3. Make sure the app you’re trying to use is enabled.

🔄 Step 2: Restart Your Mac

It sounds simple, but a restart can often resolve temporary glitches that prevent the camera from working properly.

🛠️ Step 3: Reset the Camera Using Terminal

If the camera still doesn’t work, try forcing it to reset:

    1. Press Command (⌘) + Space to launch Spotlight Search.
    2. Type Terminal, then press Enter to launch it.

2. Enter this command in Terminal

Copy the following command and paste it into Terminal, then press Return:

Terminal 
Click "Show Command" to reveal
sudo killall VDCAssistant
  1. Enter your admin password if prompted.

This command restarts the camera backend process on your Mac.

💡 Step 4: Test in Another App

Try opening Photo Booth or FaceTime to check if the camera works. If it works in one app but not another, the problem likely lies with the specific app.

📦 Step 5: Check for macOS Updates

Apple regularly releases updates that fix bugs and improve hardware compatibility:

  1. Go to System Settings → General → Software Update.
  2. Install any available updates.

📞 Still Not Working?

If none of these steps help, your camera hardware might be malfunctioning. In that case, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for diagnostics.

Tip: If you’re using an external webcam, make sure it’s properly connected and check the manufacturer’s drivers.