Your meeting is going to start, and you witness that your webcam is not working. But it’s too late to look for solutions; hence, it is always advisable to check your webcam before your scheduled meetings to avoid any unnecessary errors that might crop up.
If you find out that your iMac camera not working, do not worry. There are some easy ways to fix it before you hit the panic button.
1. Check for obvious things first:
See if the camera is getting covered with something. Many users cover their cameras when not in use to avoid security breaches. Ensure nothing is covering up the webcam.
2. Check the webcam’s permission:
When you open an app for the first time, it will ask permission to access the camera. You can deny it, but later on, it may pose a problem. You can give access to any app for using your webcam by clicking on System Preferences, then Security and Privacy and then Camera. The apps that have requested access will be listed here. If you see the checkmark next to the app, access is approved. If the check box is empty, that means access was denied. Check the box to give that app permission to use your webcam.
3. Check the app’s settings you are using:
If you are using an app that needs your webcam to operate, it will have its preference page. Check for the preference page. You will detect the problem if the webcam is working on one app and not on the other.
4. Quit other apps that may be using the webcam:
Your Mac’s camera can be used only one at a time for a certain app. If you try to use it with multiple apps simultaneously, you will not get permission. You will not understand which app is using the webcam, and only the green LED light next to the camera on your Mac will be visible.
5. Reset your Mac’s SMC:
The System Management Controller (SMC) manages low-level functions of your Mac, such as the cooling fans and the batteries. It also facilitates the built-in iSight cameras in iMac and Macbooks. If your webcam is not working, try resetting the SMC. To reset, shut it down. Hold the Shift + Control + Option + Option + Power buttons when it’s switched off until your Mac reboots.
6. Run the Apple diagnostics tool:
If the camera hardware of your Macbook is damaged, you can detect it by running the Apple diagnostic tool. This is a built-in tool available with every Macbook, which allows for a self-diagnosis of any internal hardware issue.
Here’s what you must do.
For Apple silicon, switch on your Mac and hold the power button as the system starts up. Release the button after you see the startup window, which will have a gear icon labeled Options. Then, hold the command + D keys on your keyboard.
For the Intel processor, switch on your device and press and hold the D key as your Mac starts up. Let go of the key when you find the progress bar, or you are prompted to select a language.
You can view the diagnosis result and make changes according to the recommendations. To replicate the test, click ‘Run the test again’ or press Command R.
7. Reset your Mac’s NVRAM:
Non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) stores home settings such as audio volume and kernel panic information. NVRAM also holds some webcam settings and Resetting it can regulate the functioning of the webcam. You need to follow these steps.
- Shut down your Mac.
- Hold the power button for 10 seconds, then restart.
- If the problem is not resolved, turn the Mac off again.
- Keep holding the right Shift key, the left Option key, and the left Control key for seven seconds.
- Release all the keys and wait for a few seconds. Now restart your Macbook.
8. Check for system updates:
It is crucial to keep updating your system to ensure the smooth function of the Macbook. If you update your Macbook, you need to update your apps too. If the apps are not updated, the webcam might not work properly and may not have the right permissions. To update macOS, go to System Preferences and select Software update. If an upgrade is available, you will see a button next to it. Click on it, and your system will be updated.
Even after performing all the corrective measures, if your webcam is still not working, it’s best to take it to an Apple store.
