Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Macbook Pro camera doesn't work. "No Video".

For some months already, I have been facing a problem where I can't use the Mac built-in camera. It doesn't work with Facetime, Skype and either Photo Booth.


The message that I get after opening Facetime is "No video. FaceTime has not received any video from the connected camera. Restarting your computer may fix this issue". Only green light is blinking every couple of seconds.



I have been using this laptop for 2 months and it doesn't have any damages that could affect the hardware. Camera and other minor problems started in January 2020 after additional Catalina updates.


I have Googled solution for this problem and tried different solutions but none of them didn't work. Here is the list of solutions that I have tried:


  1.  Kill VDCAssistant in Terminal. It didn't work because I even can't find VDCAssistant from Activity Monitor which should control the camera.
  2. Simply restarting my Mac.
  3. Done all software updates.
  4. Run First Aid option in Disk Utility


Could anybody suggest any other solutions that can be done at home buy general user?


Thanks in advance!


MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.15

Posted on Mar 15, 2020 9:06 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Mar 15, 2020 9:42 AM

Hello, Laurii112.


Sorry to know you're having this problem with your MacBook Pro.


If you haven't rebooted into safe mode anytime recently you should try that to see if it helps. Let the Mac OS do drive directory repair, cache clearing and other misc housekeeping. Often just booting into safe mode and logging in, then immediately rebooting normally will resolve an issue.  You should do this with all your external peripherals disconnected but the keyboard and mouse.


Booting into Safe Mode… 

Use safe mode to isolate issues - Apple Support


What Safe mode does:

  • Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed
  • Loads only required kernel extensions
  • Prevents startup items and login items from opening automatically
  • Disables user-installed fonts 
  • Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files


Restarting in Safe mode can often eliminate a problem or help identify the cause.


You can verify that you have started in Safe mode by clicking the Apple () menu > About This Mac > System Report. Then find >Software< in the left column and look at >Boot Mode: Safe vs Normal< in the right pane.


Note– starting up in Safe mode could take 10 minutes or more. Be patient.


Does the problem persist while in Safe mode? 

Restart your Macintosh and re-evaluate the issue.

399 replies

May 15, 2020 12:17 AM in response to apple3-433

I am not sure how much it would cost replacing the screen. Am I optimist saying 400/500£?

On another hand, my screen works fine, I just need the camera to be fixed. Why should I pay for the screen as well? I understand that the camera cannot be changed alone, but I mean, 400/500£ for a webcam? At that price or slightly more I would buy a brand new Laptop. :(

May 17, 2020 2:10 AM in response to lauri112

Hi guys! Here is my update regarding this problem. So by now I have tried everything that is in my power. Yesterday I made a clean macOS install to my MacBook Pro, that means I erased the whole disk using Disk Utility. Unfortunately, the problem is still there. I didn't restored anything from TimeMachine to be sure that none of my downloaded apps or other programs didn't cause this problem. System Report still recognises the camera which is good sign, however, connection problem is still there. Fights goes on...

May 18, 2020 12:42 AM in response to BenJam1990

Hey, BenJam1990


I have tried this but unfortunately it didn't work for me. I went to Settings, then Privacy, clicked on the unlock button, then clicked on Accessibility and then at the bottom of the right hand column that says Let the Apps Below To Control Your Computer, there is a plus (+) sign. Then I just added Facetime and PhotoBooth. Clicked on the lock on the bottom lefthand corner and restarted the computer. And that worked for me once. After closing both programs the problem occurred again. :(

May 18, 2020 4:07 AM in response to a brody

Hi, a brody!


Thanks a lot for your comments. I have one specific questions regarding my case and I would be very thankful if you could check this. I have had this problem already for half a year soon, but about 3-4 weeks ago, one user posted his solution to this thread which was following and it worked for me once as well:


I went to Settings, then Privacy, clicked on the unlock button, then clicked on Accessibility and then at the bottom of the right hand column that says Let the Apps Below To Control Your Computer, there is a plus (+) sign. Then I just added Facetime and PhotoBooth. Clicked on the lock on the bottom lefthand corner and restarted the computer.


And that worked for me once. That means, all applications run normally and I could make an even one video call for a long time. After closing both programs the problem occurred again. After testing multiple possible solutions and after installing software yesterday from the clean sheet, it is still hard to believe that it's a hardware problem (system recognises the camera as well). I don't believe that my Macbook Pro or its screen was in a certain position which let my camera work normally for a moment.

I don't use any specific plugins that need for an update or any other third party application. Either I use third party chargers or other accessories that could affect my Macbook's work.

May 19, 2020 1:26 PM in response to lauri112

Hi!

Yesterday, the 18th I found out that I had this problem as well, even though I used my camera just 1 or 2 days before.

I started looking on the web, and found this gem of a threat, when I started looking through all the replies.


Just like all of you, I tried everything apart from the full HD deleting and making a report and sending it in with this thread.

Nothing.

So, as you might imagine, I was wondering if it was a software issue.


I have just read the post / reply above by "a brody", and I was interested in the face that the cable might have a fault.

So what I did, I almost closed the lid of my Macbook Pro late 2016 4 thunderbolt touch bar model, and started up Photo Booth.


AND THE CAMERA STARTED WORKING

I was astonished so I immediately started recording a video on my iPhone of what happend next.

basically, the camera worked just before I put my mac in a 90 degree angle.


So… I guess in my instance… it's a hardware issue then…


I think the cables might have gotten damaged when I recently put my mac through a bit of hard work, putting out a lot of heat, thereby maybe overheating the cables in the hinge mechanism…


For the rest, everything seems to be working fine. The light sensors for both the display and the keyboard work, so I guess it's just the camera for me…


Here are the video's. As you could imagine, I was pretty shocked.

Apple MacBook Pro camera fault (1) (FYI: This one has 2 F**k swears in it)

Apple MacBook Pro camera fault (2)


Especially the first one is interesting, because you can just see the 'error' happening in the screen


Would love to hear your inputs, thanks "a brody" for your reply.

May 19, 2020 1:55 PM in response to Davidmoracampos

Hi David,


My Mac is the same model as yours and I got to the same conclusion, just did not have the opportunity to go to the Apple store yet.


I have just one concern, because at this moment I don't have the backlight problem, I was wondering if they will make the replacement anyway.


Could you tell me if you have the backlight problem or was it only the camera?


Thanks a lot

May 19, 2020 2:08 PM in response to nataliaccar

Hi Natalia


Well, my problem started with my camera, and after 5 weeks my display turned black, and the only way that work was opening at 30 degrees.

When I talk with the technical support they told me that at changing the display , backlight and camera would be solved. But, considering that is a factory issue, you could ask to be included in the service program.


In the link you can check if you Serial Number is included on those units with this damage and ask for the support.


I really hope they change you your display and dont have to wait until your display turns black.





May 19, 2020 3:38 PM in response to Davidmoracampos

Hey David.

Thanks for sharing the link. Although I will be looking into it, I’m not sure how much this service program is going to work for me, because I don’t really have an issue with the display, so therefore I am just going to assume that, when I go to an Apple store in the future for this possible program, they will just turn me down.

Although, that being said, I will look into it. I still need to check my serial on the page, and hey! Maybe they will accept it!

WHO KNOWS

ITS FREAKING APPLE

(Do they even know what they’re doing sometimes?)

Macbook Pro camera doesn't work. "No Video".

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.