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

Thanks to everyone who has posted their issues and solutions. At different intervals, I have tried everything suggested and here is what I've found:

• Every solution worked at least once
• The problem comes back every single time
• Though it seems random at times, the problem usually comes back after using Zoom (sorry to say)
• I always check the FaceTime and PhotoBooth apps for camera before launching Zoom, I know that if they don't work I will likely have problems

Here is my most recent experience that makes me pin it on Zoom:

1. This past Sunday I was on a Zoom session and could not get my camera working (yes, I tried all the things like allowing Zoom to access, etc.)
2. On Sunday night I did the whole Terminal, VCDAsisstant trick. Camera returned after a few restarts.
3. On Monday I had another Zoom meeting and camera was working perfectly. After that, camera stopped working again.
4. Last night (Tuesday) I had another Zoom conference, for which I was not able to get video again (grrrr!)
5. Today, determined to resolve this, I scoured the web yet again for a solution and came upon this thread
6. I did the Accessibility adds that @Benjamin1990 suggested; incidentally, only Zoom was in that panel, I added FaceTime and PhotoBooth, Google and Firefox and restarted
7. Still nothing after several attempts, even in Safe Mode which always worked fine in every other scenario, so
8. I went back to the Accessibility panel and removed ALL of the apps (including Zoom), restarted and
9. Voila! Camera working fine in FaceTime, PhotoBooth and Zoom

The true test will be what happens after my next Zoom meeting tomorrow. Don't know what I will do if it's Zoom because I use it for a lot but then I need my webcam for Google Meets and other classroom web apps. This is SO frustrating!

I will report back with any new findings.

Be Careful,

1. this is a statement from Kinoni -On macOS 10.14 Mojave Apple has stopped supporting third party webcams in Apple applications like FaceTime, Safari and Photo Booth. Nothing we can do about that, sorry.

But nothing about Catalina ! I have downloaded EpocCam installer twice and restarted my computer, but do not find the programme in my programme list and therefore the app from my ipad cannot connect to the PC.

But thanks for the suggestion.

I still have a problem when connecting to MS Teams - No Video !

Dear all, I see the following options...

1. We can continue to come up with various trial and error to hope for the best to resolve the issue, good luck!
2. If within AppleCare or 1st year warranty, highly recommend to free replacement of the screen model with built-in cam.
3. If out of AppleCare warranty or older model MacBook s, consider whether external cam is acceptable as the repair fee is not cheap if it is fixed by Apple Shop. Kind of SGD800 or RMB3549...

I did option#1 in vain, and took option#2 completion in 3.5hours but queuing Genius Bar for a week. I do not like option#3 as I won't bring an external cam with me to coffee shop or on business trip. Take option#3 dependent on the value of opportunity cost to you...

My two cents.

I have the same problem, unrecognized camera and did everything that is said here.

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
5. Reinstall Catalina.

Something must be with Catalina version 10.15.4

Appel should take this case and perform an update

To be honest, I have several issue with my MacBook 2016.

1. Issue with the keyboard. Every few weeks some letter are not responsive as should be. For example few weeks ago I had problem with the letter B and N. Now they are ok, but the letter Y has this problem. This should be covered by the keyboard Service Program, even if my keyboard was already replaced in 2019.
2. Blacklight issue. It is not very frequent but sometime lifting the laptop the monitor is completely black. Also here there should be a Service program ongoing.
3. Now the issue with the Camera, which I agree should be a software/firmware issue. But at this point I do not really know what to do.

Let's say I haven't been very lucky with this laptop so far. :(

I hope the Apple shop will open soon. I really need to have a face to face chat with someone sharing all my current frustration with these issues.

Another news.

Today I have realised that also the keyboard light is not working anymore as it should. If the "adjust the keyboard brightness in low light sensor" is ticked the keyboard light is off. I have tried in a dark room, and still no light. I suppose there is an issue with the light sensor as well.

I am starting thinking that my laptop has a due date and I am almost there.

So summary:

1. Issue with the keyboard. Every few weeks some letter are not responsive as should be. For example few weeks ago I had problem with the letter B and N. Now they are ok, but the letter Y has this problem. This should be covered by the keyboard Service Program, even if my keyboard was already replaced in 2019.
2. Blacklight issue. It is not very frequent but sometime lifting the laptop the monitor is completely black. Also here there should be a Service program ongoing.
3. Now the issue with the Camera, which I agree should be a software/firmware issue. But at this point I do not really know what to do.
4. Keyboard light off when "adjust the keyboard brightness in low light sensor" is ticked

:(

One thing I am aware of, if the NVRAM does not work, is that having more than one program open at a time that needs access to the camera can create problems. Be sure to command-tab through the programs that are open to ensure no other programs are open that need it. Many people like to add programs such as eCamm's enhancements, and this may need to be updated to match your operating system.

The fact an erase and install fails to work on some but not all the cases, says, those that are not working need to look at other possible hardware issues.

1. The lid of the computer has cables that run through it to manage both the display and the camera. If the cable that manages the camera gets frayed through either the lid opening too far, or something leaning against it at the wrong spot, or liquid damage, then it would require replacement by Apple.
2. A power surge on the logic board can cause components on the computer to fail at random. Make sure your computer's power cable shows no signs of fraying or being bent out of whack. Make sure you are using the correct wattage power adapter for your model too.
3. Not so common an issue, but related is third party peripherals and energy saver's low powered mode. If your machine is put to sleep when the lid is closed, it is possible that if there is a device drawing too much power on the computer after it wakes up could affect other components on the computer. Restart the machine with nothing attached to verify that this is not the issue.

Individual key issues such as noticed on one of the posts of this thread, are typically an issue with the keyboard membrane. Unfortunately for most keyboards, this requires an entire replacement of the top case. Any spill or drop could cause this. I have also noticed condensation develop inside computers in the right conditions. If a machine was in for hardware service, and it was not put back together tightly, that can happen.

I am an Apple certified tech, just sharing my thoughts on your issues.

This is actually what happened to my MBP. My light sensor is not working anymore, and if enabled, the keyboard light doesn't work.

This is the issue timeline:

1. Camera found, green light, no video.
2. Camera not found, no green light, no video.
3. Light sensor not working (display and keyboard lights)

*CAVEAT - My problem is still pending Apple Support to resolve it, below is to help you understand your issues a little more*

Hope I'll be able to bring clarity to anyone facing the same issues.. Just bought a MacBook Pro last week and it came with 10.15.4 where the built-in camera was working fine for video conferencing and all until I updated it to 10.15.5 where it stopped working. Like some of you, I believe it is a more of a software rather than a hardware issue.

I have tried virtually everything that is posted online such as reinstalling Mac OS, resetting SMC, booting into Safe Mode and reinstalling all application that utilises the camera but to no positive results. Chatted with Apple Support thrice and the last method kinda worked, or at least proved that the camera works under certain scenarios:

Steps:

1. Open System Preferences and click Users & Groups.
2. Click the lock in the bottom left if it's not already unlocked.
3. Click the + icon in the bottom left corner.
4. Select the type of account (standard, admin, managed, etc.)
5. Enter the account details, click Create User.
6. Use fast user switching menu (top right hand corner of your screen where it shows your name/current user - click on it) to select the newly created account.
7. Once inside the new account, try using FaceTime/ photo booth/any applications that utilises the camera.
8. If it works, then your camera is fine.

Next, Apple Support suggested a callback from a senior advisor to advise on uploading the error logs from my system for the engineers to troubleshoot. While I have a hunch its the new updates which is causing the issue, I'll update back here when it is resolved.

@ReaderMac - you say "my camera stopped working and I have a black screen" - the important clue is, is it detected when booted into safe mode?

System Information.app >Hardware > Camera should show:

FaceTime HD Camera (Built in):

Model ID: ...

UniqueId .....

Or does it say something like "No camera detected"

It sounds from your description, giving a black screen, that it is probably detected OK by software - which would suggest the exceptional case, that you actually may have faulty hardware unfortunately. This could be a cracked cable at the hinge joint, or just a bad connection that needs a clean and re-plug-in. Unfortunately, user-servicable they 'aint (ifixit score 1/10: https://www.ifixit.com/Device/MacBook_Pro_13%22_Touch_Bar_2018)

The software issue manifests as being unable to even select the camera in any application, since it's undetected - not a black screen.

• Reboot in safe mode, see whether it's detected at all
• If it isn't detected in safe mode, try shutdown, reset the NVRAM and reboot in safe mode, check again
• If still not detected in safe mode, you probably have a hardware fault (there is inimal software interference)
• If detected in safe mode but black screen running Photo Booth, again you probably have faulty hardware.
• You also could try plugging in an external USB webcam if you have one knocking around or can borrow from a friend - this may clarify the software situation.

Hope this helps.

Well, it looks like I might be out of options. My machine passed all tests in Apple’s in house ASD diagnostics.

I guess I could try restoring a previous Time Machine backup - before the trouble started. But I have serious doubts that will be effective.

Seems my only other options are:

• Try an external USB camera (not hopeful, based on others’ comments/experiences).
• Replace the screen assembly (cost prohibitive).
• Buy a new machine

Hi,

I have exactly the same problem that appeared after update from Mojave to Catalina (10.15.4). I restarted in Safe Mode and launched FaceTime app and the camera was working. However, after restart in normal mode, the problem is still there.

Is there anything that I need to do, other that just starting in Safe Mode?

I also have an annoying issue, I don't know if it is related, but is abnormal so I thought is worth mentioning: System Preferences shows that an update is available. There is also a red badge over the System Update icon, but when I go into it, there is none - it says that may mac is up to date.

Thanks!

Hello all, unfortunately after an update of 10.15.4 Supplemental update this morning, the built-in cam on my 2019 MBA still not working. Seem I still have to return my laptop to Apple Shop for repair. I'm not sure if it is isolated incident, but it leads me to trust the Apple Shop supervisor said yesterday.... Happy Easter to everyone!

There's a free app, EpocCam Webcam for Mac and PC, which is supposed to let you use your iPhone or Android phone as a webcam. Don't know anything else about it. Might be worth trying before buying a camera. If you do use it let us know how it works.