Level 1

115 points

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:

Kill VDCAssistant in Terminal. It didn't work because I even can't find VDCAssistant from Activity Monitor which should control the camera.
Simply restarting my Mac.
Done all software updates.
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

Top-ranking reply

D.I. Johnson

Level 8

44,705 points

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.

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399 replies

dbaum

Level 1

10 points

Jul 13, 2020 1:05 PM in response to lauri112

I'm going to throw this out there... Came across it today.

Could this possibly be causing some of the issues we're seeing? Anyone experiencing the screen issue after closing the lid with a camera cover?

https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-real-reason-apple-is-warning-users-about-macbook-camera-covers/

draftgli

Level 1

4 points

Aug 4, 2020 1:35 PM in response to S D Paulsen

Yes, I agree that’s the idea. But permission is usually granted (or not) from within the app itself, right - upon installation, first use, startup of the app? Which is why I find it really interesting that some people had luck with system preferences/security/accessibility and manually adding the app to allow it to control the computer. Why would that be necessary, suddenly, with no prompting from Apple?

draftgli

Level 1

4 points

Aug 8, 2020 9:36 AM in response to sidney37

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

wiesd

Level 1

8 points

Dec 27, 2020 10:41 AM in response to nmraml

don't really know what caused this to happen, but it is a rare one. I had a discussion with apple support and they were kind enough to try and help me, and in the end they did this fix under the warranty. if I was you, I would chat with apple support, they are really kind, nice and helpful, and I'm sure they will try there best to help you

lauri112 Author

Level 1

115 points

Dec 27, 2020 12:13 PM in response to nmraml

Hi nmraml,

I know how frustrated you may be, I had the same issue almost a year until I had to replace my laptop. I suggest you first to identify if it's a software or hardware issue. There are plenty of useful comments that help you to identify which problem it is. Secondly, contact with Apple Support. They are indeed very helpful and I also suggest you to refer to this forum thread, they are aware about this possible software issue.

Jan 10, 2021 11:45 AM in response to iamnmtd

A few Apple computer owners have fixed their built-in cameras via the many ideas shared here and suggested by Apple (e.g. terminal kill, safe boot, new user, sms, nvram, reinstall os, etc. ). But make no mistake, this particular issue is caused by software and not hardware, is not fixable by computer owners, and is solely Apple's responsibility. This is evidenced by the thousands communicating their shared problem and their many attempts to fix it. After offering-up obvious fixes and corporate pleasantries - essentially, Apple's response is tough luck - your computer's a brick - replace your display. Thousands of Apple computer owners' built-in cameras have been disabled by code changes made and implemented by Apple. Apple should get in front of this and help their customers by communicating that a problem exists and then developing and implementing a real solution.

Apr 9, 2020 9:23 AM in response to lauri112

A blinking green light indicates a camera hardware failure. The update could have caused it though. Every version of Catalina has brought firmware updates along with it.

Old Toad

Level 10

218,348 points

Apr 15, 2020 9:24 AM in response to babs209

Have you updated your Zoom app? There was a second update recentlyand they are at 4.6.10 now.

Giu53pp3

Level 1

13 points

Apr 28, 2020 12:13 AM in response to ahmedmasoud

I would encourage to send a feedback/bug report to Apple https://www.apple.com/feedback/

May 26, 2020 4:06 PM in response to AnaMDiaz

Same problem here with a brand new MacBook Pro 16”. At this very minute I am updating to 10.15.5

Aug 25, 2020 12:22 PM in response to leo_the_cat

screen with "flexgate" problem

slim230

Level 1

4 points

Mar 28, 2020 12:04 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

Dears

I have the same problem.. due to the current situation, we are confined and I need urgently the camera to work.. It has not worked for some time and I need it for my classes.

I cannot go to any shop.

My camera shows a green light when activated but is black.

What can I do [URGENT]

I tried rebooting in safe mode… FaceTime shows [No camera available]

Apr 8, 2020 12:57 AM in response to username333

Tried Recovery OS last night. No hope either on my 2019 MBA at Catalina 10.15.4; booked Apple Genius section next week but unsure it helps. I ran diagnostic (i.e. shutdown, press "D" then turn on, holding "D" till language selection comes out) test and it said there has no hardware issue. Pretty sure by now it shall be MacOS on Catalina. Can Apple fix it asap? Really frustrated with the demand high at the COVID-19 situation... Majority of working and studying rely on FaceTime HD built-in Camera.

Apr 8, 2020 8:45 PM in response to username333

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!

modelck

Level 1

14 points

Apr 9, 2020 4:08 AM in response to marcopace_br

Well, I have this nugget to share... how come I was able to get the camera working again? If the screen is defective, I wouldn’t have been to get things working again and stay working.

What is interesting is a defective screen shouldn’t cause external cameras to stop working as well, which is the case with this issue. That’s how I know it is a driver/software issue.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

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