Camera cable might be unseated

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Level 1

12 points

Camera cable might be unseated

My camera has just recently stopped working. When I try to use it with Google Meet or Photo Booth, the green light just blinks and the screen just shows black.

I have already tried all of these suggestions:

Try an SMC reset and PRAM reset (hold the PRAM reset for at least three chimes so it activates several times).

Try booting into Safe Mode to see if the camera works. The screen may flash or flicker due to the very basic video driver used for Safe Mode.

If this doesn't help, then it is most likely a hardware issue. I've had a couple cases where just reseating the camera cable solved the problem, but other times the camera had to be replaced which for a MBAir means replacing the Display.

When I booted into Safe Mode, FaceTime and Photo Booth both said there was NO camera.

So my question is, where is there a video guide to reseating the camera cable? I think I have the right screwdrivers. I have taken all sorts of Macs apart before, including a previous MacBook Pro (to upgrade the memory, when memory was upgradeable).

MacBook Pro 15", macOS 10.12

Posted on Mar 16, 2020 2:54 PM

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Answer 1

HWTech

Level 9

69,332 points

Mar 16, 2020 6:30 PM in response to Jennie VH

It is very unlikely the camera cable is loose. I find most camera issues tend to be due to a defective camera or damaged cable which requires a complete Display Assembly since the individual parts are not easily replaced, but a defective Logic Board is also a possibility.

We cannot post direct links to repair guides as they are usually removed by the moderators to protect users from damaging their systems.

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Answer 2

Mar 16, 2020 6:34 PM in response to Jennie VH

Don’t think you should try any hardware repair by yourself, you may very likely void warranty.

make sure the camera isn’t cracked, and make sure if you have any camera blocker or antivirus that blocks your webcam, make sure you enable usage of the webcam.

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Answer 3

Jennie VH Author

Level 1

12 points

Mar 16, 2020 7:19 PM in response to orangegrouptech

Oh, sorry, I thought the model came through with the question: it's from 2015. No chance of voiding any warranty. How can I make sure the camera isn't cracked? The top of my screen looks fine. Pretty sure antivirus is turned off when you boot in safe mode... and that the (built-in) camera is always enabled for use.

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Answer 4

Jennie VH Author

Level 1

12 points

Mar 16, 2020 7:21 PM in response to HWTech

Sure, I read that it could possibly need a full display replacement, but as we are on Shelter In Place right now, our IT dept can't do that for me. I thought I could take it apart a bit, see if the cable can be reseated, and put it back together.

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Camera cable might be unseated

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