External webcam only works on a specific USB-C port

Hello, I have a MacBook Air 2020 M1 and an external USB-C monitor that has a built-in webcam.


Everything was working fine until about a week or so ago. My laptop stopped detecting the external monitor's webcam. I tried cold-booting hardware (inc. external monitor) to no avail. On a whim I tried plugging the monitor into the MacBook's other USB-C port and the monitor's webcam was detected! I don't think I did anything bad to my other USB-C port...


So:

  1. USB-C monitor plugged into MacBook's USB-C port closest to hinge = monitor's webcam not detected.
  2. USB-C monitor plugged into MacBook's USB-C port closest to trackpad = monitor's webcam detected.


Any ideas why? Thank you.

MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Posted on Jul 5, 2023 9:18 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Jul 6, 2023 10:53 AM

Hi there prohnc,


If the webcam of the external monitor is not functioning as expected when connected to a specific port on your MacBook Air, these recommendations from If a USB device doesn’t work with Mac can help alleviate this behavior:

* Check the power, port, and cable connections: Make sure the USB device is turned on and its cables are properly connected. If your computer has more than one USB port , switch the device’s cable to another port. If you still can’t use the device, contact the manufacturer for more information.
* If you can use the device after switching ports, connect another device to the first port. If you can’t use this device, shut down the computer and unplug it from the power outlet. Wait about a minute, then plug it back into the power outlet and start up your computer.
* If you still can’t use a device with the port, your computer may need to be serviced. See Find out how to service or repair your Mac.
* Check for missing software: Make sure you installed the latest software for your device. Visit the manufacturer’s website for any updates.
* Check the USB hub: If the device is connected to a USB hub, make sure the device and the hub are the same speed. Connect USB 3.0 SuperSpeed devices to a USB 3.0 SuperSpeed HUB, USB 2.0 Hi-Speed devices to a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed hub, and so on.
* If the device doesn’t have a power cord and is plugged into another USB device that doesn’t have a power cord: Try plugging the device directly into your computer’s USB port  or into a USB device that does have a power cord. You might need to disconnect and reconnect the other device as well, if it has stopped responding.
* If you have many devices connected to your Mac: Disconnect all USB devices except the device you’re testing, an Apple keyboard, and an Apple mouse. Make sure that the device is connected directly to the computer, and that any hubs or extension cables are disconnected. If you can use the device now, the problem may be with one of the other USB devices or hubs you had connected to your computer. Try reconnecting them, one by one, to your computer. When you find the device causing the problem, review its documentation for further troubleshooting steps.
* Verify that the device appears in System Information: On your Mac, press and hold the Option key, then choose Apple menu  > System Information.
* In the window that appears, see if the USB device is listed below Hardware in the list on the left. If the device appears but does not work, review the device’s documentation for further troubleshooting steps.
* Reopen apps: Quit and reopen any apps that use the device.
* Restart your Mac: Choose Apple menu  > Restart.


If this continues after looking over those and the issue is isolated to the one USB-C port, then having your Mac inspected for service would be the next best step. Reach out to Apple Support to look into your available options here: Get Support


Take care!

Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Best reply

Jul 6, 2023 10:53 AM in response to prohnc

Hi there prohnc,


If the webcam of the external monitor is not functioning as expected when connected to a specific port on your MacBook Air, these recommendations from If a USB device doesn’t work with Mac can help alleviate this behavior:

* Check the power, port, and cable connections: Make sure the USB device is turned on and its cables are properly connected. If your computer has more than one USB port , switch the device’s cable to another port. If you still can’t use the device, contact the manufacturer for more information.
* If you can use the device after switching ports, connect another device to the first port. If you can’t use this device, shut down the computer and unplug it from the power outlet. Wait about a minute, then plug it back into the power outlet and start up your computer.
* If you still can’t use a device with the port, your computer may need to be serviced. See Find out how to service or repair your Mac.
* Check for missing software: Make sure you installed the latest software for your device. Visit the manufacturer’s website for any updates.
* Check the USB hub: If the device is connected to a USB hub, make sure the device and the hub are the same speed. Connect USB 3.0 SuperSpeed devices to a USB 3.0 SuperSpeed HUB, USB 2.0 Hi-Speed devices to a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed hub, and so on.
* If the device doesn’t have a power cord and is plugged into another USB device that doesn’t have a power cord: Try plugging the device directly into your computer’s USB port  or into a USB device that does have a power cord. You might need to disconnect and reconnect the other device as well, if it has stopped responding.
* If you have many devices connected to your Mac: Disconnect all USB devices except the device you’re testing, an Apple keyboard, and an Apple mouse. Make sure that the device is connected directly to the computer, and that any hubs or extension cables are disconnected. If you can use the device now, the problem may be with one of the other USB devices or hubs you had connected to your computer. Try reconnecting them, one by one, to your computer. When you find the device causing the problem, review its documentation for further troubleshooting steps.
* Verify that the device appears in System Information: On your Mac, press and hold the Option key, then choose Apple menu  > System Information.
* In the window that appears, see if the USB device is listed below Hardware in the list on the left. If the device appears but does not work, review the device’s documentation for further troubleshooting steps.
* Reopen apps: Quit and reopen any apps that use the device.
* Restart your Mac: Choose Apple menu  > Restart.


If this continues after looking over those and the issue is isolated to the one USB-C port, then having your Mac inspected for service would be the next best step. Reach out to Apple Support to look into your available options here: Get Support


Take care!

External webcam only works on a specific USB-C port

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