Q: Macbook Air can no longer find camera
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Oct 26, 2013 5:18 PMby Baby Boomer (USofA),zandermill wrote:
Kinda goofy, but I had covered the camera on my Macbook Air (v. 10.7.5) awhile back and now Photo Booth, Ichat, and Skype all say that the camera is not connected. (I did remove the cover first!) Have tried all recommended fixes. Thoughts?
And those were?
Please detail ALL you have done so far in the way of troubleshooting? Need this info to avoid the been there done that scenarios.
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Oct 26, 2013 5:47 PMby zandermill,Sorry, wasn't thinking--all the fixes listed at the link below. Wasn't sure how long to hold down Shift-Control-Option-Power, so I tried for at least 25 seconds.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
In some situations, you may need to reset your computer's SMC. Learn how to identify these conditions and reset the SMC.
Note: It is possible that the SMC could encounter an issue that may cause unusual system behavior typically related to the symptoms described below. In some cases, resetting the SMC may be the only correct method to resolve the issue, however, an SMC reset should only be attempted after all other standard troubleshooting has been performed.
Before Resetting the SMC
Try each of the following steps in this order before you reset the SMC. Test the issue after completing each troubleshooting step to determine if the issue still occurs.
- Press Command + Option + Escape to force quit any application that is not responding.
- Put your Mac to sleep by choosing the Apple () menu from the upper-left menu bar and then choosing Sleep. Wake the computer after it has gone to sleep.
- Restart your Mac by choosing the Apple () menu from the upper-left menu bar and then choosing Restart.
- Shut down your Mac by choosing the Apple () menu from the upper-left menu bar and then choosing Shut Down.
If your Mac appears to be running normally but isn't responding, force the computer to shut down by pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds. Note: You will lose any unsaved work in any open applications.
For Mac portables experiencing issues related to the MagSafe power adapter and/or battery, try:
- Unplug the MagSafe power adapter from the Mac and the wall power socket for several seconds.
- Shutdown the Mac. Physically remove and re-insert the battery (if it's removable) and startup the Mac.
If the issue is still not resolved after following the troubleshooting items above, an SMC reset may be necessary.
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
Resetting the SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own
Note: Portable computers that have a battery you should not remove on your own include MacBook Pro (Early 2009) and later, all models of MacBook Air, and MacBook (Late 2009).
- Shut down the computer.
- Plug in the MagSafe power adapter to a power source, connecting it to the Mac if its not already connected.
- On the built-in keyboard, press the (left side) Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time.
- Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
- Press the power button to turn on the computer.
Note: The LED on the MagSafe power adapter may change states or temporarily turn off when you reset the SMC.
--thanks for any help you can offer!
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Oct 27, 2013 7:09 AMby EZ Jim,25 seconds is more than enough to hold down Shift-Control-Option-Power.
(I use 5 seconds.)
Having tried "all recommended fixes" without success, use OS X Recovery to repair your startup disk.
If your camera problem continues, use OS X Recovery to reinstall Mac OS X 10.7.
Test your camera using the suggestions in How to Troubleshoot iSight to check more than one Apple camera enabled app in more than one user account. If your problem continues, contact Apple or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider for service.
(Over time, Apple has changed the built-in camera's name on newer Macs from "iSight" to "FaceTime" and then to "FaceTime HD." Regardless of the name of your Mac's built-in camera, the same info and troubleshooting applies.)
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Jan 4, 2014 8:04 AMby EZ Jim,jm pogi wrote: same problem i encountered...
If none of the suggestions in response to your post of this same problem athttp://discussions.apple.com/message/24377322#24377322 help you resolve your trouble, unless you have a current backup of your Mac, make one now.
Then use the final "Troubleshooting" suggestion:
"... contact Apple or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider for service."
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Aug 20, 2014 6:22 AMby jawanns,I just fixed this on my girlfriend's computer last night by accepting a Google Hangouts video call. No other app would recognize the camera, but it was showing up in System Profiler. As soon as I launched the Google Hangouts call the green light came on and the camera started working. After that it worked in other apps as well. No need to reset SMC or restore.
Planning to update her to Mavericks over the weekend though. What is this, 2012?
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