HT203585: FaceTime for Mac: Troubleshooting FaceTime

Learn about FaceTime for Mac: Troubleshooting FaceTime
sdfcvoh

Q: FaceTime says No Camera Available

I open FaceTime and get  but this is a macbook pro with built in camera.

Using El Capitan

Screenshot 2015-10-14 20.41.29.png

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2012), iOS 9.0.2

Posted on Oct 14, 2015 5:43 PM

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Q: FaceTime says No Camera Available

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  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Oct 14, 2015 9:42 PM in response to sdfcvoh
    Level 10 (207,926 points)
    Applications
    Oct 14, 2015 9:42 PM in response to sdfcvoh

    Does the camera work in Photo Booth?

  • by EZ Jim,

    EZ Jim EZ Jim Oct 15, 2015 9:42 AM in response to sdfcvoh
    Level 7 (22,547 points)
    Oct 15, 2015 9:42 AM in response to sdfcvoh

    One of these will fix your problem:

     

    (1) If restarting your Mac doesn't fix the problem,

     

    (2) use Apple's http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090.

     

    (BTW - The Troubleshooting article calls the camera an "iSight".  However, after the article was published, 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 built-in camera, the same info and troubleshooting applies.)

     

    Be sure to test more than one Apple app (Photo Booth, FaceTime, iMovie, QuickTime Player, etc.) in more than one user account.  Do NOT use the "Guest" account for this test.  If you do not have more than one user account for the testing, create a new one now.  If you need help, how to do it is explained in http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201754.

     

    A "Standard" user account is all you need for testing.

     

    (3) If your cam won't work properly even with Apple apps, use OS X Recovery to completely reinstall your Mac OS.  Don't bother testing Skype or other third-party apps until you have your camera working with Apple apps.

     

    (4) If none of the above suggestions resolve your trouble, contact Apple or an Apple-Authorized Service Provider to have your Mac professionally serviced. Be sure to backup your Mac and deauthorize iTunes before tendering it for service.

     

     

    Message was edited by: EZ Jim

     

    Mac OSX 10.11

  • by sdfcvoh,

    sdfcvoh sdfcvoh Oct 15, 2015 8:25 PM in response to EZ Jim
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 15, 2015 8:25 PM in response to EZ Jim

    Thanks for the replies.

     

    Little more info for you all:  I have tried photo booth and same result.  "No Camera Available"

    I restarted two times.  One time it worked for a moment after starting FT - then when I ended the call and tried another the same error occurred.

    I did the Command/Option/P/R restart. 

    Camera was okay for one use - then the same error occurred.

  • by Linc Davis,Solvedanswer

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Oct 15, 2015 9:42 PM in response to sdfcvoh
    Level 10 (207,926 points)
    Applications
    Oct 15, 2015 9:42 PM in response to sdfcvoh

    Reset the System Management Controller.


    If there's no change, see below.

    Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service provider. You may have to leave the machine there for several days.

    Back up all data on the internal drive(s) before you hand over your computer to anyone. There are ways to back up a computer that isn't fully functional—ask if you need guidance.

    If privacy is a concern, erase the data partition(s) with the option to write zeros* (do this only if you have at least two complete, independent backups, and you know how to restore to an empty drive from any of them.) Don’t erase the recovery partition, if present.

    Keeping your confidential data secure during hardware repair

    Apple also recommends that you deauthorize a device in the iTunes Store before having it serviced.

    *An SSD doesn't need to be zeroed.

  • by sdfcvoh,

    sdfcvoh sdfcvoh Oct 15, 2015 9:43 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 15, 2015 9:43 PM in response to Linc Davis

    Thank you SMC reset fixed it!