Facetime HD Camera (built-in) not working

One of these will fix your camera 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 from the Recovery System stored on your startup drive. 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 10.11.3

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.

tracey2301 wrote:... I have already tried ALL of these solutions (several times now) ... built-in camera still does not work.

You're welcome, tracey.

I read your initial post carefully, However, you must not have used suggestion (4). An Apple Technician can fix your iMac (or at least explain why you may decide that it is not economically sensible to do so.)

If you decide not to have your Mac professionally serviced, the only additional suggestion I can offer is for you to spend the money to try a Mac-compatible external webcam to see if it will work with your iMac. However, unlike having your Mac repaired, there is no guarantee that an external camera will resolve your trouble.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.11.3

YW

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.11.3

If you've installed third-party software called "ManyCam," please remove it according to the developer's instructions (not by dragging an application to the Trash.) Restart the computer and see whether there's an improvement.

Back up all data before making any changes.