Gengarface
Level 1 (4 points)
Desktops

Q: My iMac's built-in webcam won't turn on

I'm on El Capitan Version 10.11.5

 

My iMac is 21.5 inch, Late 2015.

 

When I open Photobooth, Skype, or Quicktime to record video, the little green light just doesn't turn on, and the camera just shows black. It gets fixed whenever I restart my computer, but it's been happening fairly frequently and I shouldn't have to restart my computer so many times just to resolve this issue. Why could this be happening, and what can I do?

iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013)

Posted on Jun 13, 2016 7:25 PM

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Gengarface

Q: My iMac's built-in webcam won't turn on

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  • by JovonaP.,

    JovonaP. JovonaP. Jun 14, 2016 10:51 AM in response to Gengarface
    Community Specialists
    Jun 14, 2016 10:51 AM in response to Gengarface

    Hello Gengarface,

     

    Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. I understand that you're experiencing issues using your built-in camera consistently. You've done a great job trying to fix this issue on your own. I'm happy to help.

     

    Next, I'd try testing this in safe mode. Doing this will allow the Mac to perform checks and prevent some software from automatically loading. Follow these steps to start in safe mode: 

     

    1. Start or restart your Mac. 
    2. Immediately after you hear the startup sound, press and hold the Shift key.
    3. Release the Shift key when you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.

    After the Apple logo appears, it might take longer than usual to reach the login screen or your desktop. This is because your Mac performs a directory check of your startup disk as part of safe mode.

    To leave safe mode, restart your computer without pressing any keys during startup

    Try safe mode if your Mac doesn't finish starting up

     

    If you still notice the issue in safe mode, I suggest testing in another user. This can isolate the issue to specific user settings or files. Please follow the instructions in this link:

     

    How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac

     

    Have an amazing day!