charlie636
Level 1 (4 points)
Desktops

Q: Random webcam light flashes - HELP

The LED green light on my mac book pro randomly turned on and off at times. This is while I am not running any webcam associated programmes. Is this normal? I might sound paranoid but am worried someone could have hacked or got into my webcam? I don't use the camera at all or any related programs so don't see why it would turn off and on at random times. A few friends have also noticed this while my laptop has been in uni lectures etc

MacBook Pro with Retina display, iOS 9.3.2

Posted on Aug 8, 2016 3:06 AM

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charlie636

Q: Random webcam light flashes - HELP

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  • by chris_g1,

    chris_g1 chris_g1 Aug 8, 2016 5:23 PM in response to charlie636
    Community Specialists
    Aug 8, 2016 5:23 PM in response to charlie636

    Hey charlie636,

     

     

     

     

     

    Thanks for reaching out to the Apple Support Communities for assistance. Based on what you've described, it sounds like the LED indicator light for your FaceTime HD camera is coming on unexpectedly while you're not running any programs that access your camera. I can understand this being a concern, so I'd like to provide some suggestions that may help.

     

     

     

    Before we begin, please create a backup of your data using Time Machine. This will ensure that your data is safe before you proceed with any troubleshooting steps:

     

    Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac - Apple Support

     

     

     

    As a first step, I'd recommend that you reset your Mac's System Management Controller (SMC). Performing this reset can sometimes help with issues related to indicator lights. You can find more information on this process here:

     

    Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

     

     

     

    It is also a good idea to check for any available updates for your Macbook Pro. The following article goes over how to check for any available updates:

     

    Update the software on your Mac - Apple Support

     

     

     

    Once you have performed these two steps, please try using OS X apps that access your camera like FaceTime or Photo Booth to see if the indicator light is coming on as expected. Once you've tested this, please fully quit these apps to ensure the light goes off as normal.

     

     

     

    If the problem persists, it may be a good idea to try creating a "test" user account on your Mac to help isolate the issue further. This will give you an idea if the problem is user-specific or system-wide. Take a look at this website for more information:

     

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

     

     

     

     

     

    Take care!

     

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