MacBook Pro Camera Not Working? Possible Reasons & Fixes To Try
There could be a few reasons why the camera on a MacBook Pro is not working, but there are also a few simple fixes that are worth trying to remedy the situation. With the increase in people now working and schooling from home, and using video-communication apps to stay in touch with friends and family, having access to a working camera has never been more important.
Apple offers more than one notebook option, but the MacBook Pro is largely the best option. The upgrade in performance doesn’t come cheap, however, with the MacBook Pro lineup tending to be more expensive as well. How much more expensive typically comes down to the size needed, with the smallest MacBook Pro a lot more affordable than the 16-inch model. Regardless of which model is purchased, users can occasionally encounter issues, such as the camera not turning on when it should.
One of the benefits of the camera on a MacBook is that it doesn’t have to be enabled to begin with. Therefore, it is worth making sure it is enabled, as there is a difference between the camera not working and thinking it isn't working. Basically, after opening any macOS app that typically uses the camera, a green indicator light next to the camera should be visible. If it is, the camera is enabled and working as expected, and the user just needs to start a video session or a recording. If the indicator does not light up, then there might be an issue with the camera. Worst still, if it's flashing green, it could be more serious and one where Apple recommends contacting the company.
If the camera indicator does not light up, then one of the first things to check is the permissions. Any app that wants access to the camera requires permission from the user. Due to this, if the app has not yet been given permission, the camera will remain disabled. To check the permissions for a specific app, tap on the Apple menu icon, then on System Preferences followed by Security & Privacy and finally on Privacy. From here, click on Camera and make sure the checkbox next to the app has been checked.
If the app has permission, then it is worth checking a different app altogether. This is to make sure the issue is not with the app. Again, after checking whether the different video app has been granted permission, launch the alternate app and check to see whether the green light turns on. If it does, then the app is likely to be encountering a problem. In this case, it might be worth disabling the camera permission for the app and re-enabling permission again, as well as checking for any available app updates.
Speaking of which, software updates in general are always worth checking for. If there is a macOS update available for the MacBook Pro, then downloading and installing the update could help to clear any outstanding issues, including the camera not turning on when it should.
Source: Apple