- You can decide which apps are allowed to use the camera on your Mac. On your Mac, choose Apple menu System Preferences, click Security & Privacy, then click Privacy. Open the Privacy pane for me. Select the checkbox next to an app to allow it to access your camera. Deselect the checkbox to turn off access for that app.
- Bring the magic of Snapchat Lenses to your live streams and video chats. Introducing Snap Camera Bring the magic of Lenses to your live streams and video chats on PC & Mac. Video chat: now with Lenses Compatible with your favorite apps. How to use Snap Camera Watch this quick tutorial and learn how to introduce.
The only issue I have with Android camera apps is I can only use my Chromebook's built-in camera, my external camera connected by USB is either not being recognised or I guess maybe that's normal for Android apps because generally who would connect an external camera to their Smartphone right. But I always thought it was possible anyways.
We all use Webcam, be it those random video calls, meetings or interviews. And for that, what you have to deal with your crappy little Laptop’s camera. Recently, I was stuck in a meeting with my webcam not working and then the idea struck. What if I could use my phone’s camera as a webcam? For the moment, I found an app but it was a sort of buggy. So, I went in for the search of a good app that could really solve my problem.
Below is the list of apps that could enable your phone to double up as a webcam. These apps are both for Android as well as iOS and works on both Mac and Windows. Let’s begin.
Read: Bridge The Gap Between Windows And Android
Use Phone Camera as Web Camera For PC And Mac
Before we start with the apps, it’s important to know how to connect the phone camera with the client app. These apps mentioned below work on a client-server model. So, connecting them is a standard process. To demonstrate I will be using the IP WebCam mobile app and for testing, we will be using the Skype desktop application.
How to Connect Your Phone Camera
1. Foremost, download and install the IP WebCam app on your mobile phone. Now, open the app and navigate to the bottom of the screen and tap on “Start Server”.
Make sure your phone and PC are on the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Once you start the server on the phone, you will see the URL to connect. In my case, the URL is “http://192.168.1.136:8080” as you can see below.
This URL is used to control the mobile camera through your PC or Mac. You have to enter the URL on the web browser and you will get all the camera controls and settings.
3. Now, to set up your smartphone camera as an IP webcam, you need to download and install the desktop app. Once done, type “Configure IP Camera Adapter” on the start menu and click on it.
4. On the desktop application, type the same URL displayed on the mobile app. Suffix the URL with “/videofeed”. Finally, the URL should look like “http://192.168.1.136:8080/videofeed”.
5. Once you have entered the URL, tap on the “Auto Detect” button to test the connection. If the connection is successful, you will get the following message.
6. In case the connection is successful then click on the “Apply” button to register the changes.
7. Next, we have to set our mobile webcam as the default camera inside Skype. To do that open the Skype Desktop app, and click on the three dots at the top-left corner. From the extended menu, click on Settings.
8. In the Settings menu, go to the “Audio & Video” tab to change the video settings.
9. From the video settings, change the camera from “HD Webcam” to “MJPEG Camera”. This should stream the video feed from your phone. Now, you can use your phone camera as a webcam on Skype.
Apps To Use Phone as WebCam
1. IP Camera Lite
Most of the iOS webcam apps are either paid or just don’t work. IP Camera Lite is an exception among these, it is one of the free webcam apps on iOS which works. The app UI is traditional and you will be greeted with a blank screen. At the bottom of the screen, you have a button named “Turn on IP Camera Server”. Click on it, the phone camera and the webcam server is started with a connection URL on the screen.
Next, you have to connect through the web browser. IP Camera Lite also has a desktop app but we’ll get to that in a bit. Just enter the URL provided on the phone camera app, you will be prompted for credentials. By default, the username and the password is “admin”(configurable in the mobile app). The video stream works fine, however, there is a noticeable lag in the footage. IP Camera Lite works for most of the web-based video calling services like Skype, Team Viewer, Slack, etc.
The IP Camera Lite is the best app you can get for iOS. However, in the free version, you get a watermark at the top right corner. Moreover, the desktop application of the IP Camera Lite just doesn’t work. In my testing, It ended up not responding mostly. So, I wouldn’t recommend using the desktop app which gives rise to 1 major problem. It won’t work with desktop apps like Skype for Desktop.
What’s good?
- The web app works flawlessly with a slight amount of lag
- Option to even share your smartphone’s microphone
What’s not?
- No option to select video camera resolution
- Watermark on the video footage in the free variant
- Desktop app doesn’t work, hence you can only use it with the web-based video conferencing apps
Premium Features ($1.99): No watermark, Video recording upload via FTP or One Drive, Mail notify, port forwarding, etc.
Platform: Windows, iOS, macOS, Android.
Download IP Camera Lite (Android | iOS | Windows | macOS)
2. IP Webcam
IP Webcam is another webcam app for Android and Windows. The interface of the app is fairly orthodox with the settings menu as the home page. You can choose to set a login password for the client app and the preferred port. By default, the port is 8080. The best thing is IP Webcam supports streaming up to maximum camera resolution. So, if your smartphone camera can shoot 4k videos, you can stream in 4k as well.
The setup is similar to IP Camera lite. You can connect to the phone camera via a web browser or desktop application. But thankfully, the desktop application here works flawlessly. You can set the video resolution through the mobile app and the client desktop app. Other features involve using the phone as a CCTV camera, live footage preview, downloading footage, etc.
The connection process on the IP webcam is smooth, however, you don’t get basic features on the smartphone app. Like, you cannot flip between the rear and front camera. You have to instead go to the web portal to do this.
What’s good?
- Options to use your phone camera as a CCTV
- Live preview of footage on the web portal
- Option to download the smartphone camera footage
What’s not?
- Smartphone app doesn’t have basic features like flipping camera, setting resolution
Premium Features ($4): Video footage upload to Dropbox or SFTP server, audio recording and streaming.
Platform: Windows, Android.
Camera App For Macbook
Download IP Webcam (Android | Windows)
3. DroidCam
DroidCam is a small webcam utility but with some extra features. Unlike other apps, the interface of DroidCam is pretty basic. As soon as you open the app, you will be greeted with the connection details. Similar to the other apps, you can change the credentials as well as the port number.
You can also connect to the mobile app via the web browser or desktop application. DroidCam also provides additional options for connection via USB or Wi-Fi. It is a great option as the latency when connected through USB is insignificant. The app supports a resolution of only up to 480p in the free version. It also provides an extra option of keeping the camera awake in the background. This really makes the webcam very sneaky and you can use it to monitor kids.
The app connection is one of the best out there but it lacks basic controls. You cannot flip the camera after you have established the connection. The resolution is also limited to 480p in the free version.
What’s good?
- Provides additional connection options like Hotspot and USB
- Smartphone application can also work in the background
![Free Free](/uploads/1/1/7/8/117888689/691667414.jpg)
What’s not?
- Free variant offers a max resolution of 480p
- Cannot flip camera after the connection is established
Premium Features: No Ads, High-res video support (up to 720p in HD Mode), Experimental ‘FPS Boost’ option for up to 2x the framerates.
Platform: Windows, Linux, Android.
Download DroidCam Wireless Webcam (Windows | Linux | Android)
Read: 7 Best Airdrop Alternatives for Android, iOS, and Windows
Camera App For Macbook Pro
4. iVCam
iVCam is the only app in the segment with more of a modern UI. As soon as you open the app, iVCam starts searching for the laptop with the client app in the local network. Once, it detects the app the camera interface opens. iVCam has one of the smoothest connection processes in the list.
The camera interface here is quite unique out of the other 3. It supports swipe gestures. You can swipe left/right to adjust ISO, up/down to adjust the exposure, and pinch to zoom. The gestures come handy and all-in-all the app UI is pretty intuitive. It tells you about the network connectivity and even has an auto-reconnect feature. In addition to it, you can also connect multiple devices to your iPhone. That way, it broadcasts the same video stream to all the devices.
The overall experience of the app is wonderful with just one major complaint. You get full-screen ads between the video streaming. I mean, you can live with banner ads and watermark but full-screen ads are a deal-breaker.
What’s good?
- Smartphone camera app is the most intuitive in this list
- Automatic detection of the smartphone camera in the LAN
- Smartphone app supports touch gestures to change ISO, zoom level, etc
- Option to connect multiple desktops to a single smartphone camera
What’s not?
- Full-screen ads
Premium Features ($7.99): No Ads and watermark.
Platform: Windows, iOS.
Download iVCam (iOS | Windows)
Which one should you choose?
If you are using an iPhone with a PC or Mac, then IP Camera Lite is a good option. In case you have a Windows system and an iPad or iPhone, consider buying the premium version of iVCam. For the Android and Windows combination, IP Webcam works best. You get clear footage at the highest resolution and without any watermark.
For any queries or issues, comment below and let me know.
Also Read: Top 5 Best Screen Recording Software For macOS (Free)
Sep 21, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
Your MacBook camera can disappoint you when you least expect it, especially with the MacBook camera not working.
FaceTime cameras as in Windows come in-built on the Apple computer top bezel. They are designed to work with other internal Apple components.
However, because of reduced or interrupted communication between various components such as the motherboard, MacOS, etc., the integrated camera fails.
Therefore, this article will discuss camera issues in four parts.
Part 1. Why Is MacBook Camera Not Working?
The ability to have face to face conversations and take photos without your iPhone has made Apple’s webcams very popular. The Apple company refers to them as FaceTime Cameras.
When you find your MacBook Pro camera not working, the chances are that it is a software-related issue. When MacBook camera malfunctions, it doesn’t come about progressively, so there is no way to know when it’ll stop working altogether.
However, the MacOS usually displays an error message when your camera is not working.
Some of the reasons why your laptop camera is not working may include but are not limited to:
- Internet connection
- Software malfunction
- Corrupted settings
- Incompatible with updates
- Wear and tear
- Physical damage
- Camera settings
Internet connection
As you all know, the Internet is the most fundamental medium of communication any time you find yourself to turn on the camera on Mac for a video call. The Internet connects the applications that require to use the camera with other users on the other side.
Unfortunately, most of us overlook this aspect. You might forget to check your Internet connectivity because you are in a hurry and at times it is a poor connection.
Software malfunction
What software, the MacOS? Well, no. These are the software apps that use your Mac camera.
The integrated camera can only be used by one application at a time. Therefore, when several applications are on, e.g., Skype or FaceTime app, coordination is disrupted. Therefore, none of the apps can use the camera, which results in an error.
You should realize that the MacBook camera has no dedicated application attached to it, so, any available app that can use it takes control.
Corrupted settings
Anything that corrupts is not a safe entity. Viruses are usually the number one culprit. But what are the viruses and how do they get into your system?
A virus is a malicious code designed to disrupt software or destruction of data. So even though MacBook computers are quite secure, it doesn’t mean they are entirely immune to virus attacks.
Therefore, you need to install a trustworthy anti-virus and scan your system regularly.
Incompatible updates
Update to the MacOS keeps it more secure and offers a much more seamless user experience. However, it doesn’t mean that they are going to play well with other apps.
It is so since specific updates can change the general operation of your macOS and disrupt the communication between software that uses the camera and the OS. It is more common with users that have their systems set to automatic updates.
Wear and tear
It refers to the aging process of your integrated camera. In case you are wondering how a built-in camera can wear out, you’re in the right place.
Your Mac camera has components that make it work. These components are exposed to elements such as dust and humidity. Furthermore, they require electricity to operate. Therefore, constant exposure to these entities wears down the camera.
Dust accumulation over time often contributes to a blockage of contacts on the tiny wires. Humidity and electricity can cause short-circuit of small components.
Physical damage
Physical damage to Mac cameras is more familiar with laptops. The portability of a MacBook makes it vulnerable to accidents. Most of the time, your camera gets hit by an object when you list expect it.
Furthermore, the MacBook can accidentally take a fall. In such cases, it’s difficult to tell what components have suffered from the fall, primarily if internal. In such cases, the only remedy is to replace your camera.
Camera settings
Apple has provided no dedicated application for its FaceTime camera. Instead, applications that require its use take charge by their settings.
The settings on these applications may not play well with the macOS. Also, different apps have different settings. Therefore, some applications may not even work.
It means when the OS gives a camera error message on your Mac, it doesn’t necessarily mean the camera has an issue. It could just as well be the software using it. You can, therefore, try different apps to ensure.
Part 2. How to Connect and Turn on the Camera on Mac
Your Mac computer comes with its integrated camera. However, you might want to make use of a webcam camera for various reasons such as High definition recording and better sound capturing.
1. How to Connect Camera on Mac
- Check if your camera comes with a connection port on its side.
- Ensure there is a cable for connecting, and it should match the USB port on your Mac.
- Connect the camera to your MacBook using the cable.
- Ensure you use the Type-C port to facilitate two-way communication.
Once connected, your camera should be immediately detected and ready for use by any available app.
2. How to Turn on Camera on Mac
When it comes to turning on the camera on your Mac, there is no on and off switch. Neither is there a software dedicated to operating the camera.
With Mac Computers, application software such as Photo Booth, the FaceTime app, and Skype each have settings that control the camera. With Skype, go to:
- On the top left is the Skype tab. Click on it.
- Click on preferences on the Skype menu.
- Under preferences, click on the video option.
- Mark the checkbox ‘Enable Skype Video.’
Therefore, once you launch these applications, your camera should automatically turn on and at that moment, it’s in use by that particular software.
To turn on Camera using Facetime, Skype or Photobooth:
- Go to Applications > Utilities.
- Click on the app icon you want to use.
You can also use Spotlight to get to your application by typing its name.
Part 3. How to Fix MacBook Camera Not Working
Now for all the Mac users whose iMac camera is not working, this section is essential.
1. Restart the camera app
Restarting any camera app requires you to close it relaunch it.
Doing so gives it the chance to load up the settings anew, this time doing so correctly.
However, for some reason, your app may refuse to close.
When this happens, you’ll have to force quit the app.
2. Force quit the camera app
This option is for stubborn apps that refuse to close. It allows the application to start again with newly loaded configurations. To do so, follow the steps below:
- Go to the Apple icon at the top left.
- Select the ‘Force Quit apps’ option.
- On the window that appears, select a camera application.
- Click on the ‘Force Quit button at the bottom right.
To be sure, you can kill any other app that you may not know of, that might be using the camera. You will eventually force quit all applications.
It can be quickly done from the terminal using the following steps:
- Launch the terminal either from the utility folder or using the Spotlight app.
- Type the command ‘sudo killall VDCAssistant.’ The VDCAssistant is a process launched whenever an app tries to use your integrated camera. Therefore, when this process fails, that’s when you realize your laptop camera is not working.
- On the password prompt, enter your password. It is the same password you used to log in on your MacBook.
- No output should come up which means all applications should be closed.
If the terminal process sounds complex to you, you can make use of the Activity monitor.
- First of all, from the Spotlight app, type Activity Monitor.
- Click on the icon that comes up to launch it.
- Select the CPU tab at the top. Here you will see many processes in action.
- On the top right on the search box, type VDC. The VDCAssistant process will be isolated on the monitor.
- Select the process.
- On the top left is an ‘X’ icon (not the red dot). Click on it to end the process.
![Camera App For Mac Camera App For Mac](/uploads/1/1/7/8/117888689/276273526.png)
3. Restart your MacBook
Any processes using the camera in the background will terminate by a restart of your MacBook. There are three ways of doing so:
- By clicking on the Apple icon and choosing restart on its menu.
- By pressing the Power button and on the dialog box that appears, click on ‘Restart.’
- By simultaneously pressing Control + Command + Eject/Power button, which is the most reliable as it’s not dependent on the OS.
Once the computer is on, launch a camera app to see if it will still bring up an error.
4. Reboot MacBook in Safe Mode
Rebooting Mac in safe mode guarantees there will be no disruptions with the OS operations. But what is safe mode? Sometimes referred to as safe boot, allows your MacBook to perform certain software checks such as:
- Preventing startup apps from opening automatically.
- Verifies your MacBook startup disk and repair directory issues where possible.
- Fonts get disabled, specifically user-installed ones.
- The kernel cache and other system cache files get deleted.
- Only required kernel extensions are loaded.
So, how can you start up your MacBook in safe mode?
- Restart your MacBook, then immediately press and hold down the shift key. The Apple logo should appear.
- Release the shift key when the login window appears.
In the safe mode, if no issue arises, it means the problem was due to either a cache or directory issue.
But how do you know you are in safe mode?
- Go to system information.
- Click on the software tab an on the right panel find the Boot Mode. It should be labeled ‘safe’.
Part 4. How to Fix Camera Apps Not Working on Mac
Camera apps available on the MacBook include FaceTime app, Skype, and Photo Booth. These apps connect with the integrated camera and use the Internet for communication. Unfortunately, they can stop working for one reason or the other. Therefore, let’s take a look into how to fix each one.
1. FaceTime Camera Not Working
FaceTime is Apple’s app that you can use for video calling. So, how can you troubleshoot FaceTime not working on your MacBook?
- Try quitting facetime then restart it.
- Check your Internet connection
- Go to the Apple menu.
- Select Preferences.
- Click on ‘Network control panel and check if your Mac is connected to your Wi-Fi.
- Inspect to see if your macOS is up to date. Apple could have changed settings on the service that requires you to perform an update before enjoying the service. Therefore, to check on updates.
- Go to settings.
- Click on the General tab.
- Check on Software Update.
- The FaceTime app could be switched off.
- Go to settings and check on its status.
- Switch it on if it was off.
- Check on FaceTime set-up
- Click on FaceTime on the top menu bar.
- Go to preferences
- Next to ‘Start new calls from’ is a drop-down menu. Click on it.
Ensure the email address and phone number are correct.
2. Skype Camera Not Working
Solutions for Skype not working include:
- Restarting your MacBook
- Go to the Apple logo.
- On the drop-down menu, select Restart.
- Also, you can use the shortcut keys Control + Command + Eject/Power button to restart.
- Check on your Internet connectivity. We have already explained the process of connecting to Wi-Fi above. However, if you are using an Ethernet cable here are the steps:
- Check on your MacBook RJ45 port and try fixing it securely.
- Check on the router’s side if the cable is well secured.
- Inspect your ethernet cable for physical damage.
- Reinstalling Skype. To do so, you first must uninstall Skype completely, then install it again. It will give you the latest version of Skype.
- Go to Skype on the top menu bar.
- Select Quit Skype.
- Find Skype under the applications folder and drag and drop to the trash.
- Go to the preferences folder and move ‘com.skype.skype.plist’ to the trash.
- Open Finder. Type Skype. Delete all results that come up.
- Now empty the trash.
- Restart your Mac.
- Testing your camera
- Click on Skype on the top left of the menu bar.
- Go to preferences
- Under the audio/video, select your webcam.
3. Photo Booth Camera Not Working
- Check your Internet connection, as described above.
- Make sure your operating system is up to date.
- Lastly, reinstall Photo Booth by using the macOS DVD that came with it.
Conclusion
The integrated camera has been designed to be convenient for you when you need to do a video chat. However, some are not aware of how to enable the camera on Mac while some others wonder how to turn on the camera on Mac.
Well, you should realize that Apple made no extra control features for the webcam. It is designed to work with all camera apps such as the FaceTime app, Skype, and Photo Booth. Unfortunately, these very same applications cause inconveniences, and you face my camera isn’t working problem.
Many issues like Mac camera settings, there is no connected camera that leads to the failure of the camera. Hence, we tried to outline various methods you or anybody else can use in troubleshooting. Finally, we recommend that you share this article with your friends and relatives alike. Spread the word that MacBook cameras are not a failure.
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