FaceTime

[zen42]

Yesterday I tried to FaceTime and I received the message – connect a camera in order to use FaceTime. I then updated to the newest version 15.7.2 but I still wasn't able to FaceTime. I then checked Photo Booth which does not function either. So that means it is not a FaceTime issue. Upon checking system report I receive the message – no devices for video recording found. It looks like the camera has vanished!

Thanks for any help!

 

[Bigwaff]

How about some details regarding the year, model, and configuration of your Mac?

 

[zen42]

MacBook Pro
15-inch 2018
2,6 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7
Intel UHD Graphics 630 1536 MB
16 GB 2400 MHz DDR4
15.7.2 (24G325)

 

[Bigwaff]

Run diagnostics for Intel processor Mac and report back

Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac - Apple Support

Apple Diagnostics, formerly known as Apple Hardware Test, can check your Mac for hardware issues.

support.apple.com

 

[zen42]

Thanks, but according to the Hardware Test there are no issues!

 

[DeltaMac]

Does the camera appear in your System Information app, under "Camera"?
(Find the System Information app in the Utilities folder, which will be in the Applications folder.

 

[zen42]

No, it doesn't!

 

[Bigwaff]

My guess is one or more of the ribbon cables which run through the display hinge and connect the camera to the logic board and has been bent/cut/damaged over time. Most likely will require an entire display replacement.

 

[zen42]

That does not sound good. However, thanks but couldn't it be a software issue? I guess I will let it check at an Apple Store.

 

[kody137]

That does not sound good. However, thanks but couldn't it be a software issue? I guess I will let it check at an Apple Store.

Could try a safe boot, but if it is a software issue, doing a reinstall of MacOS might be the only way to test and see.

 

[AlixSPQR]

You can try booting your Mac with a Live USB Linux, i.e. Ubuntu, and test the web cam in Cheese (Photo Booth equivalent in Ubuntu).

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Unfortunately, my guess is that it’s a hardware issue as well.
I had the exact same issue with my 2016 MacBook Pro several years ago, the ribbon cables in the lids of those Touch Bar era machines are famously awful and easily damaged.

 

[zen42]

Unfortunately, my guess is that it’s a hardware issue as well.
I had the exact same issue with my 2016 MacBook Pro several years ago, the ribbon cables in the lids of those Touch Bar era machines are famously awful and easily damaged.

Thanks, and how much did it cost to fix the issue?

 

[keksikuningas]

Thanks, and how much did it cost to fix the issue?

there was a replacement program. outside of it the cost to replace the display is easily twice or thrice the cost of your macbook on the used market. I would just consider buying an apple silicon air if the OS reinstall doesn't help (meaning it's a hardware issue from the ribbon cable rubbing over time)

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Thanks, and how much did it cost to fix the issue?

It was covered by AppleCare.
I don’t know how much it would cost these days, but my guess is, since the 2018 MacBook Pro was discontinued in May 2019, Apple likely won’t even replace it at all due to that computer being declared vintage in 2024.

 

[kody137]

Yeah Apple won't repair this once since it's vintage. Best bet is to try the OS reinstall, or look into a new device. A third party repair shop could do it, but you would probably be looking somewhere in the ballpark of ~$6-800+

 

[DeltaMac]

Or, you could purchase a USB webcam, like one from Logitech, and use that as a replacement for a dead internal camera. It won't be built-in, but will be something that you can use. It would be your choice on how to mount and use an external webcam. And, much cheaper than replacing the display, if all you need is a working camera.

 

[zen42]

Or, you could purchase a USB webcam, like one from Logitech, and use that as a replacement for a dead internal camera. It won't be built-in, but will be something that you can use. It would be your choice on how to mount and use an external webcam. And, much cheaper than replacing the display, if all you need is a working camera.

Thanks, that a good idea but should't the iPhone work as a webcam?

 

[zen42]

there was a replacement program. outside of it the cost to replace the display is easily twice or thrice the cost of your macbook on the used market. I would just consider buying an apple silicon air if the OS reinstall doesn't help (meaning it's a hardware issue from the ribbon cable rubbing over time)

Yes, I am planning to buy a new MacBook Air which is supposed to come out next year. However, my wife still uses a 11 and 13 year old MacBook Pro and usually I pass my computer to her. Besides, other that the camera everything works find but I have to say this model and its predecessor are ****** computers compared to the old ones.