How to fix
Camera not working
on Windows

Hey, I have the MacBook that was recently upgraded to Big Sur, but the camera no longer works now. Troubleshooting gives no results for me and I tried the external camera too. That is not working. I don't know what settings should be altered. Help!

The camera not working in macOS Big Sur is the issue that other users after the particular macOS update[ref en-1] and is only one of many issues that recent updates of the OS create. Camera feature is great for video calls, conference meetings, and filming home videos or vlogs. Especially, when the time during pandemic changed our habits[ref en-2] of living.

This problem might occur in various apps from FaceTime, Photo Booth, Zoom, to skype and other applications that use the camera. You can fix this camera not working in macOS Big Sur issue, but it is important to troubleshoot and find the reason why this is occurring. Since the external device does not work too, it might be the settings and connection issue.

Sometimes the camera might not work due to connection issues when the device is not connected, but you should receive the "camera not connected" message when that is the case. You might need to fix the camera not working in macOS Big Sur or even more issues like the display not working after the particular Big Sur update.[ref en-3] That can be done by checking connections and restarting processes.

If the camera not working in macOS Big Sur due to some file corruption or compatibility issues, you might need some more in-depth solutions. However, one of the quickest ways to check if the machine is affected due to the corrupted or damaged files - [d1]. Such an application can act as the virus removal tool if your device is in need of a security tool. It can also indicate pieces that require repair. 

Method 1. Restart the video app to fix the camera not working

• Press Cmd + Q to close the current app.
• After quitting an app, restart it again as normal.
• If you cannot quit the app normally, press Option + Cmd + Esc to open the force quit window.
• Select your app, then click the Force Quit button.

Method 2. Allow camera access to fix camera not working in macOS Big Sur

• Go to the Apple menu by clicking on the apple icon at the top.
  

  

• Find System Preferences.
• Then choose Security & Privacy.
• Privacy.
  

  

  
  
• Select Camera from the sidebar.
• Then check the box next to the app you want to use. You will need to unlock the padlock at the bottom with your administrator’s password to make changes.
  

  

Method 3. Check if the camera is connected

• Open the Apple menu and go to About This Mac.
• Then click the System Report button to see a run-down of all the connected hardware.
• Select Camera from the sidebar to view your MacBook camera details. It should give the number of the camera.

Method 4. Update the OS and your apps

• Open Apple menu and go to System Preferences.
• Find Software Update to look for macOS updates.
• Open the App Store and click Updates in the sidebar to look for app updates.

Method 5. Shut down and restart to fix camera not working in macOS Big Sur

• Open Apple menu and choose to Shut Down your Mac.
• Choose not to Reopen windows when logging back in.
• Confirm the Shut Down.
  

  

• Wait for 30 seconds and restart by pressing the Power button. 

Method 6. Reinstall macOS

• Open the Apple menu and Shut Down your Mac.
• After it finishes shutting down, press the Power button, then immediately press and hold Cmd + R to boot into Recovery mode.
  

  

• In the macOS Utilities window that appears, choose to Reinstall macOS and follow the on-screen prompts.