Resolving macOS Webcam Issues

Snap Camera running but webcam not working?

So you managed to get Snap Camera working, but now your webcam is not showing as a source or is showing a blank/yellow screen?

The following steps will help you get the problem under control. After each step you can test whether your webcam is working as expected. This will help you in the future to know exactly what the problem was.

Steps 1 and 2 require a restart in recovery mode. These two steps can also be combined by running the terminal commands one after the other.

1. Restore legacy video device support

1. Restart your Mac into Recovery Mode.
   • Use macOS Recovery on a Mac with Apple silicon
   • Use macOS Recovery on an Intel-based Mac
2. Click the Options button, then click Continue.
3. From the Utilities menu, choose Terminal.
4. Enter this command:

   system-override legacy-camera-plugins-without-sw-camera-indication=on

   If you receive the error message: command not found you will have to Turn off FileVault on Mac first.
5. Press Enter/Return.
   • Depending on your system configuration, you might be prompted to complete additional steps.
6. Quit Terminal.
7. Reboot your Mac
   • (From the Apple menu, choose Restart)

2. Enabling DAL plugins

1. Restart your Mac into Recovery Mode.
2. Click the Options button, then click Continue.
3. From the Utilities menu, choose Terminal.
4. Enter this command:

   csrutil enable --without fs

5. Press Enter/Return.
6. Quit Terminal.
7. Reboot your Mac
   • (From the Apple menu, choose Restart)

3. Check App Permissions Settings

1. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings > Privacy & Security.
2. Click Camera in the right menu and you will find the applications that have access to the camera.
3. Toggle on the applications you're using to have access to your camera.

4. Check Screen Time Settings

1. Click the Apple menu and select System Settings
2. Click Screen Time > Content & Privacy.
3. Click App Restrictions and ensure the Allow Camera option is toggled on.
4. Return to the Screen Time menu and click App Limits. If you need to use your camera with an app in the list, make sure the app is off or not selected.

5. Restart Camera-Related Processes

1. Open a new Terminal (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
2. Enter the first command:

   sudo killall VDCAssistant AppleCameraAssistant appleh13camerad

3. Press Enter/Return.
4. Enter the second command:

   sudo launchctl kickstart -k system/com.apple.appleh13camerad

5. Press Enter/Return.

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Still no luck with your webcam? Make sure to read the helpful link below.

Helpful Links

• If you can't use your camera or video output device after updating to macOS Sonoma 14.1
• Mac Camera Not Working after Sequoia Update? 11 Quick Fixes
• How to Fix Camera Not Working in macOS Sonoma
• macOS Virtual Camera Compatibility
• Enabling DAL plugins on macOS