If you’re experiencing the ‘No Camera Available’ error on your Mac, don’t worry – you’re not alone. This common error can occur when using video or FaceTime calls. Luckily, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to fix this issue.
Restart Your Mac
First and foremost, try restarting your Mac. This simple step can often resolve software glitches and refresh your system’s cache. After restarting, check if the camera is working properly.
Force Quit AppleCameraAssistant and VDCAssistant
If the restart doesn’t work, you can try force quitting the AppleCameraAssistant and VDCAssistant processes. These processes support the camera functionality in macOS. Here’s how:
- Close any applications that are using the camera.
- Open the Terminal application on your Mac.
- Type or paste “sudo killall AppleCameraAssistant” and press Enter.
- Type or paste “sudo killall VDCAssistant” and press Enter.
Once done, try using your camera again in apps like FaceTime or Skype.
Check for Updates
If the issue persists or keeps recurring, make sure that you have the latest updates installed on your Mac and the applications you’re using. Check for updates regularly and install them to patch any known issues.
Reset NVRAM
As a last resort, you can try resetting the NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) on your Mac. This will erase any custom settings you may have made, but it can help resolve persistent camera issues. Here’s how:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn it on and immediately hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys at the same time.
- Hold these keys for about 20 seconds or until you hear the startup sound, then release them.
- Go to System Preferences to reset any customized settings.
After resetting the NVRAM, your Mac should boot normally. However, you may need to reconfigure certain settings, such as the time zone.
Hopefully, one of these troubleshooting steps will help you resolve the ‘No Camera Available’ error on your Mac. If you have any other tips or questions, feel free to let us know!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What does the ‘No Camera Available’ error mean?
A: The ‘No Camera Available’ error is a common issue in macOS that occurs when the camera is not accessible or recognized by the system. It is often encountered during or after video or FaceTime calls.
Q: Why is restarting my Mac recommended as the first step?
A: Restarting your Mac can help refresh the system’s cache and resolve minor software glitches. It is a simple troubleshooting step that often resolves various issues, including camera-related problems.