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Mid 2012 model, A1278 / 2.5 GHz i5 or 2.9 GHz i7 processor.

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Camera not detected after moving computer

Hi everyone,

I typically work at a desk, plugged into an external display. As long as I don’t move the computer, my camera works every time I need it (multiple times a week.)

Every once in a while I’ll unplug and take my laptop elsewhere. Most times that I move, when I go to use my webcam for video calls the camera is not detected until I restart my computer. Restarting works every time.

Has anyone had this problem before? Any ideas on what I can do to fix this?

Thanks!

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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Very odd!

Did you try running the onboard diagnostics to see if that popped an error? Restart your system and press the D key. It might not work as Apple messed up the firmware depending on what macOS you are running.

Reference: Mac startup key combinations

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I found a solution! Fixed it every time.

Open terminal and type in: sudo killall VDCAssistant

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Does this only happen when moving the entire computer? or just if the display on the laptop gets moved? If it’s only when the screen is being moved it sounds like it could be a short in the cable that connects the camera.

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It's only if I pick up and move the whole machine. I can close the screen and re-open it and it works fine.

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Amber Taus will be eternally grateful.
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