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My iMac camera works for FaceTime and other web apps; however, when I try to use the camera to redeem an Apple gift card in Music/iTunes, the camera light comes on (green) and the window pops up but the window is blank like the camera is off. Using Sequoia 15.1.1 on intel iMac. I rebooted several times. No change.
iMac (2017 – 2020)
Okay, I suspect the root of your problem is having Clean Geeker and Nord VPN installed. They do not have to be running in order to create havoc. At best the types of third party apps I asked about are 100% worthless, they do NOTHING that Mac OS does not already do. At worst what the do is damage Mac OS, make Mac OS appear buggy (much like what you are experiencing) , make Mac OS slow and in return do nothing but take your money.
Please locate the uninstall instruction for Clean Geeker and Nord VPN and execute both to the letter. Then restart in Safe Mode again and then restart normally and test.
If the problem is still there after the above has been executed please provide an EtreCheck report of your system. I have provided instructions below for that:
It will help us get a good idea of what is causing your problem if you provide a report of your system, that way we do not have to play 20 questions with you. The report we are requesting does NOT provide any personal information and is extremely safe to use. Please navigate towww.Etrecheck.com and download the free version of EtreCheck. Once you have you downloaded the app and installed it, please run the report and save it. This report will help us get a good idea what has been installed on your system and help us be able to diagnose what may be wrong.
When you have your report, you can attach it when you reply to this message and we can then review it and help you determine what is needed to get your system running well again.
For instructions on how to download your EtreCheck report and attach it to your reply to this message please click How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community It is helpful to us if you download the report to your Desktop.
Yes, the camera on the Mac can be used to redeem Apple gift cards. It should work as you follow your process.
If a simple reboot of your Mac doesn’t fix things, see if the problem still happens in safe mode.
How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support
Safe mode will often correct weird software behavior by forcing the OS to do disk repair, clear caches and other housekeeping and temporarily disables third-party mods. When you're in safe boot, the machine won’t be at its best performance, especially with graphics, but that's expected.
Can you use the camera while in safe mode?
You can exit safe mode by restarting your Mac normally, then reevaluate the problem.
I don't know if a Mac is suitable to put in gift cards with the camera, I always do it with my iPhone instead of the Mac
BTW, do you have any of the following third party apps installed on your Mac?
• Antivirus Apps
• Cleaning Apps
• Security Apps
• VPN Apps
• Maintenance Apps
Everything at that location is set to "Ask", but I don't see a specific site listed that would be used to redeem. I am trying to redeem in the Music app Music > Account > Redeem > Use Camera.
• Antivirus Apps - No
• Cleaning Apps - Not installed but ran Clean Geeker about 2 weeks ago.
• Security Apps - No
• VPN Apps - Nord VPN but not loaded
• Maintenance Apps - Not sure what those would be, but don't think so.
The last time I would have used the camera this way (Apple Music) was last Black Friday when I purchased the gift cards.
Some guides resort to reinstalling. If I look at reinstalling with macOS Recovery, it's going to put it back to the original OS it came with in 2020 isn't it? Then I have to do an upgrade to Sequoia? I'd really hate to do all that work.
Fixed! I uninstalled NordVPN by dragging to trash and letting Hazel remove cleanup files. Clean Geeker was never installed - I just ran it once from the download directory so nothing to uninstall. Re-started in Safe mode, then full restart and it's working. Thanks so much for your help! So is the feeling that a VPN is not needed? I get the cleaner apps not needed but thought a VPN would be beneficial, especially on iPhone or iPad, when using a hotspot at offsite location.
You're welcome and I'm glad that solved the problem. You do NOT need any third party VPN apps so please uninstall the Nord VPN. As I mentioned just having it installed can cause all kinds of problems. Moving forward NEVER EVER install any of the following types of third party apps:
Antivirus Apps
• Cleaning Apps
• Security Apps
• VPN Apps
• Maintenance Apps
All that Mac OS needs in order to stay secure, stable and fast is simply to keep it up-to-date and restart the computer about 1x per week. Other than that just enjoy it and leave it alone!
+1 I always use my iPhone instead!
Thanks for the response. Restarting in safe mode did not fix the issue. The camera is not available in Safe Mode and a restart afterwards has the same result - black camera screen.
Check your Safari Settings > Websites tab > Camera.
Is the camera blocked (Denied) for that website?
iMac camera not working to redeem Apple gift card
