Mac Mini M2 Pro not recognising external webcam connected through monitor

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win2010 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mac Mini M2 Pro not recognising external webcam connected through monitor

I have two monitors, connected to two macos devices: one macbook pro laptop through usb-c and hdmi and one Mac mini through HDMI to USB-c and HDMI. The external webcam is connected to the monitor's USB hub.

The USB-C connected to the laptop is also power delivery cable and on this device the webcam works fine. However, if I switch to my mac mini, the webcam is just not detected.

I'd appreciate any help on this matter, and please let me know if there is any more information needed.

Thank you.

Mac mini, macOS 15.3

Posted on Feb 26, 2025 03:30 PM

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Answer 1

lkshean

Level 2

165 points

Feb 27, 2025 03:35 AM in response to win2010

In a nutshell, USB works only when you have USB connection. Your MBP connected to monitor with USB-c, it gets all the downstream USB devices connected to your monitor including the webcam. The Mini on the other hand connected to monitor via HDMI, which does not pass through USB signal, which is why you don't get the webcam.

The only way this may work is if your monitor has dual USB-c. Alternatively use a simple USB switch to manually switch between the computers.

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Mac Mini M2 Pro not recognising external webcam connected through monitor

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