Camera not working - iMac Retina 5k, 27-inch, 2020

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nicicky90 Author

Level 1

4 points

Camera not working - iMac Retina 5k, 27-inch, 2020

I have an iMac Retina 5k, 27-inch, 2020

Processor: 3.8GHz 8-Core Intel Core i7

Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5500 XT 8 GB

Memory: 8 GB 2667 MHz DDR4

Currently with macOS Tahoe

The inbuilt camera has not worked since 2021. The camera light comes on if I open an app like Photo Booth or Microsoft Teams etc, and it appears to load for a moment, then nothing happens - the screen stays blank/black. There was no physical damage to the computer that I can recall, it has never been dropped or had any spills on it.

The computer otherwise still runs perfectly and I use it every day for work.

I have already attempted several online troubleshooting guides, most of which just say to try to restart/reboot, or update the system - have tried all of the usual steps.

I've also searched the community on here, but can't find any results which specifically match my issue.

Any new ideas for getting it to work after all this time? If not, curious if anyone would have any insight on WHY it possibly stopped working?

Thanks.

iMac 27″, macOS 26.1

Posted on Nov 9, 2025 6:15 PM

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Answer 1

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rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,416 points

Nov 9, 2025 10:59 PM in response to nicicky90

First restart in Safe Mode. Ensure the keyboard's charging cable is plugged into the keyboard and the back of the computer so the keyboard becomes a wired keyboard. When holding down the Shift Key please continue to hold it down until the computer restarts, this can take up to 5 minutes so please be patient. After you have started in Safe Mode, restart normally and test.

If the problem persists please do the following:

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 to www.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.

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