Are you experiencing issues with your camera not working on Ubuntu?
Whether you’re using Ubuntu 20.04 or the latest Ubuntu 22.04, encountering camera problems can be frustrating.
In this blog, we will explore various troubleshooting methods and solutions to help you fix the camera-related issues on your Ubuntu system.
How To Fix Ubuntu Camera Not Working?
To fix Ubuntu Camera not working, you can check the physical camera switch, verify the application permissions, and reset BIOS/UEFI settings. Additionally, you can install update system and drivers.
1. Check The Physical Camera Switch
Some laptops or external webcams have a physical switch that needs to be enabled for the webcam to work.
If this switch is not turned on, the operating system will not be able to access the webcam, resulting in it not working as expected.
- Locate the physical switch on your laptop or external webcam. It can often be found on the side of the laptop or on the webcam itself.
- Ensure the switch is in the ON position. If it was off, turn it on and check if the webcam is now detected and functioning.
- If you can’t find a physical switch, consult the user manual for your device to determine if one exists and where it is located.
2. Verify The Application Permissions
Applications on Ubuntu require permission to access the webcam.
Without the necessary permissions, the application won’t be able to use the camera, which can lead to it appearing as if the camera is not working.
- Open the application from which you’re trying to access the webcam.
- Go to the application’s settings or preferences menu.
- Look for a section related to privacy or permissions.
- Ensure that the application has permission to access the camera. This might involve checking a box or moving a slider to an “on” position.
- If the application does not have a permissions section, or if you cannot change the permissions within the application, you may need to manage permissions at the system level.
- For system-level permission management, you can go to “Settings” > “Privacy” > “Camera” in your Ubuntu system settings. From there, you can control which applications have access to the webcam.
3. Reset BIOS/UEFI Settings
Altering or resetting BIOS/UEFI settings can sometimes help if the webcam is disabled at the hardware level.
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (this usually involves pressing a key like F2, Del, or Esc during boot-up).
- Look for an option related to integrated peripherals or onboard devices and ensure the webcam is enabled.
- If you made changes, save them and exit the BIOS/UEFI.
- If unsure, you can usually select an option to reset to default settings before saving and exiting.
4. Update System And Drivers
An outdated system or drivers can cause hardware to malfunction. Ensuring everything is up-to-date can resolve compatibility issues.
- Open a terminal window. (Ctrl + Alt + T )
- Update your package list with
sudo apt update. - Upgrade your system with
sudo apt upgrade. - Reboot your computer to apply changes and check if the webcam works.
5. Check For Kernel Issues
A recent kernel update can sometimes cause hardware like webcams to stop working. Reverting to a previous kernel or waiting for a new update can be a solution.
- Open a terminal window. (Ctrl + Alt + T )
- Check your current kernel version with
uname -r. - List all installed kernels with
dpkg --list | grep linux-image. - Remove the problematic kernel with
sudo apt-get remove linux-image-<version>(replace<version>with the kernel version you want to remove). - Update grub with
sudo update-grub. - Reboot and select a previous kernel from the grub menu.
6. Contact Support Or Manufacturer
If you’ve exhausted all other options, reaching out for professional support can be the next step.
- If your computer is under warranty, contact the manufacturer for technical support.
- Look for specific support forums related to your device model or Ubuntu version.
- Consider asking for help on community forums like Ask Ubuntu or the Ubuntu subreddit.