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Asked: 2024-09-26T00:40:42+05:30 In:

How can I install a webcam driver on my Mid-2014 MacBook Pro while using Ubuntu?

I’ve been trying to get my Mid-2014 MacBook Pro up and running with Ubuntu, but I’m running into a bit of a snag. I love using my laptop for casual video calls and streaming, but the built-in webcam isn’t working, and I can’t seem to figure out how to install the driver for it.

So, here’s the thing—I installed Ubuntu a little while back, and everything’s been great so far. It’s smooth, and I’ve managed to get most of my software set up just the way I like it. But then I realized that my webcam is completely dead. I did some digging online, and it seems like there are certain drivers I need to install specifically for Ubuntu to recognize the webcam.

I’ve checked the system settings, and it doesn’t even show up there. I tried a few generic solutions that people mentioned, like updates and reinstalling some packages, but nothing seems to work. It’s kind of frustrating because I didn’t think getting a webcam to work on Ubuntu would be this difficult, especially since macOS has it all set up automatically.

I’ve seen some forums where people suggest using a terminal to install specific drivers, and I think I’m up for that, but I’m not exactly sure where to start. Are there particular commands I should run, or maybe a specific driver that I need to download?

Also, if anyone has experience with this, how long did it take you to get it all sorted out? I really don’t want to mess anything up, especially since I often use my laptop for work-related video calls. I mean, I just want to be able to hop on a call without the awkwardness of a black screen!

Any help, tips, or step-by-step instructions would be super appreciated. I’m all ears for any advice you might have!

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    2 Answers






    1. Help with Webcam on Ubuntu for MacBook Pro


      Getting Your Webcam to Work on Ubuntu

      Sounds like you’re having a tough time with your MacBook Pro’s webcam on Ubuntu! Here are some steps that might help you out:

      1. Check for Updates

      First things first, let’s make sure your system is up to date. Open up the terminal and run:

      sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

      2. Install the UVC Driver

      Most likely, your webcam uses the UVC (USB Video Class) driver, which should be included by default. But just to make sure it’s installed, you can run:

      sudo apt install linux-image-extra-$(uname -r)

      3. Check if Your Webcam is Detected

      After doing the above, you can check if your webcam is recognized by running:

      lsusb

      This will list all USB devices connected to your system. Look for an entry that mentions a “Camera” or “Webcam.” If you see it, that’s a good sign!

      4. Use VLC to Check Webcam Functionality

      If your webcam is detected, try using VLC to test it:

      vlc v4l2:///dev/video0

      If it works here, it should work in other applications as well!

      5. Review Video Settings in Apps

      Some applications have their own settings for selecting a video source. Ensure that the correct webcam is selected in the app you’re using for video calls.

      6. Additional Drivers

      If everything else fails, you might want to check “Additional Drivers” in the Software & Updates settings. Sometimes Ubuntu detects proprietary drivers that you can install.

      Troubleshooting

      If you don’t see results after all this, it might help to check the forums. There are lots of people in the Ubuntu community who might have faced the same issue and found a solution.

      As for how long it can take, it varies. Some folks get things working quickly, while others might spend a bit longer experimenting with settings. Just take your time, and don’t hesitate to ask for help on forums if you’re stuck!

      Good luck, and hope your next video call isn’t awkwardly dark!




    2. Webcam Issues on Ubuntu with MacBook Pro

      To resolve your webcam issue on your Mid-2014 MacBook Pro running Ubuntu, you can try installing necessary drivers using the terminal. First, ensure that your system is fully updated by running the following commands:

      sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

      Next, install the “Cheese” application, which is a simple tool to check if your webcam is working:

      sudo apt install cheese

      After installing, run Cheese from the terminal by typing cheese to see if your webcam is detected. If it’s still not recognized, you might need to install additional drivers. The v4l-utils package may help identify and configure video devices. Install it by running:

      sudo apt install v4l-utils

      After installation, you can check if your webcam is recognized by running:

      v4l2-ctl --list-devices

      If your camera is listed, but you still encounter issues, make sure you have the correct permissions to access video devices. You may have to add your user to the “video” group by executing:

      sudo usermod -aG video $USER

      Once you’ve done this, log out and back in. Hopefully, these steps will help you get your webcam up and running!


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