Fix macOS "External Camera" Not Found

Is your iPhone (Continuity Camera) or USB webcam not showing up in Zoom or FaceTime?

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The Symptom

The app says "No Camera Connected," even though the camera is plugged in or the iPhone is nearby.

The Fix

1. Reset the Camera Assistant

sudo killall AppleCameraAssistant
sudo killall VDCAssistant

1. Check Privacy Permissions

Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera. Ensure the app (e.g., Zoom) is allowed to access the camera.

1. Re-register Continuity Camera

Toggle "Continuity Camera" OFF and ON on your iPhone under Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff.

Fix 3: The Connection Stability Fix

When software conflicts are preventing the camera "handshake."

Background apps often "capture" the camera and refuse to release it, leading to the "Not Found" error in other apps.

Recommended Tool: CleanMyMac X

- Optimization: Use the "Heavy Consumers" tool to see if a background app (like an old version of Chrome or a hidden browser helper) is locking the camera resources.

- Uninstaller: Completely remove old video conferencing apps that might have corrupted camera drivers or "Virtual Camera" plugins.

[Link: Fix Camera and Audio Bugs with CleanMyMac X]

Pro Tip

If using a USB webcam, avoid hubs. Plug the camera directly into the Mac's USB-C port. High-definition video streams often exceed the bandwidth of cheap hubs.