How to Fix External Camera Not Found in macOS Tahoe 26.2
Is your iPhone (Continuity Camera) or USB webcam not showing up in Zoom or FaceTime?
Follow Fix 1: The Connection Stability Fix — full Terminal commands and step-by-step instructions below. Verified on macOS Tahoe 26.2.
Recommended Troubleshooting Tool
Before proceeding with manual fixes, we recommend using CleanMyMac X. Quickly identify high CPU apps and optimize system memory with one click.
The Symptom
The app says "No Camera Connected," even though the camera is plugged in or the iPhone is nearby.
The Fix
- Reset the Camera Assistant
sudo killall AppleCameraAssistant
sudo killall VDCAssistant
- Check Privacy Permissions
Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera. Ensure the app (e.g., Zoom) is allowed to access the camera.
- 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.
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.