Mac Mini M4 webcam/Continuity Camera problems

Hardware
1

I have recently returned to the “Mac fold”; I purchased a Mac mini M4. I’ve just got around to fitting a webcam. Using my iPhone 15 Plus as a Continuity Camera seemed the most logical option. I do have an old webcam from my several years ago that worked on my last Mac mini Intel.

For the record, before I connected a webcam, I checked that:

  • Both devices are on the same Wifi, with bluetooth enabled
  • Both devices are signed into my iCloud account
  • Both devices were signed out, then back into my iCloud account
  • Both devices had their network settings reset
  • Both devices restarted

Neither the old webcam nor the iPad 15 Plus could be recognised as a camera by the Mac. The iPhone was tried wirelessly AND with a USB-C cable. The webcam has a USB-A connector to which I added a USB-A to USB-C connector.

I used both FaceTime and Photo Booth for testing.

I have done hours of searching and had a really long Apple Support session; all with no solution.

Does anybody have any ideas on how this issue might be fixed.

Regards,
Peter

2

If neither camera is available as a Video input under the Camera Menu on the Menu Bar. That seems like a fundamental issue.

Between the iPhone 15 and the Mac mini, do other continuity type applications work?

  • Can you airdrop from the camera to the Mac Mini
  • When you open Safari or mail on the Phone, does it offer the same app with the little phone icon in the dock on the Mac which, if you click on it, would open on the Mac the web page or email you have open on the phone?
  • Can you copy some text on your phone and paste it on the Mac?
    If none of these work, it’s some form of general continuity problem rather than a webcam specific issue.

I’m surprised that the older webcam doesn’t work, but USB A to USB C adapters can be specific (e.g. for data only or for power only) do you have anything else which can accept a USB A to see if the Webcam works natively without the adaptor?

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3

Point one: Yes, that works fine.

Point two: Ditto, that works.

Point three: Yes, again that works fine.

I plugged the webcam into a USB-A wall power plug and can’t see a power light. I think it might have failed.

I had a Mac mini Intel which I stopped using 18 months or so ago. I’m sure it worked via Continuity Connection with whatever iPhone I had at the time. I just don’t see why the new one is not working. There are many similar cases on the Internet when you do a search.

Thanks for your reply.

Regards,
Peter

4

I wonder if it is a security issue. Somehow when it was connected the first time to allow, no was inadvertently triggered. Someone more knowledgeable than I on this – can you use continuity camera when logged in safe mode?

5

Well I fixed the problem! Here is the solution for posterity.

Mac Mini M4 “no camera available” Problem

This problem happens when a webcam or iPhone as a Continuity Camera is attached to the Mac but won’t work.

This solution resolved the problem for me.

See: Check Mac Camera Restriction

Open the Mac’s System Settings

Search for “Screen Time”

From the search results click on “Screen Time”

In the Screen Time panel look for “Restrictions” and click on “Content & Privacy”

In the Content & Privacy panel click on “App & Feature Restrictions”

Ensure that the “Allow Camera” option is enabled

Click “Done” at the bottom of the panel.

Your Mac should now support a webcam and/or Continuity Camera

I hope that helps somebody in the future.

Regards,
Peter

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