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How Do I Activate the Camera On an External Monitor Via Mini DisplayPort?

I have a 2015 MacBook Pro with a built-in Facetime HD Camera. I connect a larger Apple monitor via the Mini DisplayPort on my MacBook. The monitor displys just fine, but I want to use the camera on the external monitor so I can keep the macBook lid closed. The MacBook will only recognize the built in camera and not the camera built-in to the external monitor. How can I get the MacBook to see and switch to the camera on the external monitor?
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Joe Mizell

Comments: 6 Responses to “How Do I Activate the Camera On an External Monitor Via Mini DisplayPort?”

    5 years ago

    What monitor do you have, exactly? I'm pretty sure that Mini DisplayPort only carries a video signal out to the screen, and nothing more. However, a full Thunderbolt port would be able to do it all -- screen, camera, audio, power (to your MacBook).

    Apple hasn't come out with a screen in a long time and the new $6K one isn't here yet so I know you don't mean that. So what screen do you have, exactly? Does the documentation or online support have anything to say about how to connect it to your MacBook to get access to the camera?

    Joe Mizell
    5 years ago

    I have an Apple LED Display, 24-inch (1920 x 1200). and I believe its a Thunderbolt Port. I took a photo of the port and screenshots of the Display and Port system information. Can I send you attachments?

    5 years ago

    That’s a very old model. Apple
    Hasn’t sold it in a while. Not sure if it will work, but the first step would be to make sure you have a thunderbolt cable, not just a DisplayPort one. Then maybe check multiple apps to see if you can use the camera. Some apps only use the builtin camera on a MacBook if I remember correctly.

    Joe Mizell
    5 years ago

    The cable is built into the Cinema Display. One thick cable coming from the display that splits into Displayport, power for MacBook, and USB to make the USB ports on the back of the display active.

    Joe Mizell
    5 years ago

    Disregard. I just answered my own question. The camera signal isn't carried over the DisplayPort cable. It's carried over the USB cable. Once I plugged the USB into the MacBook, I could see the camera. Thanks for your help troubleshooting!

    5 years ago

    That was what I was going to suggest. Great!

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