Feb 13, 2023

Pixelbook Go Camera not working since a few updates ago.

My Pixelbook Go camera stopped working a few months ago with one of the updates. It still does not work. I tried powerwashing it and everything and it still does not work.

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Device Performance,Pixelbook Go

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Khaled QZ

Nov 27, 2023

It worked. I had the same issue. I did the channel switch to Beta and the camera worked again. Thank you

Product Expert Alumni Tickmc recommended this

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All Replies (14)

Fred JR

I am a volunteer not a Google employee.

Feb 13, 2023

If your camera isn't working, or if you see a message that says "No camera found":

Turn off your Chromebook, then turn it back on.
Try to use the camera in another app, like Google Meet. If it works in that app, uninstall the app where it doesn't work, then reinstall the app.
Reset your Chromebook.
Recover your Chromebook.

If you're still having trouble after trying these steps, Contact Pixelbook Support.

Fred

Last edited Feb 13, 2023

User 3267612107531766297

Apr 16, 2023

I posted about this months ago. They haven't fixed it yet. Google said it was not them but it clearly is. I have called them and reached out for support and they said not enough ppl are effected for it to be a software issue.

User 7893134214340582196

Oct 11, 2023

I went as far as a Power Wash and it didn't resolve the camera issues. Definitely feel like it quit working after an update. I've updated Chrome once since then and nothing changed.

J M 6493

May 18, 2023

I too have reported this to the pixel book go crew at google and they insist it's not a software issue on their end. They asked me to do a power wash and that did not work. they too asked me to do a re-install and I was not able to, because of some weird error. This is very disappointing that my Google Pixel book Go product DIRECTLY purchased via the Google Store, is not working correctly. Google products are not cheap and to have the camera suddenly stop working as of about 3 weeks ago is VERY disappointing and it's clear to me that whoever answers the phone on Google's end is only reading from script and are as clueless as I am.

User 12326774448181202871

Jun 12, 2023

Same problem.

User 804684817642515829

Jun 29, 2023

Bought my PBGo Fed 2022. Camera stopped working about 3 months ago. Green light on. Preview pane is black. Snapshots taken are black. Video camera inoperative in the app and also with ZOOM and MEET. Originally I thought maybe the camera stopped working because of an update bug but I am now convinced that it is a hardware problem. Very disappointing. Google seems to be making no effort to address this issue when there clearly is a problem.

James1234567890

Jul 9, 2023

This happened to me yesterday and, after a ton of frustrating troubleshooting, I fixed it.

Here's what I did:

turned off all extensions,
turned off all flags,
moved to the beta channel,
rebooted, doing a hardware reset (holding the refresh key while booting),
signed in as a guest user and opened the camera
camera worked!
exited guest mode,
signed into my primary user account,
camera works.

I have NO IDEA which of these steps was the solution, but I assume that moving to the beta channel or opening the camera in guest mode did the trick.

Good luck out there, frustrated Google hardware fans...

James1234567890

Nov 27, 2023

Me too, Kevin. After my webcam stopped working on my PixelBook Go and Google did nothing to help, I switched to Apple.

camedia

Dec 2, 2023

Switching to the beta channel does NOT work for me. Before switching the ChromeOS version was 119.0.6045.192 and after switching it's 120.0.6099.42.

Denis Lantsman

Jul 11, 2023

Similar issue - when accessing the camera app, the green light turns on and off, but no image is ever seen.

On Google meets, the green light comes on, a black rectangle is shown, then the light turns off and the camera goes back to being turned off in meet.

Resetting the Chromebook, power washing, reinstalling the os didn't work.

I talked to support and they said they'd have to replace the device, but I bought it 2 years ago so it's not covered by warranty any more.

Dana Hartsock

Nov 27, 2023

Thanks for the suggestion Khaled. Alas, switching to the Beta Channel did not restore the webcam function. It was certainly worth a try.

Dana Hartsock

Nov 27, 2023

This is a newer thread. The problem goes back quite some time, I think prior to this year. Some people have reported restored function after an update, wildly inconsistent, and not confined to the Pixelbook Go, as I understand it. I love this computer which does about 97% if what I need to do.

The camera problem is disappointing and extremely frustrating. Some of us probably have a hardware failure, but far from all.

Liam Steer

Aug 21, 2023

Had the same problem here and still not working after trying beta channels and powerwash.

I am dissapointed like the rest of you as it's not a cheap product. I have an Acer Chromebook that was a third of the price and 3 years older and it's still going strong!!!

John Singer 6184

Aug 27, 2023

Exactly the same issue - tried everything recommended. High end PB Go i5 - I can't believe Google have washed their hands of this.

Camera appears to work, green light on but where the camera image is supposed to be displayed it's just black.

Smart money says it's a software issue and probably a permissions thing that was wiped in the matrix of permissions and cross permissions that come in with new updates.

Either way having spent a lot of money on this thing I am pretty disappointed which is a pity as I actually love using it.

Melody Shreve 8003

Sep 6, 2023

Apparently, I've joined the broken camera club, too. My camera is black, no green light. When I try to use video, it says the camera is not connected. What else can you do for us, Google?

User 8027783417784098612

Sep 13, 2023

Same here as everyone else. Pixelbook Go camera just stopped working in June 2023, bought brand new in March 2022, so it was only a few months out of warranty. It's clearly a hardware failure and pretty infuriating that a $650 laptop only worked properly for a little over a year. Horrible investment.

David Dunlop 3266

Oct 15, 2023

pixel book camera is not working, looking for support on getting it working again.

Thanks

Harris Tottle

Nov 21, 2023

Same here. Just a blank screen. Webcam test says camera not detected. Confirmed using Linux terminal. Google needs to fix this, I would expect a premium Chromebook to last longer.

Dana Hartsock

Oct 16, 2023

The problem goes back to 2022. Some people saw the video cam problem resolved with updates. Many did not.

User 6466563772479284187

Nov 24, 2023

try get camera to work and not working

User 6466563772479284187

Nov 24, 2023

ok im try get my camera to work and keep tell me go to pixelbook

User 6466563772479284187

Nov 24, 2023

i cant get my to work

A. Basaran

Nov 28, 2023

I have the same problem; this happened to me almost 2 years ago, I contacted Google, applied whatever they asked me to do, but failed to fix it. This is a very expensive product, considering what you can do with Mac laptops. I have been using mine without a cam since then, but my wife's pixelbook go's camera is gone today, and I am seeing so many people having exactly the same problem. It's highly disappointing for me; I have had a Google-based life since 2000s, and am using Chromebooks and then this Pixelbook since 2013. Google is not good enough to fix hardware issues. Next I will definitely buy a Mac.

Last edited Nov 28, 2023

Carolyn Souch

Dec 15, 2023

Agreed. No sign of Google even trying to help people here.

wesley thorne

Dec 22, 2023

same problem here

HalK Susior

Dec 25, 2023

I completely understand your frustration, my friend. It's incredibly annoying when a vital feature like your Pixelbook Go's camera stops working, especially after an update and even after trying a powerwash.

Having gone through the powerwash with no luck, let's explore some further options:

1. Double-check Chrome OS updates: While you mentioned checking for updates, sometimes updates don't fully install or get stuck. Ensure you're running the absolutely latest version. Head to Settings > System > About Chrome OS and click "Check for updates."

2. Test in guest mode: This helps determine if the issue is software-specific or hardware-related. Restart your Pixelbook Go and hold down the Shift key while clicking "Power." Choose "Guest mode" and test the camera in the Chrome Camera app. If it works in guest mode, the issue might be with your user profile or extensions.

3. Check permissions: Navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security > Permissions. Ensure the "Camera" permission is enabled for the apps you want to use it with.

4. Disable extensions: Certain extensions can sometimes interfere with hardware. Try disabling all your extensions and restarting your Pixelbook Go. If the camera starts working, gradually re-enable your extensions one by one to identify the culprit.

5. Contact Google Support: Ultimately, if none of these suggestions work, contacting Google Support directly is your best bet. They have access to advanced diagnostics and tools to pinpoint the issue and offer tailored solutions. You can reach them through their website or phone line.

Additional Tips:

Check the Google Pixelbook Help Center for any specific articles or discussions related to your camera issue.
Search online forums for similar experiences and potential solutions shared by other Pixelbook Go users.
Remember to be patient and methodical while troubleshooting.

I hope one of these suggestions leads to a resolution! Frustrating as it is, don't lose hope. The resourceful Google Support team is there to help, and we'll find a way to get your Pixelbook Go camera back in action.

Keep me posted on your progress, and I'm here to offer further assistance if needed.

Mr Guten

Mar 8, 2024

If your Pixelbook Go camera isn't working, try these steps:

Restart your Pixelbook Go: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix the issue....
Check camera permissions: Make sure your browser or app has permission to use the camera. You can adjust this in your device settings.
Update software: Ensure your Pixelbook Go's operating system and apps are up to date. Updates can sometimes fix bugs that cause camera problems.
Check for physical obstructions: Ensure there's nothing blocking the camera lens or covering it.
Test in another app: Try using the camera in a different app to see if the issue is specific to one application.
Check for hardware issues: If none of the above steps work, there may be a hardware problem. Contact Google support or visit a certified repair center for further assistance.

Last edited Mar 8, 2024

Simon.L

Apr 22, 2024

I have the same issue too.

Stopped working April after update.

PBgo M3 / tried everything apart from trying to use Chrome flex to see if that would fix the problem. Switched channels / powerwash multiple times / tried recover from a USB flash drive - (thought about trying flex but haven't done that yet). It is really bothering me that this wonderful machine that is otherwise still really working nicely is being crippled by this failure.

Question: Lets assume for a moment that this isn't a software or firmware issue, can anyone tell me where to find the connector cable for the camera? It is possible it has come unseated, has anyone tried to exclude this possibility? I am finding it surprisingly difficult to find info out there.

I imagine it is integrated into the screen ribbon cable - given that my screen functions perfectly it probably isnt the issue but can we find a way to rule it out?

Second Question: Can we roll back the OS and firmware - if yes how? Presumably if we can we can specify which update killed the camera.

Any help appreciated.

UPDATE: I can't work without the camera so while I decide what to do I managed to get a refurb Pixelbook Go on ebay - it's an i5 model for amazing price which is upgrade for me. When it arrived it became clear it hadn't ever been used it was still running an ancient OS version 106 (i think) - first thing I did was check the camera - it was fine. I did the updates, several step update process, each time checking the camera. Everything is still ok. I am in the stable channel / OS v123.x

This does point to it being a hardware issue though obviously it's not a scientific diagnosis... My guess is the connecting cable has come unseated or something - I have found a tear down video for the PBGo but it doesn't specifically reference the camera connections - still seeking that knowledge when I find it I will consider attempting a fix on my original PBGo. (can anyone shed any light?)

Last edited Apr 26, 2024

SmithJohns002

Apr 19, 2024

It seems like the camera on your Pixelbook Go stopped working after an update a few months ago, and despite attempting troubleshooting steps like powerwashing, the issue persists.

Colin Speirs

Apr 22, 2024

That's my camera just stopped working (not used it for a few months). Done all the things mentioned and no luck. Keeps trying to start, green light comes on then back off again and just goes around in circles.

Colin Speirs

Apr 22, 2024

Spoke to person on support, very helpful but ended with tough luck, outwith guarantee, find someone local who can fix it. Just need to use my phone for video calls I guess, not ideal.