iMac FaceTime Camera Video not Working

[Lyrinda]

I have a 24" 2021 M1 chip with Sonoma 14.4.1 macOS. I have seen the built-in FaceTime HD Camera work on every previous Zoom meeting that I have had for at least 3 years. Today it didn't load/stopped working. The audio worked just fine.

I researched possible issues and did all of the things that might have affected it in Settings, Permissions, Camera, Appearance, Accessibility, etc.
Camera is ON for zoom.us under Privacy & Security. The green light at the top of the screen is ON. The Zoom controls say that it is using FaceTime HD Camera.
I have updated to the latest Zoom version 6.2.6. I usually use my iMac camera with a virtual background of one of my photos. I get a message that says "Virtual background is still loading. Start video anyway? and it gives me a choice to either "Use video" or Don't use video. But it hangs up on the video "still loading" and nothing happens. I have tried both buttons. Nothing happens either way. I am the meeting host. I need to be seen! Please help!

[storyhub]

Consider using OBS Studio with NDI to correct the workflow.

[georgehenry667]

Here are some quick steps to fix your iMac FaceTime Camera issue in Zoom:

1. Restart Zoom and Mac: Close Zoom, restart your iMac, then reopen Zoom.

2. Check Other Apps: Ensure no other apps (like FaceTime or Photo Booth) are using the camera.

3. Test in Another App: Open Photo Booth or FaceTime to see if the camera works there.

4. Reset Zoom Settings: Go to Zoom > Preferences > Video and select the correct camera. Try disabling the virtual background.

5. Reinstall Zoom: Uninstall and download the latest version of Zoom from the official website.

6. Reset NVRAM/PRAM: Restart your iMac while holding Option + Command + P + R until you hear the startup sound twice.

7. Check for macOS Updates: Ensure your macOS is fully updated in System Preferences > Software Update.

If the issue persists, consider contacting Apple or Zoom Support.