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My laptop has a built-in camera that's always being used by the Snap. If I plug a USB camera I can't switch to this one no matter what I do. Is it possible at all? I don't see any menu on Snap.

I've tried with other camera apps like cheese and I can switch in there but the change only affects that app and not Snap. I'm using Loki Stable, by the way.

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1 Answer 1

Reset to default
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Normally Ubuntu loads drivers for builtin cameras via its kernel on default

Check with 'lsmod' for the driver wich s loaded like for example uvcvideo

Unload it with sudo rmmod uvcvideo

Then plug the usb-cam in and see if it works and check for the driver again. If you want to use your builtin camera again which uses uvcvideo run

sudo modprobe uvcvideo

If you want to config your laptop to just use the usb-webcam permamently then change your etc/modules files to load the right driver.

Here are some infos howto change Loadable Modules: Ubuntu - Loadable_Modules

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  • That doesn't do anything. I mean, the built-in webcam uses uvcvideo (I know because it doesn't let me unload the driver while Snap is open) but when I unload the driver and go back again to Snap it continues showing the same webcam no matter what.
    – Maccer
    Commented Dec 11, 2016 at 22:20
  • forget my previous comment... it actually shows "there is no webcam available" when i disable the uvcvideo module.
    – Maccer
    Commented Dec 11, 2016 at 22:23
  • Do you know wich driver your usb-cam needs?
    – user7713
    Commented Dec 11, 2016 at 22:24
  • I think both use uvcvideo since when i disable it the webcams don't work. By the way, my usb webcam is a Logitech C270
    – Maccer
    Commented Dec 11, 2016 at 22:27
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    Thank you! That worked! Later I'll edit your question with the correct steps so you get the points!
    – Maccer
    Commented Dec 12, 2016 at 7:56

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