One of the things new Linux Mint users often notice is that there isn't a "Camera" application in the menu after installation. This can make it seem like the webcam isn't working, but in most cases, the camera is already detected and ready to use.
Linux Mint includes drivers for most built-in and USB webcams out of the box. You simply need an application to view the camera feed.
Why Doesn't Linux Mint Include a Camera App?
Linux Mint focuses on keeping the operating system lightweight and clutter-free. Instead of installing many applications that some users may never need, it provides only the essentials and lets you install additional software when you need it.
This approach has several benefits:
- Less software installed by default
- More free disk space
- Faster system performance
- You choose the applications you actually use
Installing a Webcam Application
To turn on and test your webcam, you'll need a camera viewer application.
Option 1: Install GNOME Camera (Recommended)
The modern GNOME Camera application is the successor to Cheese and is now the preferred webcam application in the GNOME ecosystem.
It allows you to:
- View your webcam feed
- Take photos
- Record videos
- Work with modern desktop technologies
Install from Software Manager
- Open Software Manager.
- Search for Camera.
- Select Camera – Capture pictures and videos.
- Click Install.
After installation, launch Camera from the application menu.
Current Limitation
Some Linux Mint users have reported webcam freezing issues with the current version of GNOME Camera. This appears to be an application issue rather than a problem with Linux Mint or webcam drivers and is expected to improve in future releases.
If you experience freezing, you can use Cheese as a reliable alternative.
Option 2: Install Cheese (Reliable Alternative)
Although Cheese is considered a legacy application and has been replaced by GNOME Camera, it still works well on Linux Mint and remains a useful troubleshooting tool.
Cheese is useful for:
- Testing whether your webcam is working
- Taking quick snapshots
- Recording short videos
- Troubleshooting webcam issues
Install from Software Manager
- Open Software Manager.
- Search for Cheese.
- Select Cheese – Tool to take pictures and videos from your webcam.
- Click Install.
After installation, launch Cheese from the application menu.
Many Linux users still keep Cheese installed because of its simplicity and reliability.
Option 3: Install Camera (Good Alternative)
Linux Mint users can install the modern Camera application from Flathub. Developed by Frederic Laing, it provides a simple and clean interface for taking photos and recording videos using your webcam.
Features include:
- Take photos and record videos
- Modern and lightweight interface
- Available directly from Flathub through the Software Manager
- Works with both built-in and USB webcams
Install from Software Manager
- Open Software Manager.
- Search for Camera.
- Select Camera – Capture photos and videos.
- Click Install.
Verify That Linux Mint Detects Your Webcam
Open Terminal and run:
lsusb
You should see an entry similar to:
- Integrated Camera
- USB Camera
- Chicony
- SunplusIT
- Realtek
You can also check for video devices:
ls /dev/video*
If you see:
/dev/video0
your webcam has been detected successfully.
Laptop Camera Not Working?
Some laptops include a hardware switch or keyboard shortcut to disable the webcam.
Look for:
- Fn + F6
- Fn + F8
- Fn + F10
- A key with a small camera icon
Try pressing the key combination to enable the webcam.
Using the Camera in a Browser
Applications such as:
- Google Meet
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- Discord
also use your webcam.
If your camera works in Cheese but not in the browser, check that the website has permission to access your camera.
Final Thoughts
Linux Mint usually supports webcams without requiring additional drivers. If your webcam seems to be missing, it's often because there isn't a dedicated camera application installed.
For most users:
- GNOME Camera is the modern solution and future replacement for Cheese.
- Cheese remains an excellent fallback option if you encounter freezing issues.
- Camera by Frederic Laing is ideal for users who need advanced webcam controls.
The good news is that, in most cases, your webcam is already working—you simply need an application to view it.
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