Enable or Disable Camera in Ubuntu Linux
Turning off your camera in Ubuntu Linux stops all apps from using it to give you total privacy. You can turn the camera back on whenever you want to make video calls.
Ubuntu sets up most cameras, like the Logitech C920, the second you plug them in. You can open the built-in Cheese app to check if your camera works right away.
Disable your Ubuntu camera by removing the uvcvideo kernel module using the command sudo modprobe -r uvcvideo. To permanently disable it, add ‘blacklist uvcvideo’ to /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf. Re-enable by removing the blacklist entry and running sudo modprobe uvcvideo.
How to enable or disable the camera in Ubuntu Linux
Administrator access allows disabling and enabling cameras for all users on the device. Managing Ubuntu camera settings follows a specific process.
Find the Camera driver module
The uvcvideo driver manages most webcams in Ubuntu Linux, controlling your Ubuntu camera settings. This driver remains essential for camera operation. Inspecting loaded system drivers helps confirm if the camera uses this module. Ubuntu lacks a direct camera switch, so managing the uvcvideo driver controls device access.
Most modern webcams use UVC (USB Video Class) compliant drivers, following a universal standard for video hardware. The generic uvcvideo kernel driver module in Ubuntu supports these devices.
Checking this requires a command to list the uvcvideo kernel driver module:
sudo lsmod | grep 'uvcvideo'
Blank output indicates Ubuntu does not recognize the camera or lacks a installed driver. Identified cameras with loaded drivers display lines similar to these:
uvcvideo 106496 0 videobuf2_vmalloc 20480 1 uvcvideo videobuf2_v4l2 32768 1 uvcvideo videobuf2_common 77824 4 videobuf2_vmalloc,videobuf2_v4l2,uvcvideo,videobuf2_memops videodev 258048 3 videobuf2_v4l2,uvcvideo,videobuf2_common mc 65536 4 videodev,videobuf2_v4l2,uvcvideo,videobuf2_common
Different results often point to an alternate camera driver installation. Consulting Kernel documentation and the LinuxTV wiki provides additional driver information.
Remove camera drivers from Ubuntu
Disabling the camera in Ubuntu involves removing its driver via terminal. Running `sudo modprobe -r uvcvideo` unloads the common webcam driver, turning off the hardware. Closing any application currently using the driver prevents conflicts before running this command.
sudo modprobe -r uvcvideo
Replacing uvcvideo with any other driver names found on the system remains necessary.
Active camera usage triggers an error message resembling this:
To disable the camera in Ubuntu Linux, first close any application currently using the camera. Then, run the specific command to disable the camera device. This action prevents the camera from being accessed by any software until it is re-enabled.
These commands temporarily remove the driver. A reboot restores functionality. Blocking the driver indefinitely requires adding it to a configuration file. Run these commands to add the driver to /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf.
Drivers listed here remain blocked indefinitely, preventing apps from accessing the camera.
echo 'blacklist uvcvideo' | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
Enable camera in Ubuntu Linux
Reviving a previously disabled camera requires loading its driver again. Running the command `sudo modprobe uvcvideo` adds the common webcam driver back to the system. This action restores Ubuntu camera functionality for video calls or capturing photos.
sudo modprobe uvcvideo
Configuration is complete.
Conclusion:
- Enabling or disabling the camera in Ubuntu Linux requires administrator access
- The uvcvideo kernel driver module is commonly used for recent camera and webcam drivers in Ubuntu
- Removing a camera driver using the modprobe command may require exiting the app using the camera
- Re-enabling the camera driver involves removing the blocklist entry and using the modprobe command
- Once disabled, apps will not have access to the camera
How do I check my camera settings on Ubuntu?
GNOME users can check webcam settings through the GNOME Control Center. Open Settings from the applications menu. Navigate to the “Devices” section and select “Camera” to view connected webcams.
Is there a camera app for Ubuntu?
QtCAM serves as e-con's open source Linux webcam software. This Qt Ubuntu camera application provides an accessible user interface for capturing and viewing video from devices supported by the Linux UVC driver.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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