Arch Linux

Newnof

Member

Registered: 2025-03-26

Posts: 2

Help Needed: Webcam Not Working on Thinkpad X220 After Installing Arch

Hi! (Sorry for bad English)

I'm writing this post with a heavy heart. I've been trying to switch from Windows 7 to Arch Linux on my trusty Thinkpad X220 for a while now, and while the overall experience has been great so far, I've hit a major roadblock.
My Thinkpad X220 comes with a built-in webcam that worked fine when I was using Windows 7. I was really looking forward to using it on Arch Linux too, but unfortunately, that hasn't been the case.
After I installed Arch Linux, I followed the usual steps and installed the "camera" software (I'm not really sure if it's the right one, but it seemed like a logical choice at the time ?). However, when I tried to use the webcam, it just wouldn't work. I thought it might be a simple configuration issue, so I did some troubleshooting.
I tried using the lsusb command to check if the device was recognized, but to my surprise, there was no sign of the webcam in the list. I've tried searching online for solutions, but I'm so new to Arch Linux and the world of Linux in general that I don't understand most of the technical jargon and instructions I've come across. I feel like I'm in a dark room with no idea which way to turn.
I really don't want to give up on using Arch Linux, as I've been hearing so many great things about it. But I also really miss being able to use my webcam for video calls, taking pictures, etc.I'm hoping that some kind and knowledgeable Linux guru out there can help me figure out what's going on and get my webcam working again. I'd be forever grateful for any advice or guidance you can offer.

Thank you in advance for your help. I'm looking forward to your responses.
P.S. Here are some details about my system that might be helpful:
Operating system: Arch Linux
Laptop model: Thinkpad X220
Camera: Built-in webcam (used to work fine on Windows 7)

V1del

Forum Moderator

Registered: 2012-10-16

Posts: 25,266

Re: Help Needed: Webcam Not Working on Thinkpad X220 After Installing Arch

If it's not at all in lsusb nor lspci then it's not visible, so either the HW is dead or disabled in BIOS/UEFI.

But for general troubleshooting what are your outputs of

sudo journalctl -b | curl -F 'file=@-' 0x0.st
lsusb -tv | curl -F 'file=@-' 0x0.st

this will upload this info to 0x0.st and give you a link to some diagnostics we can look at