Google Meet on Chrome for Mac crashing (Error code: 5) for some when using external camera, workaround inside

Google Meet is quite a popular video communication service used worldwide. However, being popular doesn’t mean that it’s free from bugs and issues.

Now, some are facing issues while placing or trying to connect to a video call.

According to reports (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10), multiple Google Meet users on Chrome are experiencing crashes whenever they make use of an external camera or webcam.

Apparently, some get the ‘Aw, Snap! Something went wrong. Error code: 5’ error while trying to video call or conference with someone. While others receive a ‘couldn’t connect you to the video call’ message on trying to do so.

The issue popped up after a recent Chrome update and affects macOS users. This is understandably a nuisance for all those who need to attend some important calls, conferences, or meetings.

Along with this, the day-to-day activities of many are getting hampered as well.

One of those affected alleges that they get stuck while trying to join a video call after the recent Chrome update. They also mention that the camera and mic remain blocked even after having tweaked their browser and system settings.

I’m not able to join the meetings by the provided link and the app is showing that it could not connect the video call.
Source

Chrome doesn’t recognize the Macbook pro camera (intel processor). Safari does find it.
Source

Users have even tried clearing the cache, resetting their web browser and uninstalling and reinstalling it on their macOS devices but without success.

They are now requesting the developers to fix this glitch as soon as possible.

Luckily, a Diamond Product Expert on the Google Meet help forum says that they have escalated the matter for further investigation. But no official ETA for the fix has been given.

Fortunately, we did come across a potential workaround that may help solve your problem. It is recommended that you make use of other web browsers like Mozilla Firefox or Safari for the time being.

We’ll continuously monitor the issue where Google Meet users on Chrome are experiencing crashing issues with external cameras or webcams.

Also, we will update this article with the latest information.

Note: There are more such stories in our dedicated Google section. So make sure that you follow them as well.

Featured image source: Google Meet.

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