Can Covering Your Camera Damage Your Laptop?

An image showcasing how to use a laptop camera cover

Not too long ago, Apple published a statement that warned users against closing their laptops with a webcam cover fitted. They went further and clarified the statement by stating: “If you close your Mac with a laptop camera cover installed, you might damage your display because the clearance between the display and keyboard is designed to very tight tolerances. Covering the built-in camera might also interfere with the ambient light sensor and prevent features like automatic brightness and True Tone from working.”

So, was this a warning against camera covers? The answer is no! Apple’s intention was not to discourage the use of camera covers but to ensure users were well-informed about the implications of using them in certain situations. 

Why have camera covers become more prevalent?

Consciousness of privacy

A laptop’s screen warning about a malicious file

In an era of increased online communication and remote work or learning, concerns about privacy have understandably grown. Many individuals want assurance that their webcams are not unintentionally activated without their consent, especially considering the rise of cybercrimes.

While some manufacturers claim that the camera in their laptops is designed so that it can’t activate without the camera indicator light also turning on, researchers have demonstrated that it is possible to bypass these safety mechanisms. As a result, individuals have become more cautious and proactive in taking steps to protect their privacy. One common solution is the use of a laptop camera shutter, which provides a physical barrier to block the camera lens. 

Prevent mishaps

Man on a virtual meeting

As you’ve surfed the web, it’s highly likely that you’ve come across videos or articles with titles like “Zoom fails,” “Zoom meetings gone wrong,” or “Most embarrassing Zoom moments.” These types of content have gained significant popularity as more people have turned to video conferencing platforms for their work, school, and social interactions.

All these “fails” essentially boil down to the fact that people in virtual meetings can sometimes forget the camera is on or accidentally trigger it. To prevent this situation from happening to them, many people are now opting to use a laptop computer camera cover. This way, they ensure that they maintain control over when their camera is active and when it’s not.

Apple’s advice on camera covers

picture of a Macbook laptop

At the end of the statement, Apple recommended that if users choose to use a laptop webcam blocker, it should be no thicker than a piece of printer paper (0.1mm). This thinness ensures that it won’t interfere with the laptop’s display closure or the operation of sensors.

Additionally, the company advised Macbook owners against using a camera cover that leaves adhesive residue. The final piece of advice offered by Apple was that users who used covers that were more than 0.1mm should make sure to remove the laptop computer camera cover before closing their laptop to avoid potential damage to the display.

Does Apple’s advice apply to all laptops?

Apple’s advice regarding camera covers primarily applies to Mac laptops. While some of the concerns mentioned, such as interference with the laptop’s display closure or sensors, could potentially be relevant to other laptop brands, the specific recommendations, such as the thickness of the notebook webcam cover (no thicker than 0.1mm) and the avoidance of adhesive residue, are aligned with Apple’s own specifications.

Macbooks, especially the newer ones, have almost non-existent bezels. So, anything that gets in between the screen and the body can break the display. If you own a Mac and want to use a webcam cover slide then your best bet would be to use those that don’t leave any trace, as per Apple’s guidance. You must also remove the cover before closing, as most covers are around 0.7mm thick.

If your laptop is from a different manufacturer, it’s advisable to consult the laptop’s user manual or the manufacturer’s official guidance regarding camera covers. However, a quick rule of thumb is that if your laptop has ample bezels and doesn’t have extremely tight tolerances between the display and keyboard when closed, you may have more flexibility in using camera covers that are slightly thicker than the 0.1mm recommended by Apple.

What kind of laptop camera cover should you buy?

Webcam Stickers

Laptop with a webcam sticker fitted

Webcam stickers are a plug-and-play solution to safeguard your privacy. They are thin adhesive vinyl covers that you can easily apply over your laptop’s webcam. When you want to use the camera, you can simply peel off the sticker, and when you’re done, you can reapply it.

Most webcam stickers are water-resistant and do not leave residue behind when peeled off from the webcam. Furthermore, they are available in packs containing 57 pieces, with three different sizes: 1/2 inch, 3/8 inch, and 1/4 inch.

Webcam sliders

Laptop with a webcam slider fitted

Webcam sliders are a type of laptop camera cover slide that typically consists of a small, movable piece or panel. They are designed to be easily adjustable to cover or uncover your laptop’s webcam. To use them, simply slide the cover to the side to reveal the camera when you want to use it and slide it back to cover the camera when you’re done.

One notable feature of these webcam covers for laptops is its customizability. Whether you are a company looking to etch your logo onto webcam sliders for promotional purposes or an individual looking to gift personalized covers, most webcam slider suppliers are more than willing to accommodate you.

Magnetic webcam cover

Magnetic webcam covers are designed to function similarly to webcam sliders in that they can be easily moved to cover or uncover your laptop’s webcam. They utilize your laptop’s built-in magnets to securely attach to the camera, providing a convenient and gunk-free way to protect your privacy.

Conclusion

Using a laptop camera cover doesn’t necessarily damage your laptop. Although laptops with thin bezels may require some more thought, the benefits of using a camera cover justify this caution. Make privacy your priority day by getting a laptop camera privacy cover!


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