Download Article
Get privacy and peace of mind with these simple hacks
Co-authored byHannah Dillon
Last Updated: December 18, 2023Fact Checked
Download Article
- At-Home Fixes |
- Store-Bought Products |
- Tips |
- Warnings
You may be familiar with some popular tall tales about malicious internet villains hacking into webcams and violating a person’s privacy. Although these stories are definitely exaggerated in movies and television, there are potential risks to leaving your computer camera exposed all the time, like malware attacks.[1] You also may want to cover your webcam if you work remotely or are often on Zoom or Skype video calls and want to avoid accidentally showing your surroundings in a meeting. Thankfully, it takes less than a minute to cover your webcam and protect your privacy.
Section 1 of 2:
At-Home Fixes
Download Article
1
Hide your camera with invisible tape for a quick cover. Stick a strip of clear tape over your webcam, which provides a good barrier between you and your camera. It's not as dark as some other options, but if you need a quick fix, regular tape can obscure your surroundings enough so peeping toms can't see what you're doing.[2]
- This option is great for any person who doesn’t want to make it obvious that they’re covering their camera.
2
Create a stylish fix that's easy to remove with washi tape. Shop online for washi tape, a special kind of tape that’s printed with cute, decorative designs. Rip off a section of this tape and place it over your webcam cover as a fun alternative to traditional tape.[3]
- Washi tape comes off easily whenever you need to use your camera.
Advertisem*nt
3
Place a cute sticker over the camera for a fun fix. Search online or in a craft store for a sheet of adorable stickers. Peel off the cute design and place it on your webcam as a cute, protective layer. Keep this sticker on for as long as you’d like, or until it starts peeling off.[4]
- Look for stickers with a darker base. If your stickers are too light or see-through, they may not obscure everything in your room or workspace.
- Most stickers will leave behind a residue, so make sure you remove the sticker slowly if you need to take it off.
4
Place a post-it over your camera for a simple fix. If you’re in a rush, a post-it can get the job done as an impromptu webcam cover.[5] Unfortunately, post-its likely won’t stick to your camera for very long, which will leave you vulnerable again.
- Post-its can also leave a gunky residue on the surface of the lens.
5
See AlsoHow to know if someone is watching you through your phone cameraDo We Really Need To Cover Up Our Laptop Camera Lens For Privacy?Here's the reason why people cover their webcamHow to Cover the Camera on a Phone: Quick Tips & TricksStick a strip of duct tape over your webcam to hide the camera. Rip off a small section of tape and center it over your camera. This sturdy, dark-colored tape will block out any peeping eyes from your webcam, and is a very inexpensive to keep yourself safe and secure while you’re on the computer.[6]
- Keep in mind that duct tape will leave a gunky residue on your camera for quite a bit, which isn’t ideal if you’re hoping to use your camera again.[7] It may even damage your webcam, so try a different method before using this one.
- Painter’s tape is a great alternative if you don’t want to leave a lot of residue on your camera.[8]
Advertisem*nt
Section 2 of 2:
Store-Bought Products
Download Article
1
Install a sliding webcam cover as an adjustable fix. Search online for webcam slides, which attach directly to the top of your laptop or computer. You can even get cute or customized webcam slides. When you’re using your camera, slide the cover tab away from the camera, so others can see you. If you’re feeling extra cautious, slide the tab over your camera to completely cover your lens.[9]
- Double-check the product description to make sure it’ll fit on your exact camera.
- While these products are created to stick on to your webcam, they may leave a residue once you remove them. Look for a product that says it is removable or doesn't leave a residue. Better yet, look for a slide that is magnetic that will stick to the magnets on your laptop lid.
2
Block off your camera with a square webcam cover. Center this cover over your camera, which will block it off completely. If you need to use your webcam, it removes easily and can be replaced, as it's made out of a material that suctions to your device rather than sticks with adhesive.[10]
- You can find this type of cover online. It’s typically sold by the Colampra brand.
Advertisem*nt
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Advertisem*nt
Look into putting a privacy shield on your laptop, computer or tablet. These force your device to point in a single direction, and make it difficult for hackers or peeping toms to get a good look at your surroundings.[11]
Thanks
Helpful0Not Helpful0
Download anti-virus software on your devices so you won’t be as prone to hacks.[12]
Thanks
Helpful0Not Helpful0
Keep all your devices updated to protect yourself from hacks.[13]
Thanks
Helpful0Not Helpful0
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Submit
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisem*nt
Warnings
Be aware that the webcam cover will only hide the camera, and doesn't block your computer's microphone from picking up words that you say.
Thanks
Helpful0Not Helpful0
You may want to choose a less obvious cover if you plan on using your computer in public. For instance, duct tape doesn’t look very aesthetically pleasing on your computer, and may make you look a bit paranoid.[14]
Thanks
Helpful0Not Helpful0
Advertisem*nt
About This Article
Co-authored by:
Hannah Dillon
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Dillon. Hannah Dillon is a Technology Writer and Editor at wikiHow. She graduated with a B.A. in Journalism from North Dakota State University in 2013 and has since worked in the video game industry as well as a few newspapers. From a young age Hannah has cultivated a love for writing and technology, and hopes to use these passions in tandem to help others in the articles she writes for wikiHow. This article has been viewed 54,836 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 8
Updated: December 18, 2023
Views:54,836
Categories: Technology and Privacy
In other languages
Portuguese
- Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 54,836 times.
