Apple warns users to remove webcam covers when closing their MacBooks

Photo: Fabian Grohs

From: Unsplash

Apple in the recent advisory on their support website warned users about using a webcam cover, Apple says that closing a MacBook(whether the Pro or Air models) with Webcam cover still on can result in display damage due to the minimum clearance between the display and keyboard of the MacBook.

Apple says that besides damaging the display, a webcam cover will interfere with the ambient sensor beside the camera and will stop functions like automatic brightness and True Tone from working properly or sometimes to doesn't work at all.

Apple advises its MacBook users to instead use the green light indicator to know whether the Webcam is active or not, the green light will be turned on whenever the webcam is active and you can know that by the tiny indicator that the camera is active and you can disable it if you want to.

The front camera on the MacBook cannot be switched on without triggering the green light so you don't have to worry about someone or some app accessing your webcam without your knowledge, besides this, Apple reminds that users can always control how and when apps can access the webcam in the system preferences.

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But if it is mandatory to use a webcam cover at your workplace, Apple gave some advices on covering your webcam with a cover, you should only use 0.1 mm thick cover which is equivalent to a printer paper, and if your webcam cover has an adhesive attachment, don't use it, and remove the cover every time you close your MacBook.

One thing is clear is that the majority of MacBook users don't need a webcam cover and can trust the green light indicator to ensure their privacy.