Apple: Don’t put a cover over the MacBooks webcam

Apple warns MacBook users not to cover their webcam with a cover or physical tape. That could damage the camera or laptop. The Macs have an indicator showing that the webcam is in use, the company points out.

Apple says in a support message that users should not use a camera cover on their MacBooks. The space between the screen and the keyboard is “designed with very narrow margins,” the company says. As a result, a MacBook, MacBook Air or MacBook Pro can be damaged if users stick tape on it themselves.

Another problem is that the light sensor no longer works if users stick a webcam cover on their laptop themselves. As a result, functions such as automatic brightness can no longer work.

Apple also gives tips for users who nevertheless want a physical camera cover, for example because it is required by their employer. Camera covers should be no thicker than 0.1 millimeters, the thickness of A4 paper, and it should not leave any glue residue. If users do install a thicker cover, they should remove it before closing the computer.

Apple points to the indicator on MacBooks that shows if a camera is actively being used. The laptops do not have physical kill switches, but they do have an indicator that indicates when the camera is active. “The camera is made in such a way that it cannot be activated without the indicator light also turning on,” the company writes.