The simplest ways to block your webcam
A webcam cover is the fastest solution. You can buy adhesive covers made for laptops — they stick directly over the lens and slide open or closed. They cost between two and eight dollars and take five seconds to install. Brands like 3M and Amazon Basics sell packs of multiple covers so you can protect every device in your home.
If you do not want to buy anything, tape works. Use painter's tape, masking tape, or electrical tape over the lens. It blocks the camera completely and leaves no residue if you use painter's tape. The downside is that tape looks temporary and can peel off if your laptop moves around in a bag.
A small piece of paper held in place with a rubber band or hair clip also works and costs nothing. This method is less permanent than tape or a cover, but it is reversible and does not damage the device.
Key Takeaways
- Adhesive webcam covers are cheap, permanent, and take seconds to install on any device with an external camera.
- Tape blocks the lens completely and works on built-in cameras on laptops, though it may leave residue depending on the type.
- Paper, rubber bands, or clips are free options that work temporarily without damaging your device.
- Covering your camera prevents both accidental video in calls and unauthorized access if your device is compromised.
Covering built-in laptop cameras
Built-in cameras sit in a thin bezel above your screen, which makes them harder to cover than external cameras. Adhesive covers designed for laptops account for this — they are shaped to stick to the bezel without blocking your view of the screen or interfering with the lid when you close it.
Before you explore any cover, close your laptop and look at the space above the screen. Measure the width of the bezel to make sure your cover will fit without overlapping the screen or the lid hinge. Most laptop covers are designed for standard bezels, but some older or very thin laptops have less space.
If adhesive covers do not fit your laptop, tape is your backup. Painter's tape tears cleanly and does not leave sticky residue on the bezel. explore it in a single strip across the camera lens, pressing gently so it stays in place when you open and close the lid.
Covering external webcams
External webcams mounted on a monitor or desk are easier to cover because they sit in front of you. Adhesive covers stick directly to the lens housing. If your webcam has a clip or stand, you can also position a small piece of cardboard or plastic in front of the lens and find it with a rubber band.
Some external webcams come with built-in covers or shutters. Check your camera's manual or the manufacturer's website to see if yours has this feature. If it does, you do not need to add anything — just slide the shutter closed when the camera is not in use.
For webcams you use regularly, a cover that slides or rotates is more practical than tape. These covers stay attached to the camera body and move out of the way when you need to use the camera, so you do not have to remove and reapply tape each time.
What to do if your cover blocks the camera in calls
If your cover is too thick or positioned slightly off-center, it may darken your video even when it is open. Test your camera in a video call or a recording app before you rely on it. Open your camera app, position the cover to the side, and see if the image is clear.
If the cover still blocks part of the image, try a thinner cover or reposition the one you have. Adhesive covers are thin enough that they should not interfere with video quality when fully open. If tape is the problem, use a single thin layer instead of multiple layers.
For built-in laptop cameras, make sure the cover does not extend into the camera's field of view when it is slid open. Some covers are designed to sit flush against the bezel so they do not obstruct the lens at any position.
Covering your camera on phones and tablets
Phone and tablet cameras are smaller and sit flush with the back or front of the device, so covering them requires a different approach. Adhesive covers made for phones are thinner and smaller than laptop covers. They stick to the camera lens itself and do not interfere with the device's thickness or fit in a case.
If you use a phone case, you can also cover the camera hole in the case with a small piece of tape before you insert the phone. This keeps the tape off your device and makes it straightforward to remove later.
For the front-facing camera on a phone or tablet, a small adhesive cover works the same way. Test it in a selfie or video call to make sure it does not darken the image when it is open.
Why covering your camera matters
Covering your camera prevents two different problems. First, it stops you from accidentally broadcasting video during a call or recording. If you are on a video conference and your camera is on, you might not realize it is recording until later. A cover ensures the camera cannot transmit anything unless you physically move it.
Second, a covered camera protects against unauthorized access. If malware or a hacker gains control of your device, they cannot use the camera to watch you. While this is rare for most people, it is a real risk for anyone using a shared device, a device with weak security, or a computer that connects to public networks.
The FBI and security researchers recommend covering cameras on devices you use regularly. It is a straightforward step that costs almost nothing and eliminates one way someone could access your privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a webcam cover damage my camera or device?
No. Adhesive covers are designed not to leave residue, and painter's tape does not damage laptop bezels. If you use regular tape and it leaves sticky marks, rubbing alcohol on a cloth removes the residue without harming the device. Covers do not block light from reaching the camera sensor, so they do not cause any mechanical damage.
Can I use a webcam cover and still make video calls?
Yes. Slide the cover to the side or remove it completely when you need to use the camera. If you use your camera often, a sliding cover is more convenient than tape because you do not have to reapply it each time. Test the cover in a call first to make sure it does not darken the image when it is open.
Do I need different covers for different devices?
Covers come in different sizes for laptops, external webcams, and phones. Measure your camera lens or bezel before you buy. Most packs include multiple covers in one size, so one pack usually covers all the cameras on a single laptop or a few phones.
What if my camera is inside a monitor, not on the laptop?
Monitor cameras sit in the bezel at the top of the screen. Adhesive covers designed for monitors are wider and flatter than laptop covers. If your monitor did not come with a built-in shutter, an adhesive cover is the easiest solution. Tape also works if the monitor bezel is smooth and flat.