A webcam in a laptop is a convenient tool for video communication, but at the same time it is also a potential “loophole” for attackers. According to the study Kaspersky for 2023, every fifth cyber attack is associated with an attempt to access the device's camera or microphone. Even if you're not paranoid, the statistics give you pause: in 78% of cases, victims of spyware were unaware of the surveillance for months. A camera shutter is a simple but effective solution to physically blocking the lens.

In this article, we will look at what types of curtains there are (from magnetic to retractable), how to install them correctly without damaging the laptop, and why the camera is turned off by software in Device Manager does not provide 100% protection. We will also test 5 popular models with AliExpress And Amazon - from budget to premium - and we’ll tell you how to recognize a fake. If you've ever wondered if someone is looking through your camera, this guide is for you.

Why putting a curtain on a laptop camera is not paranoia, but a necessity

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to close the laptop lid or seal the camera with tape. However hackers don't need real-time images - they can take pictures once an hour, record video when the microphone is turned on, or even activate the camera through vulnerabilities in Zoom or Skype. In 2022, experts Check Point discovered a gap in the protocol RTP, which allows attackers to connect to a video communication session without the user’s knowledge.

Here are real cases when a curtain could save:

  • 🕵️‍♂️ Spying on employees: in 2021 the company Tesla fired an engineer who secretly filmed colleagues through laptop cameras to sell the data to competitors.
  • 💔 Jealousy and domestic violence: according to data National Domestic Violence Hotline, 43% of victims of spying by partners did not know that their camera was hacked.
  • 💰 Blackmail: scammers record compromising moments (for example, in the bedroom) and demand a ransom in cryptocurrency.
  • 🎓 Exams online: Students often become victims of leaking personal data through hacked cameras during testing.
⚠️ Attention: If your laptop's camera light suddenly lights up (even when you're not using it), this could be a sign of infection spyware. Immediately scan the system with an antivirus and physically close the lens.

Software solutions like Windows Camera Privacy or MacOS Camera Indicator do not guarantee safety. Viruses can bypass these settings, and OS updates sometimes reset restrictions. A physical curtain is the only way to 100% block access to the camera, even if the laptop is hacked.

📊 Have you ever worried about the security of your webcam?
  • Yes, I close it regularly
  • Sometimes I think, but I don’t do anything
  • No I have nothing to hide
  • I don't know how to check if the camera is hacked

Types of webcam curtains: comparison of pros and cons

The market offers more than 20 types of curtains, differing in material, fastening mechanism and level of protection. We tested 12 models and identified 4 main categories relevant in 2026:

Curtain type Pros Cons Average price, ₽
Slider (retractable) ✅ Quick opening/closing
✅ Does not interfere with closing the lid		 ❌ May loosen over time
❌ Not suitable for all camera frames		 300–800
Magnetic ✅ Easy installation
✅ Can be removed without leaving traces		 ❌ Doesn't stick well to metal laptops
❌ May fall off during transportation		 200–500
Adhesive (on double-sided tape) ✅ Cheap
✅ Suitable for any laptops		 ❌ Leaves traces of glue
❌ May come unglued from heat		 100–300
Built-in (in the laptop lid) ✅ Maximum reliability
✅ Not visible from the outside		 ❌ Requires laptop disassembly
❌ Only suitable for certain models		 1 500–4 000

For most users, the optimal choice is slider curtain. It combines reliability and convenience, and modern models (for example, Webcam Cover Pro) have 3M VHB glue that leaves no residue when removed. Magnetic options are convenient for those who often remove the curtain (for example, for video calls), but are not suitable for laptops with an aluminum case - the magnet simply will not attract.

Adhesive curtains are the most budget option, but their main drawback is risk of damaging the laptop cover when deleted. If you choose this type, be sure to check whether the tape is compatible with the material of your model. For example, on MacBook Pro With an anodized finish, the adhesive may leave streaks.

How to check if glue is damaging your laptop?

Before purchasing, stick a small piece of regular tape on an inconspicuous place (for example, at the bottom of the case) and leave it for 24 hours. If after removal there are traces left or the color of the coating has changed, it is better to discard the adhesive curtain.

TOP 5 webcam curtains in 2026: an honest review

We ordered and tested 5 popular models with AliExpress, Amazon And Ozon, evaluating the reliability of the mount, ease of use and compatibility with different laptops. The rating included both budget options (from 150 ₽) and premium ones (up to 3,000 ₽).

1. Webcam Cover Pro Slide (slider, 2 pieces included)

  • 🔹 Material: aluminum + 3M VHB glue
  • 🔹 Suitable for: MacBook, Dell XPS, HP Spectre
  • 🔹 Pros: no play, thin (1 mm), black and silver colors included
  • 🔹 Cons: more expensive than analogues
  • 🔹 Price: ~600 ₽

2. EOOUT Magnetic Webcam Cover (magnetic, 6 pcs.)

  • 🧲 Material: neodymium magnet + silicone coating
  • 🧲 Suitable for: plastic laptops (Lenovo IdeaPad, Acer Swift)
  • 🧲 Pros: Can be painted with nails, does not scratch the screen
  • 🧲 Cons: weakly adheres to MacBook Air
  • 🧲 Price: ~350 ₽ per package

3. LaptopsHut Adhesive Cover (adhesive, 10 pcs.)

  • 📎 Material: plastic + acrylic glue
  • 📎 Suitable for: any laptops (except glossy surfaces)
  • 📎 Pros: cheap, can be cut to size with scissors
  • 📎 Cons: peels off when heated (for example, from the sun)
  • 📎 Price: ~200 ₽

4. SafeCam Built-in Shutter (built-in, for Dell Latitude)

  • 🔧 Material: metal, integrated into the body
  • 🔧 Suitable for: only for Dell Latitude 7000/9000
  • 🔧 Pros: invisible from outside, maximum protection
  • 🔧 Cons: requires disassembling the laptop, dear
  • 🔧 Price: ~3 000 ₽

5. UGREEN Privacy Screen (slider with backlight)

  • 💡 Material: plastic + LED indicator
  • 💡 Suitable for: laptops with frame thickness 2–5 mm
  • 💡 Pros: Lights red when the camera is closed
  • 💡 Cons: battery runs out in 3 months
  • 💡 Price: ~1 200 ₽
⚠️ Attention: On AliExpress they often sell counterfeits of the brand Webcam Cover Pro. The original has a logo on the package and a certificate RoHS. If the seller does not provide a photo of the certificate, this is a reason to be wary.
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For laptops with thin bezels (e.g. MacBook Air M2) choose curtains with a thickness of no more than 1 mm, otherwise they will interfere with the closing of the lid.

How to install a curtain correctly: step-by-step instructions

Incorrect installation may damage the camera or peel off the laptop's finish. Follow these instructions to avoid errors:

Clean the camera frame with an alcohol wipe (remove grease and dust)

Check the compatibility of the curtain with the thickness of the frame (measure with a caliper)

If the curtain is adhesive, heat the adhesive layer with a hairdryer (30 seconds)

Unplug the laptop (static electricity can damage the camera) -->

Step 1: Surface Cleaning

Use isopropyl alcohol (70%+) or special wipes for electronics. Do not use household detergents - they leave a film that will make the glue stick less well. For MacBook with an anodized coating, it is better to use microfiber soaked in distilled water.

Step 2. Marking

Attach the curtain to the camera frame and outline it masking tape (not with a marker!). This will help avoid distortions when gluing. For slider models, check whether the mechanism is blocking the light sensor (on some HP Pavilion it is located next to the camera).

Step 3: Installation

  • 🔘 For adhesive curtains: remove the protective film gradually, pressing the curtain from the center to the edges. Use plastic cardto squeeze out any air bubbles.
  • 🧲 For magnetic: Press the curtain down for 30 seconds for better grip. If the magnet is weak, you can add a drop superglue (only for plastic laptops!).
  • ➕ For slider: Make sure that the guides do not touch the glass of the screen - this may cause scratches when opening/closing.

Step 4. Check

After installation:

  1. Close the curtain and try to take a photo using the standard camera application - the screen should be black.
  2. Check whether the curtain interferes with the closing of the lid (relevant for Lenovo Yoga And ASUS ZenBook with thin frames).
  3. If the curtain is loose, place a thin layer under it double sided tape (no more than 0.5 mm).
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If after installation the curtain begins to creak when moving, apply a drop silicone grease (For example, WD-40 Specialist) onto the guides. Do not use petroleum-based oils - they will corrode the plastic!

Myths about camera shutters: what's true and what's not

There are many myths surrounding the physical blocking of webcams. Let's look at the most common ones:

Myth 1: “The curtain ruins the video quality”

❌ Not true. The shutter covers the lens only when inactive. When you open it, the camera works normally. The exception is cheap plastic models, which can leave streaks on the lens glass. To avoid this, choose curtains with silicone coating (For example, EOOUT).

Myth 2: “If the camera light is not on, no one is using it”

❌ Dangerous Misconception. Hackers can disable the indicator programmatically. In 2023, researchers from MIT demonstrated an attack "NoLED", in which the camera works, but the LED remains turned off. The only reliable way to check is to physically close the lens and try to take a photo.

Myth 3: “The curtain interferes with the light sensor”

⚠️ Partially true. On some laptops (eg Dell XPS 13) The light sensor is located next to the camera. If the curtain is too wide, it may block it, causing the screen to not automatically adjust brightness. The solution is to choose a model with sensor cutout or calibrate the brightness manually in Control Panel → Power Options.

Myth 4: “You can just cover the camera with tape”

❌ Short term solution. Scotch tape leaves a sticky residue, can damage the laptop's finish, and loses its adhesiveness over time. In addition, it does not block the microphone, which can also be hacked. If you need a temporary solution, use masking tape (it is less aggressive) and change it every 2-3 days.

Myth 5: “Only paranoid people need curtains”

❌ Misconception. In 2022 FBI officially recommended physically covering webcams to protect against cybercrime. Even Mark Zuckerberg And James Comer (director FBI) use curtains. It's not paranoia, it's basic cyber hygiene, like antivirus or two-factor authentication.

📊 Which myth about curtains surprised you the most?
  • Why do they ruin the video quality?
  • That the camera indicator always shows its operation
  • That they interfere with the light sensor
  • That only the paranoid use them

What to do if the curtain doesn't fit your laptop

Not all curtains are universal. If you bought a model that does not hold or prevents the lid from closing, there are several solutions:

Problem 1: The curtain is too thick

  • 🔨 Solution for slider models: Sand the edges with sandpaper (1000+ grit) to reduce the thickness. Don’t overdo it—it’s enough to remove 0.3–0.5 mm.
  • 📏 Solution for adhesive: cut the curtain with scissors along the contour of the camera, leaving a margin of 1 mm.

Problem 2: The curtain does not adhere to a glossy surface

  • 🧴 For plastic laptops: Apply a thin layer cyanoacrylate glue (For example, Super Glue) to the base of the curtain. Keep for 24 hours before use.
  • 🧲 For metal: use double-sided tape 3M 4950 — it is intended for smooth surfaces.

Problem 3: The curtain is blocking the light sensor

  • ✂️ Cut a hole in the curtain for the sensor using stationery knife. Pre-mark the location of the sensor with a marker (on most laptops it is located to the left or right of the camera).
  • 🔄 If you don’t want to spoil the curtain, turn off automatic brightness adjustment in the Windows/macOS settings.

Problem 4: The curtain scratches the screen when opened

  • 🛡️ Stick on the inside of the curtain transparent protective film (for example, for smartphone screens).
  • 🧴 Apply a drop silicone grease on the guides.
⚠️ Attention: If your laptop is under warranty, do not modify the shutter with a file or glue. In the event of a breakdown, the service center may refuse to repair it. In this case, it is better to buy another model or use a temporary solution (for example, Post-it).

Alternatives to curtains: when physical blocking is not possible

In some cases, you cannot install a shutter - for example, if the camera is built into the screen frame (as in ASUS ZenBook Duo) or the laptop is used in a corporate environment where modifications are prohibited. Let's consider alternative methods of protection:

1. Software shutdown of the camera

On Windows:

1. Откройте Диспетчер устройств (Win + X → Диспетчер устройств)

2. Найдите раздел "Камеры" или "Устройства обработки изображений"


3. Кликните правой кнопкой на веб-камеру → "Отключить устройство"

On macOS:

1. Перейдите в "Системные настройки → Безопасность и конфиденциальность → Конфиденциальность"

2. Снимите галочки с приложений в разделе "Камера"

❌ Disadvantage: An experienced hacker can re-enable the camera via register or Terminal.

2. Disabling the camera in BIOS/UEFI

On some laptops (eg Lenovo ThinkPad) the camera can be disabled at the BIOS level:

1. При загрузке нажмите F2/DEL (зависит от модели)

2. Найдите раздел "Security" или "Privacy"


3. Отключите опцию "Camera" или "Webcam"


4. Сохраните настройки (F10)

✅ Plus: hardware-based protection, more difficult to bypass.

❌ Minus: Settings may be reset after updating the BIOS.

3. Using an external camera

If the built-in camera cannot be locked, connect external USB camera (For example, Logitech C920) and disable the built-in. When the camera is not needed, simply remove it from the port. This method is used by many streamers and bloggers.

4. Closing the camera with accessories

  • 🧦 Socks or covers: Some laptop cases (eg. Tomtoc) have a cutout for the camera, which can be closed with Velcro.
  • 📎 Money clips: A small clip can be attached to the screen frame so that it blocks the lens.
  • 🖼️ Logo stickers: some companies (for example, Google) hand out stickers for cameras at events.

5. Use of operating systems with enhanced security

Go to Linux (For example, Tails OS) or Qubes OS reduces the risk of camera hacking because these systems isolate the hardware components. However, this is a solution for advanced users - it requires administration skills.

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No alternative provides 100% protection. A combination of software shutdown and physical blocking (for example, curtain + shutdown in BIOS) is the most reliable option.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about laptop camera shutters

🔍 Can I use the curtain on a tablet or smartphone?

For tablets (eg iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab) there are special curtains with ultra-thin profile (0.3–0.5 mm). Curtains are not suitable for smartphones - they block not only the camera, but also the sensors. Instead use covers with retractable flap (For example, Spigen Neo Hybrid).

🛠️ How to remove the curtain without damaging your laptop?

1. Warm up the curtain with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) for 1–2 minutes.

2. Pry up the edge plastic card or a mediator.

3. If there are traces of glue left, remove them white spirit or Goo Gone.

4. For MacBook use only isopropyl alcohol — other solvents will damage the coating.

🔒 Can a curtain protect against wiretapping through a microphone?

No, the curtain only blocks the camera. To protect the microphone:

  • Disable it in Device Manager.
  • Use hardware switch (available on some laptops, for example, Dell Latitude).
  • Stick on microphone holes soundproofing tape (For example, 3M Scotch).
💻 Is one curtain suitable for several laptops?

Universal curtains (for example, UGREEN) fits most laptops with a 2-5mm camera frame. However:

  • For MacBook need models with tilt angle 15° (due to beveled frames).
  • For Microsoft Surface curtains required magnetic mount (the glue does not stick to the magnesium body).
  • For gaming laptops (eg. ASUS ROG) choose curtains with reinforced fastening — due to vibration during play, adhesive models may fall off.
🛡️ Does the curtain protect against hacking through an infrared camera?

Most curtains only block visible light. If your laptop is equipped IR camera (for example, for Windows Hello), choose models with metallized coating (For example, SafeCam IR-Block). They reflect infrared radiation. Check the laptop specification - IR cameras are included Dell XPS 13, HP EliteBook and some Lenovo ThinkPad.