macOS shows a green light next to the camera whenever it is in use, and an orange dot in the menu bar when the microphone is in use. There is no software way to disable these indicators on modern Macs — if they appear, something really is using your camera or mic.
Step 1: Read the indicators
- Green camera light on the lid (Intel) or in the notch area = camera active
- Orange dot in the menu bar (top-right) = microphone active
- Click Control Centre in the menu bar to see which app is using the mic or camera right now
Step 2: Audit Privacy & Security permissions
- System Settings → Privacy & Security
- Open Camera — toggle off anything that should not have camera access
- Open Microphone — same
- Open Screen & System Audio Recording — pay close attention; this is what stalkerware uses
Step 3: Check background apps
Open Activity Monitor and look for unfamiliar processes. Also check Login Items & Extensions for anything labelled as a camera/mic helper.
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JD
Written by
Jordan DicksonFounder, CyberSecurityGuides
Founder of CyberSecurityGuides, writing practical, jargon-free guides that help everyday people recover from and protect against online attacks.
Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers