How to Stop Screen Recording and Mirroring on Your Device

Are you worried about someone secretly watching your screen? It’s a valid concern, but thankfully there are clear steps you can take to protect your privacy and stop unwelcome screen recording or mirroring.

Check App Permissions on Your Phone or Tablet

Both iPhones and Android devices allow you to see exactly which apps have permission to access your screen. Regularly checking these settings is a great habit to get into. If an app you don't recognise, or one that shouldn't need screen access, has this permission, it's a red flag.

• On Android: Go to Settings > Apps, then select an app and check its Permissions. Look specifically for 'Screen recording' or 'Display over other apps'.
• On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Screen Recording. Also, review apps that appear in Settings > Privacy & Security > Photos (check 'Selected Photos' or 'All Photos' as screen recordings might be saved here).

Review Screen Sharing Settings on Your Computer

Your computer, whether it's a Windows PC or an Apple Mac, has built-in features for screen sharing or mirroring. Sometimes, these can be turned on without your full knowledge, especially if someone else has had access to your device. Make sure you know what's active.

• On Windows: Go to Settings > System > Projecting to this PC and ensure it's not set to 'Available everywhere'. Also, check installed apps in Settings > Apps > Installed apps for anything suspicious.
• On Mac: Go to System Settings > General > Sharing. Make sure 'Screen Sharing' and 'Remote Management' are turned off unless you specifically need them and understand the risks.

Look Out for Rogue Software

Malicious software, often called 'spyware' or 'malware', can secretly record your screen. These unwanted programs can be tricky to spot as they often try to hide. Keeping an eye out for unusual behaviour can help you catch them.

• Your device is running slower than usual or crashing frequently.
• The battery drains much faster, even when you're not using it heavily.
• You see unfamiliar icons on your screen or in your app list that you don't remember installing.
• Your internet data usage is much higher than normal, suggesting data is being sent without your knowledge.

Uninstall Unwanted and Suspicious Apps

If you find any apps that you don't recognise, didn't intentionally install, or that have suspicious permissions, it's safest to remove them. This directly tackles potential threats by eliminating the software that could be recording your screen.

• On Android: Press and hold the app icon, then drag it to 'Uninstall' or tap the 'i' for app info and select 'Uninstall'.
• On iPhone/iPad: Press and hold the app icon until all icons jiggle, then tap the '–' (minus) symbol and select 'Delete App'.
• On Windows: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, click the three dots next to the app, and choose 'Uninstall'.
• On Mac: Open the 'Applications' folder, drag the unwanted app to the Bin (Trash), then empty the Bin.

Change All Your Passwords (Rotate Credentials)

If someone has been recording your screen, they might have captured your passwords. As a precaution, it's wise to change all your important passwords. This is often called 'rotating credentials' and helps lock out any unauthorised access they might have gained.

• Start with your most important accounts: email, banking, social media, and your device's unlock password.
• Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Consider a reputable password manager to help you create and remember them.

Key takeaway

By regularly checking app permissions, reviewing sharing settings, and being vigilant about unfamiliar software, you can significantly reduce the risk of unwanted screen recording. If you suspect an issue, taking immediate action to remove software and change passwords is your best defence.