Webcams in modern laptops have become an integral part of everyday life: from work video conferencing to streaming and online learning. But along with convenience came a new risk - unauthorized access to the camera through malware or system vulnerabilities. According to the study Kaspersky in 2023, every fifth user has encountered attempts to hack their webcam at least once. The solution to the problem is simpler than it seems: physical shutter for laptop camera blocks the lens mechanically, making it inaccessible to hackers even if the device is infected.

However, not all curtains are equally useful. Cheap models can scratch the screen, hold poorly, or even fall off over time. In this article we will look at:

  • 🔍 Why software camera locking is unreliable (and how hackers get around it)
  • 📏 Types of curtains: sliders, rotary, magnetic - pros and cons of each
  • 🛠️ How to install a curtainso as not to damage the laptop (step-by-step instructions with photos)
  • 💰 TOP 5 models of 2026 with comparison by price, materials and compatibility
  • ⚠️ Common mistakes when choosing and using (and how to avoid them)

We will pay special attention little-known fact: some backlit curtains can themselves become a source of data leakage through the infrared channel. More on this in the section on security.

Why software disabling the camera does not protect against hacking

Many users believe that it is enough to disable the camera in the system settings or cover it with tape. This is a dangerous misconception. Here's why:

Firstly, malware with administrator rights can reactivate the camera even if it is disabled in Device Manager. For example, a Trojan BlackShades (distributed in 2010–2014) was able to bypass standard Windows locks. Modern spy programs like DarkComet or NjRAT work on the same principle: they replace the camera drivers and turn it on in the background.

Secondly, camera operation indicator (green/orange LED next to the lens) is easy to fake. Hackers can turn it off programmatically so that the user does not notice the filming. In 2022, researchers from Johns Hopkins University proved that the LED can be controlled separately from the camera itself on 90% of laptops.

  • 🖥️ Windows: vulnerabilities in Camera Framework allow you to bypass blocking through the registry
  • 🍎 macOS: despite strict permissions, exploits like Pegasus gain access to the camera through vulnerabilities in WebKit
  • 🐧 Linux: Open source makes it easy to create custom drivers for hidden camera activation
⚠️ Attention: If you use a laptop at work and connect to the corporate network, the IT department can remotely turn on your camera for monitoring—even without your knowledge. A physical curtain remains the only reliable method of protection.
📊 How do you usually protect your laptop camera?
  • I'm not defending you at all
  • I seal it with tape
  • I disable it in settings
  • I use a curtain
  • Another way

Types of laptop camera shutters: comparison of pros and cons

The market offers four main types of curtains. Each has its own characteristics, which are important to consider when choosing:

Curtain type Operating principle Pros Cons Average price, ₽
Slider Slider opens/closes the lens Easy to use, secure fit May interfere with opening the laptop, the mechanism wears out 300–800
Rotary The lid rotates 180° Compact, does not increase the thickness of the laptop It is more difficult to open with one hand, there may be some play 400–1200
Magnetic Attaches magnetically to screen frame No glue required, easy to remove May shift during transport, not suitable for metal cases 500–1500
Backlit Built-in LED indicates closed state Visual indication, stylish design More expensive than analogues, the LED may fail 1000–2500

For most users, the optimal choice will be slider curtains — they combine reliability and convenience. However, if you often travel with a laptop, it is better to consider magnetic models, which do not interfere with the folding of the screen. And here are the curtains with backlight Only worth buying if you really need visual confirmation of the closed state: their electronics can become an additional point of failure.

Separately worth mentioning smart curtains with Bluetooth control (eg Webcam Cover Pro). They automatically close when the system is locked, but their price (from RUB 3,000) and dependence on the battery make them a niche solution.

How to check if the curtain fits your laptop?

Measure the distance from the camera to the edge of the screen - it should be at least 3 mm for most models. Also check the thickness of the frame: if it is thinner than 2 mm, the magnetic shutter may not stay in place. For laptops with tubeless screens (for example, Dell XPS 13 2022) you will need a special model with an ultra-thin mount.

TOP 5 laptop camera shutters in 2026

We tested 12 models of curtains from different manufacturers and selected the best ones in terms of price/quality ratio. The rating took into account:

  • 🔧 Easy to install (requires no tools, leaves no marks)
  • 🛡️ Reliability of protection (complete lens overlap, no gaps)
  • 🎨 Design (does not spoil the appearance of the laptop, different colors are available)
  • 💳 Price (optimal ratio with functionality)

Here are our favorites:

  1. Eyebloc Nano — the best slider curtain for ultrabooks

    Thickness is only 0.6mm, suitable for MacBook Air/Pro And Dell XPS. The adhesive backing leaves no traces when removed. Price: 590 ₽.

  2. MagSlide Pro — magnetic curtain with the strongest fastening

    Sticks even to aluminum cases MacBook. Includes 3 replacement magnets. Price: 1100 ₽.

  3. SafeCam 360 - swivel curtain with scratch protection

    The soft silicone coating prevents damage to the screen. Suitable for laptops with thick frames. Price: 750 ₽.

  4. PrivacyGuard LED — illuminated curtain for gamers

    RGB backlight with 7 modes, mounted on 3M VHB tape. Compatible with ASUS ROG And MSI. Price: 1800 ₽.

  5. CoverUp Stealth — the thinnest curtain (0.3 mm)

    Invisible when the laptop is closed, suitable for Lenovo Yoga And HP Spectre. Price: 890 ₽.

⚠️ Attention: Avoid curtains with Chinese magnets of unknown brands - they can damage the laptop SSD. Certified models (eg MagSlide) use shielded neodymium magnets.
💡

Check reviews on before purchasing Yandex.Market or AliExpress with the "from photo" filter. This will help avoid counterfeits, which are often sold under the guise of branded models.

Step-by-step instructions: how to install the curtain correctly

Incorrect installation may result in the curtain peeling off, scratching the screen, or even damaging the camera. Follow this algorithm to avoid errors:

☑️ Preparing to install the curtain

Done: 0 / 4

Step 1: Surface Cleaning

Use isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) to degrease the screen frame. Do not use wet wipes - they leave streaks that impair adhesion. For laptops with oleophobic coating (for example, MacBook) just wipe the surface with dry microfiber.

Step 2: Test installation

Attach the curtain to the frame without removing the protective film from glue. Make sure that:

  • 📸 The camera lens is completely blocked
  • 🖥️ The curtain does not interfere with opening/closing the laptop
  • 🔄 The slider or rotary lid mechanism works smoothly

Step 3. Fixation

For adhesive-based curtains:

  1. Remove the protective film from one side and press the curtain against the frame.
  2. Hold for 30 seconds with even pressure.
  3. Do not close the laptop for 1 hour - this time is needed for the glue to fully polymerize.

For magnetic shutters: test the force of attraction by holding the laptop close to a metal object (such as a key). If the curtain moves, add a second magnet from the kit.

Step 4: Testing

Close the curtain and try taking a photo using the standard camera app. There should be on the screen complete blackness no gaps. If light is visible, the curtain is installed incorrectly or does not fit correctly.

💡

If after installation the curtain begins to come off after 1-2 weeks, the problem is in poor quality glue. Use double-sided tape 3M VHB (article 4950) for reliable fixation.

Common mistakes when using curtains and how to avoid them

Even the most expensive curtain will lose effectiveness if used incorrectly. Here are common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

Mistake 1: Ignoring Compatibility

Buying a curtain “by eye” often leads to the fact that it:

  • 🔍Does not cover the lens completely (there remains a gap of 0.5–1 mm)
  • 🖥️ Interferes with the light sensor (on MacBook Pro this leads to auto-brightness failures)
  • 🔊 Covers the microphone (relevant for Lenovo ThinkPad with overhead microphones)

Solution: Use WebcamSize serviceto accurately measure the camera's position relative to the edges of the screen.

Mistake 2: Using household glue

Attempts to glue the curtain on superglue or PVA ends:

  • 💔 Damage to the anti-glare coating of the screen when removed
  • 🧲 By magnetizing the body (if the glue contains metal particles)
  • 🔥 Yellowing of the plastic frame (from a reaction with glue components)

Solution: To replace the adhesive base, use only 3M VHB or Tesa Powerstrips.

Mistake 3: Neglecting care

The curtain requires maintenance:

  • 🧼 Slider mechanisms need to be cleaned of dust every 3 months (use compressed air)
  • 🧲 Magnetic curtains lose their attractive force over time - they need to be reinstalled once a year
  • 🎨 Backlight Do not get it wet - this leads to corrosion of the contacts
⚠️ Attention: If you use your laptop in high humidity conditions (for example, in the bathroom while streaming), choose curtains with sealed housing (For example, SafeCam AquaProof). Regular models can become moldy from the inside.

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

There are a lot of rumors surrounding the physical protection of webcams. Let's look at the most popular:

Myth 1: “The curtain spoils the quality of shooting”

Reality: High-quality curtains (for example, Eyebloc) are made of optically neutral plastic. They do not distort the picture if:

  • 📸 Curtain thickness does not exceed 1 mm
  • 🔍 Material - polycarbonate or acrylic (not cheap PVC)
  • 💡 The surface is smooth, without marks

Test: Take a photo with the curtain closed and open in bright light. There shouldn't be any difference in sharpness.

Myth 2: “The magnetic shutter erases data from the hard drive”

Reality: Magnets are needed to damage the HDD from 1000 gauss, whereas curtains use magnets 50–200 gauss. However:

  • 💾 SSD not subject to magnetic influence
  • 🖥️ Laptops with hybrid drives (HDD+SSD) can theoretically be damaged if the magnet is kept near the HDD part for more than a day
  • 📱 MacBook with flash memory (Apple T2 chip) are fully protected

Myth 3: “A backlit curtain is safer than a regular one”

Reality: The lighting is a marketing ploy. Reliability depends on:

  • 🔒 Mechanical strength (slider vs rotary lid)
  • 🔍 Completeness of lens overlap (even with backlighting there may be gaps)
  • 💡 Power supply (some models with batteries run out at the most inopportune moment)

Research University of Toronto (2023) showed that 15% of backlit curtains have a vulnerability: their LEDs can be used to transmit data via infrared (up to 10 bps). This allows hackers to obtain information about the closing/opening time of the camera.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about camera shutters

🔍 Is it possible to use the curtain on a laptop with Windows Hello (face recognition)?

Yes, but you need to choose a model with cutout for IR camera. Most curtains (for example, Eyebloc Nano) have a special window for sensors Windows Hello. If there is no cutout, face recognition will not work.

💻 Is the curtain suitable for MacBook Pro 2023 with a dynamic island?

No, standard curtains block the sensors TrueDepth. For new ones MacBook Pro special models with asymmetrical fastening are needed (for example, MagSafe Camera Cover). They are more expensive (from 2000 ₽), but do not interfere with work Face ID.

🔧 How to remove the curtain without damaging your laptop?

Use dental floss or plastic pick:

  1. Pass the thread under the edge of the curtain.
  2. Gently saw back and forth to release the glue.
  3. Remove any remaining glue white spirit (not acetone!).

For magnetic curtains, it is enough to pull up with a force of 1–2 kg.

🛡️ Does the curtain protect against wiretapping through a microphone?

No, the curtain only blocks video. To protect the microphone you need:

  • 🎤 Software mute the microphone in Device Manager
  • 🔇 Physical plug for the microphone hole (for example, MicBlock)
  • 🔊 Using an external microphone with a hardware switch
📱 Is it possible to use a curtain on a smartphone?

Technically yes, but:

  • 📱 On most smartphones the camera is located under glass - the curtain will get in the way
  • 🔄 Slider models are not suitable for curved screens (Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra)
  • 💡 Alternative: use covers with retractable flap (For example, Spigen Privacy Case)