Can I cover front camera with sticker?

[mattl2]

Hello. I am thinking about buying a Galaxy S20. I currently have an LG G7 ThinQ and I have the selfie camera covered because, well, I guess I don't trust the NSA. This doesn't interfere with the functions of the phone because there is a separate sensor for ambient light to adjust screen brightness.

However, in the photos I have seen of S20s, I only see a camera. No light sensor. So I am wondering if it uses the camera for both purposes. If that is the case I will be weary about buying this phone. Thanks.

 

[Hermes Hidayat]

Just sticker the front camera. No problem.

 

[mustang7757]

Electrical tape works great , people do that for their check engine light also )

 

[cardboard60]

Take a center punch and punch it out..

Just kidding.

 

[Mike Dee]

Why would the NSA be interested in you?

 

[Kizzy Catwoman]

Why would the NSA be interested in you?

My thoughts exactly. It seems a bit tin foil hat to me.

 

[Mooncatt]

Why would the NSA be interested in you?

And why only the front camera, and not every camera? Better yet, wouldn't they be more interested in recording what's on your screen than your face?

 

[mattl2]

Perhaps I am paranoid. But I firmly dislike the idea that a hacker (or government) could be watching me. I do nothing on my screen I am ashamed of. I just don't want candid photos.

That aspect of my post seems irrelevant. I am just wondering if covering the camera will mess with the phone's ambient light detection. That is all I wanted to know.

 

[mustang7757]

Perhaps I am paranoid. But I firmly dislike the idea that a hacker (or government) could be watching me. I do nothing on my screen I am ashamed of. I just don't want candid photos.

That aspect of my post seems irrelevant. I am just wondering if covering the camera will mess with the phone's ambient light detection. That is all I wanted to know.

Yes it can if you don't put it precisely on only the camera

 

[Mike Dee]

Perhaps I am paranoid. But I firmly dislike the idea that a hacker (or government) could be watching me. I do nothing on my screen I am ashamed of. I just don't want candid photos.

That aspect of my post seems irrelevant. I am just wondering if covering the camera will mess with the phone's ambient light detection. That is all I wanted to know.

The answer to your question is simple. Install the Sensors Toolbox app and test the light sensor. I believe the light sensor is slightly to the right of the camera.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.exatools.sensors

 

[stevo82]

If anyone were to hack in my phone all they would see is either my ceiling when my phone is on my nightstand or my double chin face as I scroll through memes on Instagram. After 2mins of that, I feel like they'd just move on to the next person.

 

[Mike Dee]

If anyone were to hack in my phone all they would see is either my ceiling when my phone is on my nightstand or my double chin face as I scroll through memes on Instagram. After 2mins of that, I feel like they'd just move on to the next person.

The average person need not worry. The above average person probably doesn't need to worry either.

 

[stevo82]

The average person need not worry. The above average person probably doesn't need to worry either.

Agreed. But if the OP feels better with it covered so be it. To each their own.

 

[Casualballer]

Some laptops come with a Webcam cover. Apparently there are enough people that care for the market to fill a demand. Maybe government employees or somone working in a classified department or something?

 

[Hermes Hidayat]

Some laptops come with a Webcam cover. Apparently there are enough people that care for the market to fill a demand. Maybe government employees or somone working in a classified department or something?

my laptop doesnt come with a webcam...so yeah its fool proof xD

 

[wenso smith]

A sticker, on the other hand, is an easy compromise The sticky part of a Post-it Note works great, and you can remove it with practically zero residue when you need access to that front-facing camera However, as you're only using enough of the Post-it to cover the camera, a single Note will go a long way.

 

[Borgie]

Make sure and turn off your microphone too. Turn off GPS and location services. Don't browse the internet. Take out your sim card, they can always tell where you are by your phone pinging the cell phone towers. There are a lot more things to worry about than your front facing camera.

 

[mattl2]

I feel like this got waaaay off point. All I wanted to know is if the camera doubles as an ambient light detector. Clearly you all think I am over paranoid, which is my business.

 

[Hermes Hidayat]

I feel like this got waaaay off point. All I wanted to know is if the camera doubles as an ambient light detector. Clearly you all think I am over paranoid, which is my business.

IKR... People be like who are you to be afraid of yada yada. Lmao. As for the proximity sensor/ambient light sensor. Its actually to the right or left of the front facing camera. I forgot where i read it but its seperated. You could try it out first.

 

[cardboard60]

I don't like facial recognition on my phone to do anything.
But I ain't gonna cover my camera.
I turn it off a lot. And leave it off. Don't always take it with me when I go somewhere.
Cause it shows everywhere you go and everywhere you have been. What time you go there and everywhere.
It keeps up with a daily pattern on what you do and how you liver.
So I share your concern.