“Your screen is being observed” Mac Message

That person was referring to a third party app. It was just an example of something that wants control of the screen.

I got a similar message just today when I wanted to pick up a color with the eye dropper in Muse. Had to go into the System Preferences to allow Muse access to a simple color pick.

You need to check what software on your end is trying to access the screen.

I don't think this is a helpful reply. I see the same message and, as another poster wrote, it comes from enabling the DisplayLink driver which I use on my M1 MBP to allow me to connect an extra external display.

A more helpful reply would have been something along the lines of:

"This may be due to a third party software application that needs access to the screen data for a legitimate reason or it may be due to a virus (although OS X is fairly immune to viruses)"

I am pointing this out because in a user support forum it is important to provide accurate information to someone seeking assistance.

I just had the same message and realized that I accidentally hit "record" vs "capture" while doing a screen save last night. Was able to delete the recording - eats a lot of space too.

Hi,

When you get this message, it means there a software is implemented or installed on your Imac which can capture/ record your screen.

Hi Kurt, I'm completely new to Mac. I was also having the same issue on my new personal MacBook Pro just now and it really sketched me out. How do I find out and also revoke which apps or software on my end are trying to access my screen? Is there a centralized hub for this and where is it located, if you wouldn't mind helping me out? Again, completely new to Mac OS.

Thanks craigfay. I stepped away and when I returned to the lock screen, I saw the unnerving message "your screen is being observed." Your advice was perfect in my situation, as that was indeed the case for me—I had turned on screen recording and then forgotten to turn it off.

Used the built-in Screenshot app today for the first time to do a screen save. Noticed the message when I logged in again. Read the messages. Clicked on the icon at the top of the screen and the message disappeared. Spooky, though.

A search brought me here and, with the help of answers above, I figured out that in my case the culprit was an app called Yoink (which allows files and other things to be "put on a shelf" at the side of the screen to facilitate drag-and-drop operations). Always pleased to find helpful people listing good solutions: thanks!

Where is the 'display link manager"?

I got this after using Airplay screen mirroring, leaving my laptop for a while & then returning.

I'm assuming it has to do with Airplay (I hope).

I've noticed this when using DisplayLink drivers to power my external monitors.

I have the same issue but here are my added details. I only see this message when the screen is locked. I only see this message when I'm screen sharing or Apple playing my content onto my Samsung TV. I cannot produce the message by screen sharing with other products, only my tv. I don't care that much but I kinda do care. Not the best feeling thinking your being watched but it's not like I'm interesting. I don';t even like monitoring my MacBook when I'm on it. I have a feeling this is an issue with my tv IF and only IF this isn't some kind of mistake on my MacBook software. If one advises that it may be my tv, please advise at to what I might do. Thanks a bunch in advance.

why does the message appear went I sign-on to my mac "the screen is being observed"

I am getting your screen is being observed Is this something I have to worry about