Can't find what app is using my iPhone camera when it's locked

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Level 1

41 points

Can't find what app is using my iPhone camera when it's locked

A few weeks ago I noticed, when unlocking my iPhone, the green dot in the top right corner going away as I unlock my phone. I've looked into it online and found this https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251901672?login=true

I've checked within the control panel and it does not show any info for an app using the camera.

I've gone into the camera settings (Privacy/Camera) and toggled off all apps so from where I'm looking, NOTHING should be turning the camera on at any time, especially when it's locked.

I will throw out my iPhone and go to a Pixel if I can't get this sorted.

Posted on Jun 11, 2021 10:35 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Lawrence Finch

Community+ 2025

Level 10

229,174 points

Jun 14, 2021 5:10 PM in response to Adology

I was able to duplicate that. I took a picture with the screen locked by holding the camera button on the lock screen, which opens the camera, then I tapped the shutter without unlocking the screen. I then unlocked the phone, and saw exactly what your screen shot showed on the control center. So must likely you took a butt photo. Open the photos app and see what the most recent images show.

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Answer 2

SnickZ.

Community Specialist

Jun 12, 2021 1:14 PM in response to Adology

Hello Adology,

We understand your concerns about seeing the camera indicator lit up when unlocking your iPhone. Do you make use of Face ID to unlock your device? We ask since that requires the use of the front facing camera.

About Face ID advanced technology - Apple Support

Thanks!

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Answer 3

Jun 14, 2021 10:26 AM in response to Adology

It's telling you that the Camera app was recently using the camera hardware. It could be you hit the button on the lock screen that activates the Camera app.

No one is "watching" you.

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Answer 4

Jun 15, 2021 7:33 AM in response to Adology

Go to Settings/Accessibility/Touch. Scroll to the bottom and check the setting for back tap. Is one of the settings enabled for Screen Shot?

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Answer 5

Adology Author

Level 1

41 points

Jun 14, 2021 4:46 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

I'm not hitting the camera button, not even close. When I say Apple's watching me I'm being sarcastic. Who cares what I'm doing but..... why is my camera on when the phone is locked??????? What is the Camera doing with the Camera Hardware that it can only do when it's locked?

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Answer 6

Adology Author

Level 1

41 points

Jun 14, 2021 10:12 AM in response to SnickZ.

Hello,

Thanks for the quick reply. I do not use any facial recognition on my iPhone. I was, however, able to see within the control centre the info at the top, what was using my camera and it says "Camera". The screenshot is below. Why would the camera be on? It looks like Apple is watching me.

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Answer 7

Adology Author

Level 1

41 points

Jun 15, 2021 7:33 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

I DID NOT TOUCH THE CAMERA. No butt photo, the phone was on the table and I picked it up without hitting any buttons. AND!!!! if I did hit the camera button (I didn't) the camera would be on screen. It wasn't.

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