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Camera Cover

I have been using a camera cover (plastic slide which you manually move over the camera) for my old iPad for security purposes and privacy in Zoom, Skype meetings, Go To Webinars etc etc. I recently upgraded my iPad and it keeps responding with the message “Camera Covered”. Even when the cover is just around the camera not covering it.


iPad Pro 12.9-inch, 3rd Gen, Wi-Fi, Cell

Posted on Jul 18, 2022 12:25 AM

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6 replies

Jul 18, 2022 12:32 AM in response to Tony Sherington

As described, your iPad is presumably equipped with FaceID?


FaceID uses a sensor array that include both the camera and IR-dot projector; obscuring any of these components will produce the warning that you see. Short of disabling FaceID (recognising that TouchID is not available for your model of iPad), you’ll continue to encounter the error if you attempt to shutter the sensor.

Jul 18, 2022 1:49 AM in response to Tony Sherington

You are very welcome.


Obscuring any element of the sensor array will impact functionality. The main FaceID sensor array lies in the central strip of the top edge (as viewed in portrait orientation) of the screen bezel; one or more ambient light sensors are also placed in the bezel strip. The precise placement and dimensions of sensor elements vary between individual iPad models.

As for your evident privacy concern, don’t forget that your iPad will always indicate that its camera or microphone is active or not - with appearance of either a green or orange/red dot at top-left of the screen when live - adjacent to the other status indicators. As such, a physical shutter might be considered unnecessary.

Camera Cover

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