Why is the camera and microphone running in the background

Question

Why is the camera and microphone running in the background

Why does FaceTime run in the background with camera and microphone on while I’m scrolling Facebook, without the FaceTime app being open?

iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Sep 24, 2026 5:23 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

PreCognition

Level 6

12,024 points

Sep 26, 2026 6:04 PM in response to Whiskeytangofoxtrotover

If you’re seeing the green or orange privacy indicator, open Control Center while it’s happening. At the top, iOS should show which app is currently using, or recently used, the camera or microphone. Apple documents that behavior here.

If it specifically says FaceTime and you don’t have an active FaceTime call, I’d restart the iPhone first and see whether it happens again. Also check Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and Microphone to review which apps have access.

If FaceTime keeps showing as actively using the camera/mic with no call in progress, that wouldn’t be expected behavior. In that case, note whether the indicator is green or orange and what Control Center says at that moment.

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Answer 2

Sep 26, 2026 6:19 PM in response to PreCognition

This is what was shown when I swiped down. The black box was what my camera was showing and I was not in an active FaceTime call and hadn’t even had the FaceTime app open previously. I opened the FaceTime app and called my son and the when I hung up the green light when away. It has happened twice. But it started when I was scrolling through Facebook. Also, when checking the privacy and security settings for the camera and the microphone, FaceTime isn’t listed as having access on either.

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