I rarely use the lock screen on my Mac, so when I saw the icon on the left I was a bit scared:
Does anybody know what this icon means? Is it a normal thing? Is it caused by Apple software, or some possibly malicious third-party software?
MacBook Air, macOS Mojave (10.14)
All sorted now for me!
I used 'App Cleaner & Uninstaller' to get rid of any files named "displaylink" (Can't remember installing it, but must have at some point in the past).
So, binoculars have gone and my Apple watch unlocks my iMac every time.
I believe that it's a bug on macOS where the binoculars icon remains in the lock screen after using apps with screen sharing features. This happened to me after sharing my screen on Discord. I uninstalled Discord then reinstalled it and the icon disappeared. I suggest trying this with other apps like Skype.
I had the exact same problem. I have a video conference app on my computer called Discord (like Skype). As soon as I force quit Discord the icon went away. Hopefully this helps.
I can confirm that this appears to be related to DisplayLink. At least in my case, I see the icon while my DisplayLink Dell dock is connected via USBC>USBA adapter. I do not see the icon when the dock is unplugged. I am running 10.14.2 and DL drivers 5.01
Check your remote desktop or sharing configuration. What happens when you click on the binoculars?
It is normal if when you click on it and it says 'no administrator'. To take it away, click sharing settings, remote management and computer settings untick the top box
I had the same problem. Shutting down and restarting solved the problem but I couldn't open the lock screen with the Apple Watch because it said the screen was being shared.
I just noticed the same thing on my MacBook. Similar to others replying here: only shows on lock screen...
Can’t click on the icon... Screen Sharing is off...
Also... since upgrading to Mojave, it’s said “Unlocking with Apple Watch is not available when screen sharing” at the lock screen.
And, good to it’s word, Unlock with Apple Watch doesn’t work.
Though it hasn’t for a while... I had hoped upgrading to Mojave would fix that.
I’m wondering if the two are related.
Hello!
I have experienced this same problem and it appears to occur after sharing my screen in video conferencing apps. This has led me to believe it is simply a bug and not malware.
The exact same thing used to happen to me as well in my previous laptop, but instead of the binoculars, it was the screen sharing icon.
I don't have an Apple Watch, so I don't think that not being able to unlock your MacBook with it is the cause. I think that it might be an effect though. It is kind of worrying that it says that you are sharing your screen when your settings say otherwise.
I just recently noticed this too. Didn't notice it before Mojave.
Also, possibly related; I cant Unlock my Mac with Apple Watch because of Screen Sharing. Re: Unlocking with Apple Watch is not available while your screen is being shared
I've disabled all Screen Sharing, checked Remote Management and uninstalled TeamViewer just to be on the safe side. But I still see that icon and the error message on my lock screen every time.
Talking to Apple Support about the Unlocking issue, I mentioned the Binoculars and he didn't know what it was either. His first thought, like many of us, was that it was a Screen Sharing or Remote Management icon.
Same issue here.
Can't click on the icon
@leroydouglas - not really the same case.
The icon only appears on the locked screen, and it's only 1 icon.
No sharing option is active either.
Binoculars on Mac lock screen?
