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In June 2017 Apple updated its 13" MacBook Air with a newer Broadwell Intel Core i5 processor, resulting in slightly increased performance and battery life.

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Removing the iSight / FaceTime camera from a MacBook Air

Hi All,

I have been trying to find out information regarding removal of the iSight camera from a MacBook Air.

I am looking to remove the camera so that I can take it to work as I am often working in areas where cameras are restricted

As far as I've been told its also not possible to remove the camera from any of the macbook pros due to the glass screen, hence why a Macbook Air becomes the next option.

I am aware that it is possible to remove the camera from the body, removing the front panel and the unscrewing the camera mounding and cutting the wires? Or that you can get software etc to disable the camera (however, I am looking for a permeant removal)

However, will physically removing the camera cause any software issues with the laptop? Such as, starting up the machine, could there be issues with devices not being found and then causing startup issues?

Or another potential issue could be regarding future software updates, with software updates to the camera, which once removes and wires cut out, then could cause conflict issues with updates?

Or if you fully disconnect the camera will everything just work as per normal?

Also I fully understand that it will void any Apple warranty which is understandable when accessing or modifying the machine.

Any Ideas on this issue will be very much appreciated

Thanks

Tom

Answer this question I have this problem too

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If Dan’s answer is not enough: See step#15 of this guide for disconnecting the camera from the logic board

MacBook Air 13" Early 2015 Logic Board Replacement

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What you are trying to do is open the display assembly to remove the camera.

Sadly, all of the current MacBook, MacBook Air & MacBook Pro have displays which are very hard to open. I would recommend you get an older Unibody model (13 or 15”) as you’ll have a much easier time.

I would recommend you place a black and then yellow tape across the lens. I’ve done hundreds, lots of fun! :-{

The yellow tape is our standard so anyone can validate it’s been altered by looking into the cameras location. We did not remove the camera just prevent it from working.

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tpollock will be eternally grateful.
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