Another good option is the Alfred Shush! workflow (no relation to the Shush! app)-just type Shush in your Alfred search bar to disable or enable your mic.ĪutoHotkey for Windows has built-in mic tools with its SoundSet. By default, though, it sets your microphone to max volume when it re-enables it, so you might want to tweak that from the script. The Mic PTT workflow lets you set a system-wide hotkey to mute your Mac-so you could use perhaps your F6 button to mute your Mic. On Alfred for Mac, there are two great options. Use Your Computer's Mic SettingsĪnother good option is to add a microphone mute workflow to an automation app for your computer like Alfred for Mac or AutoHotkey for Windows. Here's how to make sure your mic's only on when you want it on. Your keyboard has a mute button for your speakers-but typically not one for your mic. Micro Snitch Price: $3.99 on the App StoreĮver sighed after a long call-then quickly checked your phone to make sure the call had really hung up?įrom hot mic scenarios to just needing to cough or type during a call, sometimes you need the peace of mind that your computer has your back and is only streaming audio when you want it to. You can even find the exact app in Finder-and perhaps remove it from your computer if it shouldn't have been running then. It then logs every time your camera and mic are being used, so you can go back and see if an app was on or using your video when it shouldn't have been. You can enable full notifications and sounds, too, to make sure you're away when they're on. It notifies you whenever your mic or camera are being used, with a small popover in the bottom of your screen.

Or, if you tend to work with an external monitor that doesn't have its own camera, just close your laptop to work in private. You could do that-or check Amazon or eBay for a webcam cover for a surprising variety of little plastic covers that can cover your computer's camera until you need it.

That's one way to make sure prying eyes can't see through your computer. Mark Zuckerberg made the news in early 2016 when he shared a picture of his laptop in Facebook's offices-and there was a piece of electrical tape covering his laptop's webcam. These apps will help you keep your mic and camera private, and make sure they're only turned on when you're ready to share. If you've ever worried about a call not really hanging up or wondered if your colleagues can hear you typing during a video call, it's time to fix that. When you're on a video call and sneeze on your monitor, you can't edit that out (nor can you mute it, since your computer's mute button mutes your speakers–not your mic).

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