Being a Mac your screen is being observed user, you may have also incurred the one that says, “Your screen is being observed. Still, there is good news: more often than not, it is harmless. What remains important is to decipher what was and how to react accordingly.
In this article, we will discuss what the message refers to, its causes, and a few possible remedies to ensure some security for your Mac.
What Does “Your Screen Is Being Observed” Mean?
The message can display in a couple of contexts:
During the login process
In the upper menu
As a system alert
It’s meant to inform the user that their display is somehow visible externally, whether by screen mirroring, screen recording, or network sharing. However, it is worth investigating to confirm that everything is as it should be.
Common Causes of This Message
Let’s have a look at some of the most common reasons for startling notifications. Luckily, as most causes are benign and easy to fix, the light ones shall be expounded.
1. Screen Sharing Is Enabled
This function allows users on your own network to view or control your screen remotely.
Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older Mac your screen is being observed versions).
If screen sharing or remote management is on, you just have to dismiss the message. Simply toggle it off if you aren’t using it.
When you are using AirPlay to send mirrored presentations to an Apple TV or some Mac, this is just another reason why you may encounter this message.
To turn off AirPlay:
Click the Control Center icon at the top right of the display.
Select Screen Mirroring and disconnect any active mirror.
2. Remote Desktop Application Has Access
Apps like Zoom, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or Chrome Remote Desktop could also be making you see the “observed” message. If you have one of these apps opened, even in the background, it might be due to them accessing your screen.
Managing this with:
System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen Recording.
Disable or deny access for apps you do not know or have stopped using.
Although most of the causes are trivial, it might be rare- some unauthorized access could happen in your Mac. If you can’t find any logical explanation for that message, you’d better act fast.
Here are the steps to take:
First, disconnect from Wi-Fi to avoid possible connections by someone remotely.
Next, open the Sharing settings and disable all sharing options available to you.
Look under Users & Groups for any unknown apps or user accounts.
You should scan for malware on your system using an antivirus program such as Malwarebytes for Mac.
Another precaution you could take is to enable FileVault in Privacy & Security settings, so the encryption would further enhance the protection of your data.
How to Prevent This Notification in the Future
Regularly check app permissions so that only trusted apps may access screen recording or sharing.
Lastly, refrain from installing untrusted apps and avoid clicking on suspicious links sent to you via unverified sources.
These types of proactive measures concerning your Mac’s settings can help maintain your privacy and further lessen out-of-the-blue notifications.
The Final Word
So, concerning the user’s mac your screen is being observed, while somewhat startling for any user on a Mac, is hardly cause for concern. Most of the time, a valid process like screen sharing or an active remote desktop session leads to that notification showing up.
