this post was submitted on 13 Aug 2025
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submitted 1 day ago* (last edited 12 hours ago) by Nino477@lemmy.world to c/privacy@lemmy.ml
 

During Prime Days I was dumb and bought some Chinese lamp because it was on sale. I gotta say, it’s actually awesome — with the app I can change colors, styles, and so on, and I really like it.

The account creation already bugged me, although I think it was only needed for the first startup. I deleted the account since then. The app is in deep sleep on my phone with zero permissions except Bluetooth.

What really bothers me, though, is the built-in microphone for voice commands — on a lamp! I don’t want someone listening to me. It’s too late to send it back, and I actually want to keep it.

Until now, I’ve just unplugged it from the outlet every time I don’t use it, but that’s very tedious. So, is there an easier way to completely disable the microphone? Does putting tape over it completely mute it? Or would I have to take it apart and desolder it — which I’m probably too lazy, impatient, and inexperienced to do? So is there maybe a smarter or brute force way to do it? im paranoid i dont want my fucking lamp listening to me. sometime i even turn of mic and cam acsess on my phone.

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[–] yaroto98@lemmy.world 9 points 18 hours ago* (last edited 18 hours ago) (2 children)

Best way is to test it. Get the voice commands to work. Then non-destructively block the mic. Does tape stop it from working? No? Try sticky tac or playdoh or chewing gum. Does that stop it? Yes? Maybe try something more permenant like hot glue or superglue. Then verify it still doesn't work.

[–] Nino477@lemmy.world 7 points 8 hours ago (1 children)

Thank you my friend hot glue did the trick :))))) No more spying on me !

1000202856

[–] yaroto98@lemmy.world 2 points 6 hours ago
[–] Nino477@lemmy.world 3 points 13 hours ago* (last edited 12 hours ago)

I never used the voice command, but paranoid it is still listening in the backround. But it has a mode to match rhe lights to music from my phone.

Not sure tho if it uses my mic from my phone, itself mic or i dunno sound data my phone is processing. Edit: Just checked it music effects are processed through the lamp mice.

But i will try cuz maybe it is listening to my music and taping the mic would be proof it doesnt work amymore for other things like listening 24/7 to me ;*)

Also thanks for the superglue ans playsough ideaa, they are good

Edit: i will try to break it apart and destroy the mic otherwise, superglue it is. Thank you for your input buddy