this post was submitted on 13 Aug 2025
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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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[–] FlappyBubble@lemmy.ml 23 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Unsolder and replace with a dummy load. If the device requires an app from the manufacturer, uninstall it and throw the lamps away.

[–] krunklom@lemmy.zip 3 points 20 hours ago (1 children)

im handy with a soldering iron but dont know jack about the math behind electronics - can you provide any guidance as to how one would do this,

id be comfortable deslldering something and surface soldering something back onto a pcb but i am mot sure how what i would actually need to do to do this.

Also while im on the subject - how woukd one do this with bluetooth with a device with a bluetooth chip soldered to the board?

[–] FlappyBubble@lemmy.ml 5 points 18 hours ago

You may be able to just remove the microphone. Otherwise you can use a dummy load matching the expected impedance. Either you have to measure the component or look for a part number.

Don't really understand what you're referring to about the Bluetooth chip. The wireless communication should not be affected by removing the microphone.