iSight : How to turn iSight (really) off
As mentioned in the Title box - there are pages that were written a little while ago by EZ Jim, a poster on the Apple Discussions who contributed to iSight and iChat Discussions. The words the following pages are EZ Jim's
Use the the Information Column Menu for EZ Jim's pages
How to turn iSight (Really) off
If you have a Mac with an internal iSight, follow the instructions or see your retailer if you have concerns. This topic applies only to external iSights.
New users frequently ask why their external iSight feels warm (or hot) to the touch even though their Macs are in "Sleep". For some, the question is why iSight stays warm even though they have turned iSight "Off" by closing the lens cover per the instructions in the iSight User's Manual.
Never cover your iSight's air vents while it is turned on.
Apple's Tech Support Article iSight feels warm confirms that iSight gets warm -- but it should not get HOT. Warm is a normal and safe operating condition at Apple's recommended operating environment temperatures.
Edit 2024:- Re-numbered Document and Web Archive Link
There are ONLY two times your iSight does not have power to it (and, therefore, only TWO times it does NOT feel warmer than its surroundings).
(1) iSight is not plugged into your Mac, or
(2) Your Mac is turned off. However some G5 iMacs even keep Firewire power on when the iMac is turned off. For these iMacs, the ONLY way to be sure your iSight has no power to it is to unplug it (or the iMac.)
An iSight that is plugged in stays powered up (and warm) even if you put your Mac to sleep. If your Mac is awake, an iSight that is plugged in always stays powered up (and warm), even if the iSight's lens cover (white dot) is closed. Even when the tiny green light goes out, your iSight only enters a low-power, standby mode.
Mine gets noticeably warmer after extended periods of use, but, it is NEVER too hot to touch, nor is it so hot that it smells like a hot electrical device. I am sure neither of those conditions was anticipated in Apple's "don't worry about it" message in the document linked above.
If your iSight gets too hot to touch or begins to smoke or smell, take immediate action - but be careful not to burn yourself !
If your iSight stays warm when your Mac (other than G5 iMac) has been turned off for several hours, see your Apple retailer or Service Technician. Your Mac may need repair.
Written By EZ Jim
Made on a Mac®
© 2005, 2006 EZ Jim
© 2005 Ralph Johns: Edited 24/9/2005, 5/5/2006
Updated September 2006. Moved to Gargoyles Mar 2007. Major review October 2024 towards HTML5
Information Column
EZ Jim's iSight Stuff
Plain Text links to related Pages
For Screen Readers
EZJim Folder
EZJimindex Index of EZ Jim's iSight and Other InfoUsing iSight Using iSight
EZJim page2 Where to Find Help for iSight
EZJim page3 About the Built-In iSights
EZJim page4 How to Test your iSight is Functional
EZJim page5 Improving your (External) iSight's Picture
EZJim page6 Possible Conflicts with iSight an iChat
EZJim page7 Some Applications you can Use with an iSight
EZJim page8 iSight V DV Camcorder or other Web Cam
EZJim page9 Mounts for your External iSight
EZJim page10 iSight Versions (External)
EZJim page11 How to Turn your iSight Really Off
EZJim page12 iSight and the PC
EZJim page13 Common PC Applications and Chatting
EZJim page14 Mac Video Chat with PCs
EZJim page15 Using An iSight with iChat
EZJim page16 Help for iChat 3 Problems
EZJim page17 How to Get iChat working again
EZJim page18 Check your Broadband Speed
EZJim page19 OS X Maintenance
EZJim page20 Updating the OS
EZJim page21 Reinstalling the OS
EZJim page22 Macintosh System Stability
Made on a Mac®
