Phone case with camera cover prevents you from accidentally broadcasting your private photos or videos to the world.
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
There is no There has been no evidence of spying, but more and more smartphone users have been buying privacy cases for their devices in recent years, with manufacturers now making specialized phone cases with built-in camera covers.
According to tech accessory brand Spy-Fy, the phone camera cover “protects your phone from damage at the same time” while preventing “camera hacking” from potential cybercriminals, who may want to access your camera so they can “surveillance or blackmail you.”
Now, in light of NFL star Shannon Sharpe's recent live video leak, the camera-shield phone case serves another purpose: preventing you from accidentally broadcasting your private photos or videos to the world.
There are other, more practical uses for why you might want a device case with a built-in camera cover: to keep your lens clean, for example, or to make sure your phone isn't accidentally exposed to prying eyes if you take your phone to the bathroom (also: you should probably disinfect your device if you do that).
What are the best phone cases with camera covers and how do they work? Below we review four of our top picks.
Editor's Choice
Spy-Fy Privacy Case for iPhone 15 Pro
The Spy-Fy iPhone case protects your device from all angles, with a military-grade design that can withstand drops from up to six feet, plus raised edges to protect the screen. The Spy-Fy case also features a built-in camera cover that you can flip over your phone's lens. Flip the cover outward to create a handy phone stand.
This case also comes with a built-in front camera cover. Need to unlock your phone with Face ID? Just slide the selfie camera cover to the right and you can use your phone as usual. Spy-Fy makes privacy covers for multiple phone models – see the full selection here.
Top Rated
TORRAS Shockproof Case for iPhone 15 Pro
The best phone case with a camera cover on Amazon is this model from TORRAS, which has a 4.8-star rating (out of five) from reviewers. Nearly 75% of shoppers give this privacy case a full five-star rating, praising its durability, scratch- and dust-resistant coating, and MagSafe compatibility.
This phone case features a sliding camera cover that also doubles as a stand. TORRAS says the privacy cover has been “rigorously tested with over 30,000 open-close cycles” to ensure longevity. What we like: The case offers 16-foot drop protection thanks to shock-absorbing “air cushions,” which help create a ring of protection around your device.
Best value
DEERLAMN Case with Sliding Camera Cover
This deal from Amazon gets you a phone case with a sliding camera cover as well as a set of screen protectors. Like the other options on our list, this case features military-grade drop protection thanks to the shock-resistant material. It also has a built-in stand, although it’s separate from the camera cover.
Choose from ten different colors and sizes to fit most phones. Right now, Amazon is also offering a free cleaning kit as a bonus with purchase. See full details here.
Also consider
Manjix Case with Camera Cover
This is the phone case we personally use and love because of its simple design and slim profile (which helps it fit in our pockets easily).
The phone case features a sliding camera cover for privacy, and a textured feel for a secure grip. The unique material also helps prevent fingerprints or smudges, adding an extra layer of protection over the plastic case. Choose from three colors and multiple sizes.
This is the best camera phone case we've tested, but don't just take our word for it: The case has a 4.5-star rating (out of five) from over 6,000 verified online reviewers.
Does a phone case with a camera cover help?
A good phone case with a built-in camera cover isn’t just essential for privacy. In addition to preventing accidental photo taking or unplanned streaming, a camera cover also helps protect your lenses from dust, dirt, sweat, debris, and water. Slide the cover on when your phone’s camera isn’t in use as an extra layer of precaution—it’ll ensure your lenses stay clean, clear, and in focus.
One final note: While a device case with a camera cover may block photos and videos, it won't block audio — so if you, like Shannon Sharpe, are live streaming on Instagram, the action may not be blurry, but the audio will still be there.
