How to reduce screen exposure in cafés and shared offices

Start with the screen’s surroundings

Choose a position with your screen facing away from a queue, aisle or nearby table. Reduce the amount of sensitive information on display and hide notification previews. No software overlay can undo information someone has already seen.

Try AirSnoopGuard at your actual desk

1. Connect compatible AirPods to the Mac, open AirSnoopGuard and allow motion access.
2. Face your normal working position and choose Center. Turn both ways and return to confirm the overlay follows your movement.
3. Adjust sensitivity and opacity under More settings. Lower angle thresholds start coverage earlier; 100% opacity provides full coverage when the overlay is fully expanded.
4. Use Control–Option–Command–G to open the panel above the overlay. Pause protection if you need to adjust your setup.

At the default 30° sensitivity, coverage begins at about 12° of head turn and becomes full at about 80°. It expands gradually; a small glance away does not instantly hide the entire screen.

Check your hardware and the free option

Requires macOS 13 or later. AirPods motion requires macOS 14 or later and headphones that provide supported head-motion data. Camera fallback requires a built-in Mac camera; external webcams and iPhone Continuity Camera are not selected.

Headphone-based protection is free. Optional camera fallback is a one-time in-app purchase, available separately or included in Pro. Existing camera access is retained. No subscription or app account is required. Check the App Store and the in-app offer for current availability and local pricing.

Brief interruptions while you stay at your desk

The overlay responds to your head angle, not to another person approaching. When you look straight ahead, a nearby person may still see the screen. A suitable physical privacy filter may help with side viewing; its viewing angle and brightness trade-offs depend on the filter and display.

When you leave, lock the Mac

Press Control–Command–Q before stepping away. Do not rely on taking off your AirPods to lock or protect the Mac: losing the headphone connection clears headphone-driven coverage, and camera fallback only operates if enabled and available.

AirSnoopGuard provides visual screen coverage, not a system lock or identity check. A partial or translucent overlay can leave information visible. It does not detect bystanders or guarantee that others cannot see, capture, or record the screen. Lock your Mac when leaving it unattended.