Spotify repeatedly requests access for camera on Windows 10

[jiri3]

Hi!

Spotify repeatedly requests my camera on Windows 10. I noticed it from Lenovo SafeCam that records all camera requests. I am using Spotify that I downloaded from official source, and keep it updated. I scanned the software using Norton 360 and it did not find any viruses or so. As far as I know, Spotify should not ask for camera access, there is no reason. 

Find attached the report from Norton SafeCam, Spotify version and requests. 

The requests are daily last few days. Several individual requests were also sent in January and November. 

Spotify version: 1.1.52.687 - 4 cam requests on 07/02/2021 and today the 09/02/2021 

Spotify version: 1.1.51.382 - cam access request on 03/02/2021 and 05/02/2021 

Spotify version: 1.1.44.538 - cam access request on 26/10/2020 

Path of the Spotify App: C:/Users/username/AppData/Roaming/Spotify/Spotify.exe

Country

Plan

Free

Country

Czech Republic

Device

Lenovo Yoga laptop

Operating System

Windows 10

[Novy]

Hey there @jiri3, 

Thanks for reaching out about this in the Community, and welcome 🙂

Would you mind letting us know if you notice any difference after performing a clean reinstall of the app? This is often an overlooked step, but it can be helpful to get rid of any corrupted files that might be causing this behavior. 

If this doesn't do the trick, could you let us know if you've seen at any moment a pop up in the app requesting access for the camera?

We'll keep an eye out for your reply.

[jiri3]

Hi!

Thanks for responding. Ok, I can perform clean reinstall and will let you know. In the meantime, I received further requests for camera access. I cannot believe how could Spotify or any software request camera access because of "corrupted files" though. The app itself does not show any explicit screen asking for the permission. It just requests the permission silently.

Jiri

[Ver]

Hey @jiri3,

Thanks for getting back to us 🙂

In case you're using the app version from our website, it's also a good idea after the clean reinstall to try downloading the app from the Microsoft store or the other way around. It's important to make sure that there are no Spotify files after the clean reinstall. 

Does the issue occur while using headphones?

Keep us in the loop! We'll be right here if you have any questions.

[jiri3]

Hi!

I reinstalled the app after a succesful clean reinstall according to your instructions. Previously, I had installed Spotify from Spotify.com, so just to be sure, I installed Spotify from Windows Store this time, as you recommended.

The cam request still appeared again. Since reinstall happened on 15/2 at 18:42:55. 

on this Spotify version: 1.1.52.687.gf5565fe5 (version for Microsoft Store).

I believe this cannot happening on my computer only, I am just using Norton software tracking these requests.

Jiri

[jiri3]

To your question: I did not use headphones on the computer.

[Mihail]

Hey @jiri3,

Thanks for getting back to us.

We want to reassure you Spotify doesn't require access to your camera. You can learn more about the data Spotify requires to function here. There you will also find instructions on how to obtain a copy of that data for yourself, if you wish to do so.

If you continue to receive reports from services that track access requests to your camera, we recommend reinstalling them as well in order to remove possible damaged files. It's also a good idea to contact their Customer Support for further information on what may be causing this.

Hope this is helpful but don't hesitate to let us know if you have any further questions!