GoKawiilNew Mac app Someone Was Here photographs unauthorized users, alerts your iPhone
Someone Was Here is a free macOS utility that uses the Mac's camera to photograph anyone who uses the computer while the owner is away, triggering on idle use, lock-screen attempts, or unlocking. It sends the photo, along with the time, method of access, and duration of use, to the owner's iPhone via iCloud within seconds, and also supports Pushover, ntfy, Telegram, or webhook notifications. The app learns the owner's face during a two-minute setup and processes recognition locally on the Mac so the owner isn't flagged.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The app sits in the menu bar rather than running hidden, which the developer frames as a transparency choice distinguishing it from covert surveillance tools, though this also means anyone aware of it could potentially avoid detection or disable it. Its reliance on local, on-device face recognition and iCloud delivery could appeal to privacy-conscious users wary of cloud-based monitoring services. As with any monitoring software, its use in shared households could raise consent concerns, which is why the developer explicitly advises informing other users of its presence.
- Someone Was Here photographs anyone using a Mac while the owner is away and sends alerts to iPhone.
- Face recognition setup takes about two minutes and runs locally on the Mac.
- Notifications can be delivered via iCloud, Pushover, ntfy, Telegram, or webhook, and the app runs visibly in the menu bar.
Logitech Webcam Privacy Cover (3-pack) — If you're thinking about who might be using your Mac while you're away, pairing that awareness with a simple webcam cover gives you physical control over when your camera is active. It's a cheap, no-fuss way to complement an app like Someone Was Here, letting you decide exactly when your Mac's camera can see anything at all. Easy to slide on and off, it fits right over your MacBook's camera without leaving residue.
See Logitech Webcam Privacy Cover (3-pack) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: someonewashere.app, 2026-11-09
Published there as: “Show HN: Someone Was Here – Find out who used your Mac while you were away”
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