Most of us assume that when a device is turned off, it stops recording or collecting data. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Many modern devices, especially those connected to the internet or powered by smart technology, are designed to stay partially active even when switched “off.”

Manufacturers argue this is for convenience, like allowing voice activation or quick restarts. But these features come at a cost: your privacy. Some devices can still record audio, capture video, or log data even when you believe they’re inactive. Here are 10 devices that may continue recording or monitoring you after they’re turned off, along with tips to protect yourself.

These 10 Devices Are Still Monitoring You After They’re Off

1. Smart TVs

Nearly all smart TVs come equipped with built-in microphones and cameras for features like voice commands or video calls.  And even when powered off, these devices can remain in a low-power “standby” mode, which still allows them to process certain commands or data.  In some cases, the devices are actively monitoring their immediate surroundings.

According to Consumer Reports, almost all smart TVs regularly implement automatic content recognition (ACR).  This is the technology the television uses to serve you ads and suggest shows you might enjoy watching.  It is also the technology that gathers your personal data, which is typically then sold to whoever will buy it.

If you want to maintain your privacy from your Smart TV, disable the ACR and change the unique ID the device assigns to you.  Consumer reports has instructions.

2. Smartphones

A modern phone is a radio, a microphone, a camera, a GPS beacon, and a computer that talks to the public internet. Turning off your phone doesn’t always mean total shutdown. Many smartphones still maintain background processes that can broadcast bluetooth or other radio signals. In some cases, malware or spyware can continue to record audio or track location even when the screen is dark.

For maximum privacy, remove the battery (if possible) or simply leave your phone in a part of your house where nothing happens.  Regularly checking for malicious apps and updating security settings can also minimize risks.

3. Voice Assistants (Alexa, Google Home)

Voice-activated assistants like Alexa and Google Home are always listening for their “wake words.” Even if you think they’re off, they often stay in a standby mode that continues to monitor background noise.

Although companies claim these devices only record when activated, Amazon is fighting a certified nationwide class action alleging Alexa recorded conversations without a wake word (Garner v. Amazon, W.D. Wash.), a certified Illinois BIPA class action suit over Alexa Voice ID (Wilcosky), and a 2023 FTC/DOJ order that included a $25 million penalty over children’s Alexa recordings (FTC).

Google in 2026 agreed to a proposed $68 million settlement of In re Google Assistant Privacy Litigation, which claimed Assistant recorded people after “false accepts” and used that audio, without admitting wrongdoing (BBC).

To prevent this, unplug your voice assistants when not in use or review, or simply don’t use them at all.

4. Laptops and Computers

Closing your laptop or putting it in sleep mode does not always deactivate built-in cameras or microphones. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities to access your webcam or mic even when you’re not using it (FTC).

Privacy-conscious users often cover webcams with tape or a slider and disable microphones when they’re not needed. You can also adjust system settings to block apps from accessing these components.

5. Baby Monitors

According to Consumer Reports, modern Wi-Fi-enabled baby monitors get middling marks for security (CR).  And, some modern Wi-Fi baby monitors can continue transmitting audio or video even when you think they’re off.  These vulnerabilities mean that hackers have been known to exploit weak security settings to eavesdrop on families – and in some cases, have been able to access live feeds of children sleeping or adults going about their daily lives (FTC).

The safest approach is to unplug these devices when not in use and ensure you change default passwords to something more secure. Regular firmware updates can also help close security gaps.

6. Smart Speakers

Even when “muted” or turned off, smart speakers may still log certain data or listen for signals. Security researchers have found that some devices continue to process low-level audio input, which can raise privacy concerns.

To protect yourself, physically disconnect smart speakers when not actively using them. You can also disable unnecessary permissions in their companion apps.

7. Security Cameras

Many Wi-Fi cameras keep a backup battery and a short local buffer.  For example, Google’s Nest documentation says some models keep recording on battery and for minutes after they go offline, then upload to the cloud. Google’s policy, as reported by AP, says footage can leave the camera without a visible indicator.

Unplugging the device from the wall may not disable it’s ability to record.  To stay safe, instead check camera settings to see what’s being stored and disable cloud uploads if they’re unnecessary. Covering lenses or unplugging cameras entirely when privacy is needed is another effective step.

8. Smart Home Hubs and Appliances

Connected appliances can stay on the internet and send usage data even when you are not operating the machine.

In fact, a 2023 Consumer Reports study measured 12 smart kitchen and laundry units and found that they sent a large amount of data to their manufacturer.  Specifically, researchers monitored the internet traffic of 12 smart appliances across five brands (GE, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool) and four appliance types (refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, and washing machines).  While they found that all personal data was encrypted, each appliance sent anywhere from 3.4MB to 19MB of data back to the manufacturers per week – which equals 24,000 to over 135,000 text messages.  In some cases, the data collected includes the resident’s date of birth, ZIP code, geolocation and phone number.

Review your smart home hub settings to see what data is being shared. Disabling unnecessary “smart” features can prevent continuous tracking or background recording.

9. Wireless Earbuds and Headphones

Some wireless headphones and earbuds include features that can remain active, even after the device is turned off or disconnected.  For example, Apple devices can show up in the “Find My Network” feature for up to 24 hours after they are powered off.  In other cases, device manufacturers have sold users’ metadata when the devices were powered on and in use.  For example, in 2017 the Bose Corporation was sued for allegedly disregarding customer privacy and wholesale selling users’ listening data without consent.

To prevent unintended recording, ensure the device is fully powered down and not just in a standby state. Regularly check for firmware updates to address potential privacy issues.

10. Cars with Smart Systems

Connected cars use telematics, cameras, and microphones. Many of those systems stay powered in a low-power state after the engine is off.  In 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) found GM and OnStar collected precise location and driving behavior—as often as every three seconds—and sold it.  The Mozilla Foundation found that every major car brand it reviewed collects data from sensors, mics, cameras, and telematics.

Check your car’s infotainment settings and disable unnecessary data collection features. When possible, avoid leaving the system in standby mode and review what data is stored or shared with third parties.

How to Protect Your Privacy

While it may feel overwhelming to think of all the ways devices can record or track you, there are simple things you can do to protect your privacy:

• Unplug devices when not in use.
• Review and disable default “always on” settings.
• Use physical blockers like webcam covers.
• Regularly review and delete stored recordings or logs.
• Keep all firmware and security patches up to date.

Taking these precautions can help ensure that “off” truly means off.

Should You Get Paid Instead?

This article is mostly for people who want to defend their privacy against data brokers. However, there is a second option. If firms are already packaging household habits, some readers would rather collect a small check from profiting from their data than leave the value on the table.

The market is small. You generally cannot sell the raw feed from a dark TV or wireless earbud the way a data broker sells a profile. What you can do is opt into programs that pay for consented sharing.  Here are two companies that are legitimate and pay you for consented sharing.

1) Nielsen Rewards (and Nielsen’s TV, streaming, and computer/mobile panels) pays points or gift cards for households that agree to have viewing, device use, or shopping measured.  Nielsen cut their teeth on old fashioned TV panels, but has now gone digital.  You can visit their site here.

2) SavvyConnect (Luth Research / SurveySavvy) pays U.S. members for keeping the app or extension on so the firm can log browsing, app use, and, if you allow it, shopping and media activity, plus paid studies.  They pay a modest amount, but it is largely passive. You can find them here.

Payouts on both are modest. Think gift cards and a few dollars a month, not a second income.

Read More:

Scammer Alert: 12 Phone Phrases That Mean You’re Being Scammed

Don’t Hide Money In The Toilet, Conversations With A Burglar

Why Scammers Stay Silent When They Call, And What You Should Do Immediately

Warning: If You Get a ‘New’ Plastic Medicare Card in the Mail, Do Not Give Your Social Security Number

Editor’s Note: AI was used for background research and to draft various sections of this article.  All facts were checked by a human. The views and opinions are those of the author.  

James Hendrickson

James Hendrickson is the founder and CEO of District Media, Inc., the company behind SavingAdvice.com. He holds an MA degree and has nearly 20 years of experience writing and publishing authoritative personal finance content. His substantive expertise spans quantitative research, risk analysis, and practical wealth-building strategies developed through extensive work in data-driven decision making and digital publishing.