Published October 10, 2026
Be My Eyes Privacy & Safety: What to Know + Best Alternatives
What data does Be My Eyes handle? Safety tips for video calls, plus alternatives like Seeing AI, Aira, and Google Lookout.
Handing your camera feed to strangers — or your photos to an AI — raises fair questions. Here's what Be My Eyes does with your data, how to stay safe, and what alternatives exist.
What data the app handles
To work at all, the app needs your camera, microphone, and account details. Video calls are encrypted in transit, and you can request deletion of your data. The company states it minimizes data collection, though — as with any free service — it's worth reading the in-app privacy policy yourself so you know exactly what you're agreeing to.
Safety tips
- Keep calls task-focused. Point the camera at the task, not at yourself or your surroundings more than needed.
- Don't share sensitive documents on camera if you can avoid it — bank details, IDs, medical records. Use official channels for those.
- Remember video is one-way. The volunteer sees your camera feed; they can't see you unless you show yourself. Keep it that way.
- Report bad calls. The post-call rating exists for a reason — use it if a volunteer was unhelpful or inappropriate.
- For volunteers: you're there to describe and guide, not to make decisions for the person. Respect their independence.
Alternatives worth knowing
Be My Eyes isn't the only option. Seeing AI (by Microsoft) is a free app that narrates the world through your camera — documents, people, products, and scenes — fully on-device AI, no humans involved. Aira offers professionally trained visual interpreters, but it's a paid service. Google Lookout (Android) and the built-in iPhone Magnifier with Detection Mode cover quick on-device tasks like reading text and identifying objects.
Each has trade-offs: Be My Eyes is unique in combining free human volunteers, AI descriptions, and company support in one free app. If you want purely private AI help, Seeing AI or Lookout may suit you better.
The bottom line
Millions of people trust Be My Eyes daily, and its safety record is strong — but stay sensible: task-focused calls, no sensitive documents on camera, and read the privacy policy. If you haven't installed it yet, start at our download page.