Recording indicators for devices with cameras that provide protection from tampering so that the recording indicators cannot be easily disabled or masked. Recording indicators that are external to the camera lens and that emit visible light in an encrypted pattern are described. The device may process captured frames to detect the encrypted pattern; if the encrypted pattern cannot be detected, recording is disabled. In addition, modular accessories are described that the user has to attach to the device to enable recording; the presence of the modular attachment indicates to persons in the environment that they may be being recorded.