Step 5:
Once you have the IR filter off and you know you didn’t touch the sensor, you’re almost in the clear. We now need to focus the camera. Put the lens assembly back on and plug the webcam into your computer and open the software so you can see your camera.
Chances are your image is out of focus. The “Always Focused” cameras have glue holding the lens focus ring in place. Simply twist the lens to break the glue, and use the image on your screen to adjust focus. Once it’s focused use a small dab of hot glue to hold it in place. Essentially mocking what the manufacturer did.
Once you’ve done that, follow the directions backwards to reassemble the camera.
To do a quick test, plug in your webcam, turn off all the lights and grab your TV remote control. Press and hold a button on the remote (I prefer the volume up (with the TV off)). This will emit the remote control’s IR light. You should be able to see it on your screen and use it as a flash light, lighting up all kinds of objects in the room that you can’t see with your eye since the lights are off.
Once the lens assembly is off, you’ll clearly see the image sensor and the IR filter laying above it. The IR filter has the magenta hue to it.