PDF download Download Article
Protect your privacy by checking for hidden cameras with your smartphone
PDF download Download Article

Have you been hearing an out-of-place buzzing or clicking in your home or hotel? If you feel like someone is watching you with a hidden camera, there are telltale signs that you should keep an ear out for, like hearing buzzing or clicking in an otherwise silent room. Hidden cameras are something everyone wants to watch out for, in hotel and motel rooms, in Airbnb rentals, and in other random places. This wikiHow article teaches you how to find hidden cameras using your iPhone or Android smartphone and offers tips on where to search for them. [1]

Things You Should Know

  • Use your phone's camera to detect IR lights. [2]
  • Your phone's flashlight should shine reflections on any hidden camera lens. [3]
  • Download apps from the Google Play Store or App Store to find hidden cameras from their EM fields.
Section 1 of 8:

Using Your Phone's Camera

PDF download Download Article
  1. To check for a camera, make sure the room is as dark as possible, then use either the front or back camera on your phone to scan for odd lights. Many cameras that see in low lighting often use IR (infrared) light that the human eye can't detect, but it shows up as purple or light white lights on your phone's camera. [4] However, not all phones can detect IR, so a quick internet search will help you determine if yours can.
    • Instead of searching online, you can also use a TV remote (or any remote that uses IR, like an AC remote) to see if your phone's camera picks up IR. [5] Simply open the camera app, make sure your environment is dark, aim it at the remote, then turn on the remote or press buttons to see if your phone's camera detects a small light. If you tried it with the camera on the back of your phone and didn't see a light, try again with the camera on the front of your phone. You need to have a dark environment to trigger the IR sensor on your phone, if there is one.
  2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 8:

Detecting EM Fields

PDF download Download Article
  1. Most hidden cameras emit some sort of electromagnetic energy since they are using power, so there are third-party scanners that offer to look for this energy to find cameras. Cameras that are plugged in, as well as those with batteries, emit this energy that can be scanned and traced to find the camera's location. There are plenty of apps available on both the Google Play Store and App Store for hidden camera finders.
Section 3 of 8:

Finding Lens Reflections

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can use an app, like Hidden Camera Detector, or see if your eyes can catch the reflection.
    • If you don't want to use another app, try shining a flashlight slowly around a room and watch for a reflection.
  2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 8:

Locating Bluetooth Cameras

PDF download Download Article
  1. When available devices appear, note any that you don't recognize or look suspicious, then run an internet search for those names.
Section 5 of 8:

Detecting Wi-Fi Cameras

PDF download Download Article
  1. However, smarter users can hide their networks , so that's when you turn to a 3rd party app to find hidden networks around you.
    • Network Scanner is available for free for Android's on the Google Play Store, and Fing is downloadable for free from the App Store for iPhones.
  2. Advertisement
Section 6 of 8:

Tricks to Find a Hidden Cameras

PDF download Download Article
  1. These out-of-the-ordinary objects could certainly be normal objects or hide cameras! Just think of nanny cams that look like teddy bears or plushies.
    • If you find a hidden camera, cover it with a blanket or unplug it (if it's wired).
  2. Some cameras use small LED lights to designate that they are powered on and recording. You can see these lights by making the area completely dark, making them easier to spot.
  3. Place the tip of your finger on the mirror, then check to see if there's a visible gap between them. If there is a gap, then it's a regular mirror. If, however, your finger appears tip-to-tip with its reflection, then you're most likely looking at a two-way mirror, where a camera could hide .
    • Alternatively, knock on the mirror. A two-way mirror will have a hollow sound.
  4. Some apps claim to do this, as listed above, but there are also devices that you can buy that offer this functionality. You can buy these devices from places like Amazon ranging from $20 to hundreds of dollars, but they all offer the same outcome: finding hidden cameras.
  5. Advertisement
Section 7 of 8:

Most Common Places

PDF download Download Article
  1. Since cameras can be as small as a screw, make sure also to check any pens, books, wall decor, and CD/DVD cases that you have out.
  2. This also includes night lights.
  3. Don't overlook random screws in the walls or your USB charger blocks plugged into the wall!
  4. Check your computers, too, like around your computer's mouse.
  5. Stuffed toys shouldn't be passed up, either!
  6. Also, look for small holes in the wall, vents, and air filters. Check showerheads that you didn't install.
  7. Make sure to check any doorbell chimes or extension cords as well. Even plug-in air fresheners aren't to be overlooked!
  8. Advertisement
Section 8 of 8:

When You Find A Hidden Camera

PDF download Download Article
  1. Take a picture of the camera's location using your smartphone's camera.
  2. Cover the camera with a blanket or towel so it can't see you anymore.
    • If you can't cover it up, like maybe it's too high up, move your belongings and yourself out of view of the camera.
  3. Don't call the hotel or vacation rental yourself since they will be alerted that they've been caught doing potentially illegal surveillance and give them time to destroy evidence or cover their tracks. [6]
  4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 45,279 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement