Q&A for How to Detect Hidden Cameras and Microphones

Yes, they could be watching/recording you from the camera app in their phone.

Most landlords are required to give you 24 hours notice before entering your premises, unless it's an emergency (check your lease). You have the right to privacy against snooping; contact the authorities when this happens. For a list of tenant rights, check your city government's website.

Yes, hidden cameras and microphones are available in such small sizes that they are able to be planted just about anywhere.

Most routers, when logged into the administrator account, will display a list of connected wireless devices.

If a device is wireless connected to the same signal, the camera can be activated from the TV, transmitting the live broadcast from that camera.

Yes. If your boyfriend secretly taped you during intercourse, ask him to delete any footage and reconsider your relationship.

If it is a normal smoke tied to the house wiring, it should be easy to remove, the wiring just plugs in the back so you can always replace the smoke when needed. If it is actually a camera, it will be hard wired to the back where you can not easily remove it. (No plug.) You should then ask your landlord why they have breached your privacy and talk to the police as well.

Can it hold a charge? Does it do what you tell it to? Do you ever see a file downloading that you didn't want? If it can't hold a charge, doesn't listen to you, and randomly downloads files, it likely that it was hacked.

It's possible, but some cameras work via cable and power from an external adapter and record on a remote DVR. Wireless cameras may emit the sound.

Yes. To do this, go to the router's direct IP in your browser - commonly 192.168.0.1, but not guaranteed. You will see all connected devices.

To begin, look for wires that are out of place. If you go to clean your vents, for example, and you see a red and black wire coming from it. Check for smoke detectors or speakers you never installed, and check the wiring. If necessary, tear them apart and look for a battery, lens, and receiver.

No. It may make the person watching you nervous about being found out, but that would just be a danger to them, not you (and could even motivate them to stop spying). If you really think you are being spied on, and do not want to search alone, call the non-emergency police number and explain that you need a sweep done. Or, go online and buy a hidden bug detector.

It could be, but it could also be a mechanical issue with your phone. Consider taking your phone to a repair shop to have it looked at -- they can tell you what's causing the clicking.

While a lot of people do this for a high price, your police department may do it for a minimal or no fee.

No. Bluetooth is a connection technology. Common ways to send data are Wi-Fi connections given off by the device itself. A common example would be using a GoPro with your phone to see the feed. It could be linked to a video database, website, personal device, or any number of things.

Yes, unless the people are the police.

If you are a criminal or something like that, yes. If you're just an innocent person, no.

Though hidden cameras are pretty much everywhere, you really don't need to worry about everywhere. The most likely places you will find them are stores, restaurants, and in the worst case, changing rooms.

Open up the vent and search. If you have vents that don't open, call a professional.

Likely you are just hearing the hard drive. This often happens as they get older, and may be a sign of imminent failure; you may want to back up your data. There's probably not a physical bug in your laptop. There could be software installed, but it wouldn't make any sounds.

Most consoles have third party cameras you must install, if it even has that support. The Wii U doesn't really support third party though, so you shouldn't worry.

Do a clean wipe of your phone to factory version. It will remove any and all spyware.

Use a flashlight to see what is inside. You might need a magnifying glass. If it has nothing but building material, it definitely is not a camera. But if you see something that looks like a camera lens, there may be a possibility there is a camera.

Examine the screws that hold the mirror in place, because those could be cameras, or break the entire mirror apart to look for the device.

Yes, go to the police with as much evidence as you can and report him.

If it's on your camera, it's most likely an indicator light, which is a light that means it's on. (With some devices, however, a red light indicates that the device is off.) If you are positive you turned your camera off, but the red light indicates that your camera is on, then you may be the victim of spying.

Yes, but assuming you are talking about the camera being inside the bulb itself, it should be fairly easy to spot if the light is on.

Without your consent or the consent of the authorities, it is not legal. You should approach the police about it immediately.

Yes, there are several places along the way from a hub that a line can be physically tapped in a variety of ways. In addition to that, calls can be listened to without a physical connection with wireless taps and equipment.

It could be a battery or a wire. A listening device that is very small and has very good and clear audio recording technology usually cannot hold a charge for very long - a few hours, or a day at maximum.