How to Find Hidden Cameras & Prevent Your Privacy from Being Invaded

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Learn how to spot secret cameras in a hotel, apartment, or other space
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Do you feel like you’re being watched? Maybe you’re at home or an Airbnb, but you just can’t shake the feeling that something’s off. In today’s world, hidden cameras can be hidden anywhere, including in spaces that should be private. Thankfully, there are ways you can detect and uncover hidden cameras and get your privacy back. Take a look at the methods of finding a hidden camera below to learn where they’re likely hidden and what you can do about it.

How to Spot Hidden Cameras

  1. Know where to look: cameras may be hidden in smoke detectors, peepholes, or mirrors.
  2. Scan the room for items that seem out of place, like pictures hung too high.
  3. Turn off all the lights and search for blinking lights.
  4. Search the space for reflective surfaces that could be camera lenses.
  5. Use an RF detector to scan the space for radio feedback.
Section 1 of 5:

Easy Ways to Detect Hidden Cameras

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  1. Unfortunately, hidden cameras can be as small as the end of a pen, making it easy to hide them virtually anywhere. Look in areas where a camera might be able to hide, such as in a plant on a desk or on a smoke detector in the kitchen. When searching a room for hidden cameras, search in places like: [1]
    • Smoke detectors
    • Electrical outlets and power strips
    • Light fixtures, light bulbs, and night lights
    • Bookshelves, cabinets, and desks
    • Laptops, USBs, and computer mice
    • Small holes in the wall
    • Pictures or other decorations
    • Stuffed animals and other toys
    • Clocks and watches
    • Clothes hooks
    • Pens
    • Plug-in air fresheners
    • Appliances
    • Peepholes and doorbells
    • Keyholes
    • Air filters
    • Mirrors
    • Decorative plants
    • Screws
    • Showerheads
  2. Most of a hidden camera is usually hidden, but the camera’s lens must always be visible for the camera to be effective. This means that you can typically spot a hidden camera by looking for its lens. The best way to do this is to use a flashlight: [2]
    • Turn off all the lights in the room.
    • Turn on a flashlight and scan it around the room. Alternatively, you can use your phone’s flashlight.
    • Look for reflective surfaces where they shouldn’t be.
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  3. While things like stuffed animals and books can be placed pretty much anywhere, mirrors and decorations (e.g., pictures or paintings) often aren't. If you see a mirror or decoration at a weird height or in an otherwise odd location, there may be a hidden camera embedded. [3]
  4. Most cameras have red or green lights which blink or display steadily. If the hidden cameras were poorly installed, you may be able to see these lights when you turn off the room's lights. [4]
    • This method isn’t completely foolproof, so don’t rule out hidden cameras if you don't see any indicator lights, as they can still easily be hidden.
  5. Another easy way to hunt for hidden cameras is to use your cell phone’s front camera. Simply turn off the lights and look around the room through your phone’s camera. Your phone may be able to pick up small, red dots of infrared light coming from a secret source. [5]
    • Most rear cameras have infrared filters, which will prevent the camera from detecting infrared light , which is why it’s best to use your front-facing camera.
    • Before trying this method, first see if your phone is able to pick up infrared light. Just look through your phone’s camera at the end of a TV remote. Press a button on the remote. If you can see the remote’s sensor light up on your camera, you’re able to detect infrared light with your phone. [6]
  6. Most hidden cameras are connected to Wi-Fi to allow operators to control them via Bluetooth. While this feature is handy for taking illegal footage, it also works to your advantage. Check to see what devices are connected to your router. If something’s there that shouldn’t be, it may be a hidden camera. [7]
    • To check your router, simply log into your router or internet provider’s account. Select the router you want to check and view what devices are connected. Hidden cameras usually pop up as “unknown” or odd names you don’t recognize.”
    • If you don’t know how to access your router’s information or aren’t at home, try using a Wi-Fi scanning app, like Network Analyzer or Wi-Fi Analyzer . These scan what devices are on nearby networks.
  7. Use your cell phone to scan for interference. While this method isn’t foolproof, it can still help give you peace of mind and find certain types of cameras. All you have to do is: [8]
    • Make a call on your cell phone, and leave the caller on the line.
    • Walk around the room with your phone on speakerphone.
    • Listen for crackling, clicking, or buzzing from your phone.
  8. An RF detector lets you scan for hidden cameras by physically sweeping the device around the room and listening for feedback. If you hear sudden crackling or beeping through the detector, there’s a good chance you’ll find a hidden camera in front of it. This is one of the most accurate ways to find a hidden camera. [9]
    • When using an RF detector, you'll need to unplug any items that broadcast radio signals, like kitchen appliances, baby monitors, routers and modems, gaming consoles, and TVs.
    • You may need to cycle through several different frequencies before you find the correct one.
    • RF detectors can also be used to scan for wireless microphones.
  9. Create a DIY camera detector . Professional camera detectors can cost several hundred dollars, but you can make a cheap one with nothing but a paper towel and a flashlight: [10]
    • Turn off all the lights in the room and draw the blinds (or wait until nightfall).
    • Hold up a paper towel roll to one eye, then close the other eye.
    • Place a flashlight at eye level (in front of the closed eye) and turn on the flashlight.
    • Scan the room, watching for glints as you do so.
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Section 2 of 5:

What do hidden cameras look like?

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  1. Hidden cameras come in all types of shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, there’s no one size fits all, which sometimes makes them tricky to detect. Hidden cameras are usually small enough to fit in tight spaces and disguised to look like everyday items, such as smoke detectors, outlets, teddy bears, and USB chargers. [11]
    • Because of this, it’s best to use multiple detection methods to try and find a hidden camera if you suspect one is near.
    • The best thing to look for when searching for a hidden camera? A camera lens. No matter the size or shape, all hidden cameras have a lens.
Section 3 of 5:

What to Do If You Find Hidden Cameras

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  1. If a hidden camera is in your private space (whether that’s your bedroom, bathroom, hotel room, or Airbnb), it infringes on your privacy. Cover the camera immediately and call local law enforcement to report the situation. [12]
    • Document where the camera is by taking photos and videos.
    • Avoid removing or damaging the camera, as the location could be a clue for officers.
    • Leave the space if you feel unsafe or if you’re unsure if there are more cameras hidden.
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Section 4 of 5:

Is it illegal for someone to use a hidden camera?

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  1. In the United States, it’s illegal to spy on someone with a hidden camera in private areas, like bathrooms, dressing rooms, and bedrooms. [13] However, hidden or secret cameras are legal in outdoor and common areas, like hotel lobbies and waiting rooms. [14]
Section 5 of 5:

Do Airbnbs have cameras?

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  1. While we can’t speak for the Airbnb you might be in, Airbnb has a strict policy against indoor security cameras of any kind. In March 2024, the policy was updated to state that no security cameras are allowed inside a listing. [15]
    • Outdoor cameras, doorbell cameras, and noise decibel monitors are still allowed; however, hosts are required to disclose the presence and location of such devices.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I find a hidden camera on my phone?
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    You'll need two phones to do this. First, download a red strobe app on one of the phones and get a red strobe going. Pull up the camera on the other phone, and scan the wall while pointing the camera and strobe light at it. If there's a hidden camera, you'll see a reflection in the phone camera.
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    Not Helpful 35 Helpful 44
  • Question
    Does a fire detector blink or flash a light?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, some flash green and some flash red. You can find out more by taking a picture of it, then using Google Lens to identify the model of it. When you do that, you'll find manuals for your kind of fire detector/smoke detector that will tell you what the different lights mean. For example, there's an older model detector in my room and it flashes red, but the newer model detector in my living room has a recessed green light.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
  • Question
    Can I disable cameras by shutting down power to the entire residence?
    Community Answer
    This would only work if the camera does not have a battery back-up, which a number of cameras do. Depending on the type and size of the camera, it could still be recording for hours or even days. If is is a wireless camera AND of small size, chances are (since wireless use higher power) that the battery back-up will last only a short time. If it is a wired camera (with video signal and low voltage power remotely supplied) that goes to a recorder somewhere else, there could be a battery back-up running not only for hours but even for days or weeks!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • Keep in mind where someone would want to put a camera. [16] For instance, if you’re worried someone is recording your kitchen, it doesn't make much sense to look for the camera in the floorboards when it’d likely be in a kitchen light or nearby smoke detector.
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      • Wireless cameras operate with a wireless transmitter and are the most popular hidden cameras. These can operate on a battery and be transmittable to a recording device within a range of about 200 feet (60.96 m). [17]
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      • Search for public cameras to help you identify hidden cameras better. While public cameras tend to be more conspicuous than their personal counterparts, knowing what they look like may help you spot hidden cameras better.
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      Warnings

      • There are several paid smartphone apps that claim to sense cameras. These apps often have poor reviews and even poorer performance, so steer clear of them.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cyberghostvpn.com/privacyhub/how-to-find-hidden-cameras/
      2. ↑ https://www.cyberghostvpn.com/privacyhub/how-to-find-hidden-cameras/
      3. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/tjmccue/2019/10/30/how-to-find-a-hidden-camera-in-your-house-or-airbnb-or-anywhere/
      4. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/tjmccue/2019/10/30/how-to-find-a-hidden-camera-in-your-house-or-airbnb-or-anywhere/
      5. ↑ https://www.theverge.com/23550845/smartphone-hidden-camera-android-ios-how-to
      6. ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-check-for-hidden-cameras-airbnb-vacation-rental
      7. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/tjmccue/2019/10/30/how-to-find-a-hidden-camera-in-your-house-or-airbnb-or-anywhere/
      8. ↑ https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-sweep-for-bugs/
      9. ↑ https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-sweep-for-bugs/
      1. ↑ https://www.theverge.com/23550845/smartphone-hidden-camera-android-ios-how-to
      2. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/tjmccue/2019/10/30/how-to-find-a-hidden-camera-in-your-house-or-airbnb-or-anywhere/
      3. ↑ https://www.cyberghostvpn.com/privacyhub/how-to-find-hidden-cameras/
      4. ↑ https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=647.&lawCode=PEN
      5. ↑ https://www.security.org/security-cameras/legality/
      6. ↑ https://news.airbnb.com/an-update-on-our-policy-on-security-cameras/
      7. ↑ https://www.cyberghostvpn.com/privacyhub/how-to-find-hidden-cameras/
      8. ↑ https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-sweep-for-bugs/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To find hidden cameras, check common hiding places like mirrors, shelves, wall decorations, stuffed animals, potted plants, clocks, and smoke detectors. Look for the camera's lens rather than the body of the camera, since the lens must be visible for the camera to be effective. You can also purchase an RF detector, which allows you to scan for hidden cameras by sweeping the detector around the room. For tips on using your cell phone to find hidden cameras, read on!

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