Q&A for How to Detect Hidden Cameras and Microphones

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  • Question
    Is it possible for people to watch me from their phones?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they could be watching/recording you from the camera app in their phone.
  • Question
    My landlord at random times insists on changing the air filter. I have told him I can do it; he says he just likes doing it. Also, every phone conversation I have on my cell phone is interrupted by a strange loud sound. He's also been caught snooping a few times. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Is it possible to have a hidden microphone/camera hidden in a couch?
    Community Answer
    Yes, hidden cameras and microphones are available in such small sizes that they are able to be planted just about anywhere.
  • Question
    If there is a hidden camera connected to my WiFi, can I see it when logged into my WiFi?
    Community Answer
    Most routers, when logged into the administrator account, will display a list of connected wireless devices.
  • Question
    Can cameras in TVs be used to watch someone?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Is it illegal for my boyfriend to secretly videotaped me when we are having intercourse?
    Community Answer
    Yes. If your boyfriend secretly taped you during intercourse, ask him to delete any footage and reconsider your relationship.
  • Question
    I am in a rental home. How do I remove and/or confirm what I found in my smoke detector is a camera? I don't want get hurt since it's hooked up to the house wiring.
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How can I tell if my Android smartphone has been taken over by someone?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Are squeaky or buzzing sounds possible signs of hidden cameras or microphones?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Should I be able to see a hidden camera that is connected to my Wi-Fi?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do I detect the wiring for a hidden camera or microphone?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Won't looking for a camera put me in more danger if someone is watching me in my house?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    There's a clicking sound on my phone. Could that be a bug?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Is there anyone I can hire to scan my home for bugs and cameras?
    Community Answer
    While a lot of people do this for a high price, your police department may do it for a minimal or no fee.
  • Question
    Could hidden cameras or microphones use Bluetooth to transmit the data?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Is it illegal for my husband to allow people to spy on us?
    Community Answer
    Yes, unless the people are the police.
  • Question
    Can law enforcement put hidden cameras in my apartment?
    Community Answer
    If you are a criminal or something like that, yes. If you're just an innocent person, no.
  • Question
    What can I do if I suspect that I am being watched by people with wireless cameras everywhere I go?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What if it's hidden in a vent?
    Springtrap Fnaf
    Community Answer
    Open up the vent and search. If you have vents that don't open, call a professional.
  • Question
    There's a clicking sound coming from my laptop. How can I tell if my laptop is bugged?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Can a camera be on a wii U?
    Springtrap Fnaf
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do I tell if my phone is being used to spy on me?
    AbigailAbernathy
    Top Answerer
    Do a clean wipe of your phone to factory version. It will remove any and all spyware.
  • Question
    There's a little hole in my wall that I didn't put in, could there be a camera in it?
    Adrian
    Top Answerer
    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.
  • Question
    I called my phone and ran it around my bathroom mirror. I heard four single clicks on different parts of the mirror. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    I'm a live-in housekeeper and I found cameras in my bathroom and bedroom. Can I take my boss to court?
    Community Answer
    Yes, go to the police with as much evidence as you can and report him.
  • Question
    There's a red light on top of my camera at night. What is this?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Can someone use light bulbs to hide cameras to watch a person?
    Veronica K Blanco
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Is it legal for my ex to secretly tape supervised visits at his home?
    Cowboy 4 Jesus
    Community Answer
    Without your consent or the consent of the authorities, it is not legal. You should approach the police about it immediately.
  • Question
    Can someone tap a home phone number without actually touching the phone itself?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    If a house is bugged with a microphone, is it powered by a battery? How long would a listening device that isn't hard-wired last?
    Community Answer
    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.
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