How to Detect Cameras in a Mirror

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If you're security-minded, you probably check your hotel or Airbnb before you get comfortable. Part of this might mean checking the mirror for hidden cameras. You may be able to spot them just by searching around the frame, or you can use tools that detect light and radiofrequency. To help, we'll answer some of your biggest questions about locating these tricky cameras.

Detecting Cameras in a Mirror

Touch the mirror with your fingertip—if there isn't a gap between your fingertip and its reflection, it's probably a two-way mirror. You could cover it, try to remove it, or keep searching for other hidden cameras.

Question 1 of 7:

When should I look for a hidden camera?

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    Unfortunately, there's been a rise in hidden cameras placed in rental properties over the last few years. Give yourself peace of mind if you're staying in a new place. Look around and check for anything that looks or feels off. Then, take a few minutes to really search for hidden cameras before you get comfortable. [1]
    • You can also check mirrors in dressing rooms. Depending on which state you're in, some stores are allowed to put in surveillance cameras .
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Question 2 of 7:

Can I find a camera just by looking at the mirror?

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    To spot a hidden camera, spend a few minutes looking around for small holes in the wall or random wires that don't look like they belong. Pay attention to flashing or blinking lights, too. [2] You might look for wires or a small blinking light near along the mirror's frame, for instance.
    • Spy cameras are getting smaller and smaller, so get really close to look for the camera lens.
  2. 2
    You might find a camera by determining if the mirror is two-way . You've probably heard the old trick about touching the mirror. Simply touch the mirror with your fingertip—if there isn't a gap between your fingertip and the reflection, it's probably a two-way mirror. At this point, you can try to take the mirror off of the wall or keep searching for a hidden camera. [3]
    • Do you see a small gap between your fingertip and the reflection? Great! This means it's a standard mirror and there's nothing to worry about.
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Question 3 of 7:

Can I use a flashlight to detect a camera?

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    Some people argue that a flashlight, even one on your phone, works to reflect a hidden camera's lens while others say it's too tricky to spot a camera reflection in the mirror's reflection. It's definitely worth a try, though! [4]
    • If you want to try the flashlight tip, stand really close to the mirror and slowly shine the light over the entire surface, changing the angle as you go. Look for a very small reflection of light that's not coming from your flashlight.
Question 4 of 7:

Do hidden cameras need wifi?

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    Don't feel like physically searching for a camera? Check the wifi network to see if a hidden camera is connected. Run a scanner like Fing or WiFiman, which pulls up all the connected devices . It will also show you the name, hardware, and IP address of each connected device. The scanner may reveal that there's a camera connected to the network. [5]
    • This tip works best for smaller wifi networks since large networks will show lots of connected devices.
    • Not sure if a listed device is a camera? Sometimes, it can be tricky to tell what an unknown device is. Write down the IP address and run it through a port scanning app, which can give you some useful clues.
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Question 5 of 7:

Are there apps to detect cameras in mirrors?

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    You can download an app like Glint Finder or Hidden Camera Detection that emits red light. This can reflect off of a hidden camera lens behind the mirror. Reviewers note that these work best when you're within 3 or 4 feet (0.91 or 1.22 m) of the camera, so it might work well if you're scanning a mirror. [6]
    • To use the app, open it on your device so your phone emits red light. If you can, turn off the lights in your room and slowly sweep the red light over the mirror. Look for the tiny white reflection of a camera lens.
Question 6 of 7:

Is there equipment that can find a camera?

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    The RF finder is about the size of a cell phone or walkie talkie and it emits a red light. If you can, turn off the lights in the room and hold the RF finder so the red light shines on the mirror. Look through the circular hole in the tool and try to spot a tiny white light. This indicates a camera lens. [7]
    • Go slowly when you look at the mirror since the camera reflection will just be a tiny point of light.
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Question 7 of 7:

What should I do if I find a camera?

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    If you're staying at a vacation rental, contact the rental company immediately, or speak with the manager if you're staying at a hotel. If you suspect someone broke the law in hiding the camera, call the police and file a report . They'll walk you through what is and isn't allowed under surveillance laws in your state. [8]
    • If you feel like your privacy was violated, it's totally alright to contact your lawyer, too.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Is there a device that can detect a camera?
    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
    Well, if there's a camera hidden in a wall, you can try detecting it with a red strobe light app on your phone. Point the strobing light to the wall and scan it, as the camera lens will reflect the red light — even if it's a pinhole camera. For a greater chance of identifying the reflection, turn on another phone's camera and look for the reflection on the wall through the screen.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/cmte_testimony/2020/jud/3570_02212020_101123-497.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/how-to-check-for-hidden-cameras-airbnb-vacation-rentals
      3. ↑ https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/how-to-find-out-if-someone-is-spying-on-you-with-a-camera/67-531427366
      4. ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/90331449/how-to-find-hidden-cameras-in-your-airbnb-and-anywhere-else
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/n0RlNO57WR4?t=69
      6. ↑ https://wtop.com/news/2015/04/data-doctors-the-best-method-for-finding-hidden-cameras-may-be-the-free-one/
      7. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/hidden-cameras-are-forbidden-in-your-vacation-rental-but-some-exist-anyway-heres-how-to-track-them-down/
      8. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/hidden-cameras-are-forbidden-in-your-vacation-rental-but-some-exist-anyway-heres-how-to-track-them-down/

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