How to detect hidden cameras in any room

Knowing how to detect hidden cameras in any room means checking particular objects for spy tech. Sensors, mobile phones, or radio frequency signal detectors also assist in finding concealed cameras and mics. 

Disturbingly, such spy gear has never been more affordable and user-friendly. Protecting your privacy is essential, especially when traveling, working, or exercising. 

Airbnbs, hotel rooms, and rental apartments are the most common domains for hidden cameras.

How do hidden cameras work? 

A hidden camera or other surveillance tech records people without their knowledge and consent. It can be wireless or wired, transmitting signals through cellular data, satellite, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. 

The captured footage or recordings can get stored on memory cards, commonly micro SDs. Other gadgets could have linked apps letting culprits watch the footage from any location. A camera with night vision capabilities can produce clear footage in poor light conditions. 

The cameras are usually 24/7 but might feature motion detection. Thus, it starts recording when someone comes into the frame. 

Where are most hidden cameras found?

Here are some common spots making it easy to hide spy tech: 

• Smoke detectors. 
• Electrical outlets. 
• Home decorations. 
• Pens. 
• Chargers. 
• Lamps. 
• Teddy bears. 
• Humidifiers. 
• Water bottles. 
• Remote control devices. 

It will likely be easier to detect a hidden camera in a clean, uncluttered space.

The growing threat of hidden cameras 

The biggest threat to victims and attraction to predators is that hidden cameras are small and easily concealable. Furthermore, while hotels or Airbnbs are familiar places for hidden cameras, culprits can set them anywhere: 

• Gyms. 
• Changing rooms. 
• Restrooms. 
• Porta-potties.
• Cabins. 

Here are some stories involving detected hidden cameras: 

• In Ann Arbor, a city in Michigan, a man faced accusations of setting up hidden cameras in public restrooms. Law enforcement found spy tech in locations like Starbucks, Bath and Body Works, and Vertex Coffee. Thus, targets were facilities getting high traffic. 
• In Florida, a homeowners association president concealed cameras in a rented condo. It was in the master bedroom, a common area for spy tech gadgets. 
• In another case, a man planted cameras in a rented cabin to film minors. Alarmingly, the suspect rented the cabin to a relative. So, try to detect a hidden camera even in familiar environments. 

Are hidden cameras illegal? 

Airbnb does allow the use of cameras or listening devices in public and shared spaces. For instance, hosts could place such surveillance tools in driveways or near front doors. 

However, hidden cameras in Airbnbs are not allowed, and listings must include information about them. 

Similar rules apply to hotel establishments. It is illegal for official hotel staff to put cameras in their guests’ rooms. 

A common scenario is that vicious people stay at hotels and set up cameras in stealthy places. It is illegal, and victims should contact law enforcement. 

For instance, a woman staying at a Sidney hostel found a camera hidden in a deodorant stick. In another case, 1,600 hotel guests across South Korea were victims of hidden cameras. Digital TV boxes, wall sockets, and hairdryer folders contained spy cams, with their footage streamed online for paying customers. 

How to detect a hidden camera? Steps to take

You should try to detect a hidden camera as soon as you enter an area. A visual check-up might not be enough as hidden cameras can be in highly unexpected spots. Tech solutions like RF detectors can assist you when detecting a hidden camera. 

Look around the room and find unusual objects

Predators can buy spy cams smaller than 2 inches. Thus, a room can have many suspicious areas. 

• The first task is to inspect electrical outlets, air vents, and smoke detectors. 
• Then, move to other electronic devices like lamps or TV boxes. 
• Look at various decorations around the room, like baskets or stuffed animals. 
• Find objects that seem to be out of place. Also, if a room has free toiletries, remember that even a deodorant stick can contain a hidden camera. 
• Notice holes in walls, mirror frames, or doors. Cover the hole with tape or stickers if you cannot check what is inside.
• Think about the perfect position for a camera. Bathrooms and bedrooms are the most common rooms. Additionally, think of the angle that could give predators the best view. 

See if hidden cameras show up on Wi-Fi

Most hidden cameras will require a Wi-Fi connection to function. However, many public establishments and hotels offer free Wi-Fi. Each individual room might have its hotspot. 

Many Airbnbs also have a router somewhere in the house or apartment. If you have access to credentials for the router admin page, check what devices have connected to the Wi-Fi network. 

It is also possible to use scanners like Nmap to discover everything connected to a network. Thus, scan the room to find hidden cameras in hotel rooms or other locations. 

Of course, this tip won’t help if predators use wired cameras. However, hiding camera wires can be impractical. Thus, wireless hidden cameras are a much more feasible spy tech. 

Do not let your guard down in well-known establishments 

While hidden spy cameras drastically invade people’s privacy, staff at the targeted locations are unlikely to look for them. For instance, hotel housekeepers or other employers might not inspect areas to find hidden cameras in hotel rooms. 

Thus, even if you book a room in a trusted hotel, try to detect a hidden camera. 

Use a flashlight 

You can use a flashlight to detect a hidden camera in your room. Specifically, this trick works for detecting infrared cameras and under darker settings. 

Experts recommend turning the lights off for the best results. A hidden camera lens should reflect the light from the flashlight. 

Flashlights are inexpensive, and you can probably use the one on your smartphone to detect hidden cameras. However, small lenses could make it impossible to notice any reflection. 

Try a thermal imaging camera

A thermal imaging camera lets you notice the heat from a hidden camera. So, such electronic devices help spot even the most small-sized spy tech. 

It is a more expensive option, ranging from $100 to thousands. However, you can rely on it whenever you stay in a hotel or rent an apartment. 

Try a hidden camera detector app

An iPhone or Android phone can also help you find a hidden camera. Many paid and free smartphone apps are available for this purpose. Their functionality relies on sensors looking for electromagnetic sources. These applications can also find listening devices or GPS trackers. 

However, remember that scammers could purposefully create fake spy cameras apps that fail to scan for hidden cameras. These fake apps could be malicious or after access to your smartphone camera or other features. 

What to do if you detect a hidden camera? 

Spy camera detectors helped you find a hidden camera, but you need help with how to proceed. Should you contact hotel staff and Airbnb hosts first or call the police immediately? Let’s see how to respond to detecting a hidden security camera in an illegal area: 

1. Take photos of the camera, its location, wires, or other relevant details. However, it is best to keep the camera in its original spot. 
2. Tech-savvy users could use packet sniffing to trace where the footage or recordings get transmitted. However, it is best to leave this task to law enforcement. 
3. Call the police and explain the situation. 
4. You can contact the front desk about the hidden camera at a hotel. You might request to switch rooms immediately or look for another hotel. 
5. Report Airbnb hosts for having hidden cameras in their rented apartments.