While most businesses use cameras for legitimate reasons like security surveillance, unfortunately, not everyone respects your privacy. They can place hidden cameras in public dressing rooms and bathrooms, Airbnb rentals, hotels and motels, and just about anywhere else. These hidden cameras can take photos, videos, and audio of your private moments.
Before you get worried, there’s no need to assume that cameras may be hidden everywhere you go. If you have a reason to suspect someone could be spying on you, knowing how to spot one can bring some needed peace of mind. We’ll show you how to find hidden cameras with everyday items, apps, and more. You’ll also learn what you can do after spotting a hidden camera.
While CyberGhost VPN can’t stop hidden cameras from capturing your private moments, we can protect your online privacy when connected to shared Wi-Fi or hotspots. You can also use CyberGhost VPN to encrypt your connection and protect your own cameras from being turned into hidden spying devices by malicious hackers.
8 Quick Ways to Find Hidden Cameras in Your Space
People can hide cameras in practically anything, including shampoo bottles, mirrors, knickknacks, lamps, clocks (digital and non-digital), pictures, smoke detectors – the list is endless. Luckily, we know a few verified ways to find hidden cameras, no matter how well someone tried to disguise them.
The following information can help you find hidden cameras in hotels, Airbnb rentals, or anywhere else you expect someone may be trying to spy on you.
1. Look Behind the Mirrors
Concealing hidden cameras and other tech is easy with a transparent mirror (confusingly, also known as a one-way mirror or a two-way mirror). These mirrors are built into walls and look like a mirror from one side and like a window from the other.
One popular way to check for a two-way mirror is to place your finger on it. If there’s a gap between your finger and its reflection, it’s a standard mirror. Should it appear as if your finger is touching its reflection directly, it might be a transparent mirror. This method can work, but it’s unreliable.
Another method is to turn off any lights and cup your hands around your eyes while looking into the mirror. If there’s another room and it isn’t entirely dark, some lights or shadows may be visible. You can also try knocking on the mirror. A two-way mirror sounds hollow since there’s open space behind it.
2. Make A Note of Your Surroundings
When you walk into any rental, do a quick visual scan of each room. That way, when you leave your hotel room or Airbnb location for the day, you’ll notice any new items or decor that weren’t there when you left. If you come back to find a new lamp, smoke alarm, vase, alarm clock, or other items that weren’t there before, you can check them for cameras.
3. Use a Flashlight to Spot Hidden Camera Lenses
Turn off the lights and close the blinds so the room is pitch black, then shine a flashlight across the room and look for unnatural reflections coming off objects. A blue or purple reflection where there shouldn’t be one could indicate the presence of a camera lens. You may have to walk around and point the flashlight at various angles close to objects around the room to make sure you don’t miss anything.
4. Search for Hidden Cameras Using Your Smartphone Camera
First, run a test to ensure your smartphone camera detects infrared light. Take any remote control, point the front LED towards your phone’s front camera, and press a button. If your phone can detect infrared, you’ll see a burst of white or purple light within the LED. Next, ensure the room is completely dark, then turn on your front-facing camera and walk around. Most surveillance cameras emit infrared light while working, so you’ll notice a white or purple light when one is present.
If you spot a strange light or reflection, get closer to that spot to investigate further. If you’re struggling to find the source of the light, you can then use your flashlight to confirm whether there’s a lens present.
Did you know?
Rear-facing cameras generally have infrared filters, so they won’t help you find infrared light.
5. Scan the Wi-Fi Network
Search for a network scanner on Google Play or in the App Store. Most legitimate network scanning apps don’t require extensive permissions, so be mindful of privacy and data collection policies before downloading an app to your device.
Connect to the Wi-Fi network and scan it using the app. You should now see all the devices connected to that network. Look for devices with strange or unfamiliar names (like M60, C1, or anything containing “camera”). While it seems obvious, people generally forget to change devices’ default names. If you’re unsure, disconnect each device one by one to identify which one is linked to each name.
Scanning the local Wi-Fi network for a hidden camera works only if the camera is wireless and uses the same network as your device.
6. Detect Interference with a Phone Call
Surveillance cameras may emit radio waves that interfere with cellular phone calls. If you’re on a call and move your phone close to a working camera, you might notice crackling, buzzing, or general signal interference.
To test it out, you can call a friend, put the call on speaker, and ask them to stay on the call as you move the phone around the room. Place your phone close to suspicious areas and devices. If you notice increased interference at a particular spot it may contain a hidden camera.
Did you know?
Not all hidden cameras emit radio waves, so interference with a phone call isn’t always a sure sign of a camera nearby. However, it can help identify older wireless cameras that use radio frequencies. If you notice unusual buzzing, it’s worth double-checking the area for anything out of place.
7. Install A Hidden Camera Detector App
Installing a hidden camera detector app on your smartphone is a good option as it lets you take an all-in-one approach to finding hidden cameras. A typical camera detector app includes a radio frequency detector, lens glare detection, and network scanning. However, while phones are capable of detecting radio waves, they only work over a limited range of frequencies. That means the app may miss a hidden camera when using the radiofrequency test.
Not all camera detection apps have your privacy and security in mind either. Be discerning and choose an app that doesn’t collect or share your data.
8. Get A Specialized Radio Frequency Detector
A dedicated RF camera detector is an effective way of confirming the presence of secret recording devices. RF detectors are sensitive to the radio waves wireless cameras emit. If the device detects any radio frequencies, it gives you audible signals that get more frequent as you move closer to the source.
This option is more expensive because you need to buy the detector, but it can be a good investment if you travel regularly for work or leisure.
Most Common Places to Find Hidden Cameras
Miniature cameras can be as small as a screw which makes it easy to hide them virtually anywhere. They still need a power source and wired or wireless connection.
Here are the most common places you can find spy cams:
- Smoke detectors
- Air filters
- Wall decor
- Electrical outlets
- Power strips
- Chargers
- Night lights
- Books or DVD cases
- Shelves
- Pens
- Computer mice
- Tiny holes in the wall
- Stuffed toys
- Lava lamps
- Clocks
- Clothes hooks
Note that this isn’t an exhaustive list. Snoopers can be creative in hiding spy cams, so check anything that looks suspicious.
What to Do If You Find A Hidden Camera
Important: What Not to Do
If you find a camera, there are a few things you shouldn’t do. Don’t damage, unplug, or remove the device as this could destroy potentially useful evidence. Refrain from confronting the homeowner or business, or alerting them that you’ve found a hidden camera. Call local law enforcement instead, and let the authorities handle the situation.
Step 1: Note the Details
Take note of the camera’s location, including the room it’s in and its position (e.g. “Suspected camera found in a plant in the bathroom and appears to face the shower.”). This description will give the authorities an exact place to look for the camera and provide information they can use for questioning.
Use your mobile phone to take a picture to accompany your description, including why you suspect it’s a camera (e.g. “Smoke detector shows a blue/purple reflection when light hits it directly”). A photo is proof that a camera was there in the event it’s moved. A plant that suddenly disappears or has a hollow base isn’t effective proof.
Step 2: Call the Authorities
Contact the local authorities, inform them of the situation, and wait for further instructions. Make sure you have all your evidence in hand when they arrive (it never hurts to have it backed up on your device, just in case). Once they’ve had a chance to review your evidence, they can contact the homeowner or business owner.
Note that they may still need permission to enter the residence, even with reasonable suspicion of invasion of privacy. At least if the authorities arrive first, the owner won’t have a chance to remove the camera.
Step 3: Don’t Let Anyone In If You Can Help It
You may be limited here, as you legally have no right to keep an owner out if you’re staying in an Airbnb or similar rental property. If the individual is watching, however, they may notice you’ve discovered the camera and come to the house to attempt to remove it.
That’s why it’s important to gather evidence and alert the authorities first and have them contact the owner. This gives the authorities a better chance to collect the appropriate evidence before it can be tampered with or destroyed.
Why Do People Use Hidden Cameras?
You may think a hidden camera is just for taking inappropriate photos or videos of people during private moments, but the invasion of privacy can extend to fraud or even identity theft. A hidden camera may record the items you lay on a nightstand or table. This could include your credit cards, passport, or other identification documents. People could even use hidden cameras to spy on your phone or laptop screen while you’re using these devices.
With the right tools, cybercriminals can also access the webcam on your laptop or phone through unsecured Wi-Fi networks – and secretly use it to spy on you. You can cover your webcam with black tape to prevent this type of intrusion, but it won’t protect you from other malicious cyber attacks. If someone does infiltrate your device, they may use the connection to install harmful malware without you knowing.
When you connect to CyberGhost VPN, it instantly encrypts all your data the moment it leaves your device. Anyone attempting to steal your information only gets unreadable data, even if they manage or have access to the same Wi-Fi network.
FAQ
Yes, your phone can be a useful tool for spotting hidden cameras. You can shine its flashlight around the room to look for lens reflections. Additionally, a phone’s front-facing camera detects purple or white infrared light emitted by some hidden cameras
Hidden camera detector apps use the phone’s sensors to help locate devices. Just make sure the app you choose has good privacy practices and subscribe to CyberGhost VPN before downloading any third-party apps. Our servers encrypt your traffic and change your IP address, so no one can see what you’re doing.
Yes, hidden camera detector apps do work but not all are legitimate. Check the privacy and data collection practices of camera detector apps before downloading one. Some disreputable apps contain malware that offloads on your device when you install the app. Carefully vet any apps before downloading them.
A hidden camera can look like anything because it can be placed inside everyday objects. Potted plants, shampoo and conditioner bottles, tissue boxes, alarm clocks, and other items can all hide cameras. That’s why it’s important to be extra vigilant when choosing a rental and check for cameras when you arrive.
No, it is not legal for rental properties to use cameras as long as they are in public spaces for security reasons, and you are aware of them. Airbnb and other property rental services can have cameras on the premises for security purposes, but in most cases, they’re located outside.
Most rental services require owners to divulge if they have cameras in use on the property and they can’t have one active anywhere you expect privacy. Areas where you may reasonably expect privacy include bathrooms, bedrooms, and (in some instances) living rooms.
Surveillance laws differ between states and countries, but the general principle is the same. It’s illegal to use a hidden camera anywhere you can have a “reasonable expectation of privacy.’
The intent of hidden surveillance determines its lawfulness. It’s legal to use secret cameras only on sound moral grounds. One must own the property or obtain a warrant to install a hidden surveillance system. You also have to ensure you’re not breaking any other laws by doing so.
Leave a comment
Phillip Payne
Posted on 25/04/2023 at 16:03
Dear Ghostie, I’m Phillip. I notice two First Alert smoke alarm detectors Model no. 912o.B looks like they both have hidden cameras in them ❓, I went online and looked up where you can buy them and it said Walmart store anyway, I am screwed it and took it down but it has three wires to it it has on the side of it where you can replace the square battery but a wall to where you can’t get into the part where the hidden cameras at. Should I go out to Walmart can purchase one and then go to work of open it up to find out whether or not if it has a hidden camera in it ❓. Phillip.
Ghostie
Posted on 01/05/2023 at 09:42
If you looked online and were able to find more about this camera, its product details should mention if it has a hidden camera inside or not. You don’t have to a buy one to find out.
However, the smoke detectors you’re suspicious about may have been tampered with after they were bought. You would need to inspect those smoke detectors more closely to be able to tell whether they have hidden cameras inside them.
Tanna
Posted on 15/04/2023 at 11:48
I keep getting interference on facetime calls using the front cam on my phone. I’ve been noticing whenever I can manage to connect (or whenever I use front cam) I see a green light, I’ve found them inside the hotel bathroom and outside by the smoking area where the wifi barely works….
are green lights associated with any kind of device specifically? thanks.
Ghostie
Posted on 21/04/2023 at 10:10
Hi, Tanna
Some devices (cameras included) have a green light to indicate the device is powered and working. The exact meaning of the green light varies between manufacturers, so it really depends on the device in question.
Stay safe!
Mariya
Posted on 08/04/2023 at 03:37
So useful and easy to find out spy cameras
Ghostie
Posted on 21/04/2023 at 10:28
Thank you, Mariya. Glad to be of help!
Moe
Posted on 30/03/2023 at 03:45
I saw a white light in my bathroon above the toilet. I never use that light. This w light moved as I did. From toilet to shower it folled me. I did not take a shower. Is there a device that does that? It’s a canlight. I started to unscrew it and a ziplike sound. I see people are talking about red and green lights. This was definitely whitish. My tenants upstairs from me are doing work. I asked her what are you doing. She said, nothing.
Ghostie
Posted on 03/04/2023 at 12:12
Hi Moe,
White light cameras are rare but they do exist. However, it’s unlikely the camera can follow your movements on its own.
If it’s possible to do it safely, you can try to unscrew the canlight and examine it. That would answer all of your questions.
Louis
Posted on 24/03/2023 at 18:27
Can your phone or network be accessed through a phone call?
Ghostie
Posted on 21/04/2023 at 10:24
Hi, Louis
Technically, we’re not aware of any such possibility. The information on a SIM card can be accessed if a malicious party knows the communication protocol and has an appropriate controller board.
In addition, a phone call can still be exploited to compromise your security via a social engineering attack. It’s important for you to not disclose sensitive information about your phone or network over a phone call.
Stay safe,
Adlai Moore
Posted on 13/03/2023 at 20:26
I hear voices coming from tv speakers,or any speakers
Ghostie
Posted on 21/03/2023 at 11:31
Hi Adlai!
It’s not unusual to hear sounds from speakers. When turned on, there’s still a slight current passing through a speaker which makes a slight buzzing sound.
Brittney
Posted on 12/03/2023 at 17:01
Hi there,
I know there are hidden cameras both in my room and bathroom done by 2 units next door to me. I cannot detect any sort of l.e.d light but I can hear them saying she’s not going to find it. I am in a studio with a bathroom and needing help on where someone could hide a camera along a side wall ?? Please help and no power or wifi access needed unless it’s by my door which is a coded lock sort of door.
Cheers.
Ghostie
Posted on 21/03/2023 at 11:30
Hi Brittney!
Any holes or objects on the wall are hotspots for hidden cameras. Please consider scanning the wall carefully and flashing a light into dark spots or holes. You will see a reflection if the light hits a camera lens.
Jess
Posted on 12/02/2023 at 23:07
How to confirm if there’s a hidden camera in a charger? Just found a charger I dont recognize and it has a small part resembling a camera, its not a light function, cause when I insert it in the socket it doesn’t light up. Thanks in advance
Ghostie
Posted on 03/03/2023 at 11:59
Hi Jess!
Hmm! That sounds fishy. You can confirm whether the small part is a camera by flashing a light in it. If you see a green, blue, or purple reflection, it might be a bug.
Sarah
Posted on 16/01/2023 at 00:05
So I am wondering if there are any hidden cameras in my apartment. I turned off all the lights and checked most places with my phone flashlight, and I also used a few hidden camera detector apps. While I didn’t see anything with my flashlight, the apps detected strong metal and a potential hidden camera in my fire alarm. (Not a smoke detector, but a fire alarm) I tried to inspect it more visually, but I don’t think I saw anything off. Then again, I’m not entirely sure what the visible inside of a fire alarm is meant to look like. Could there be a camera in it, or could the apps just have detected a normal part of the fire alarm? If there could be a camera, what further steps should I take to check?
Ghostie
Posted on 17/01/2023 at 10:44
Hi Sarah.
It’s possible for a fire alarm to carry a hidden camera. The best way to inspect it would be to carefully examine any holes or openings within the device. Flashing a light into those openings should give you a reflection if there’s camera lens present inside.
Tracy
Posted on 16/12/2022 at 03:53
Hi I am having a huge problem with my former roommate. She and her friends are stalking me. They made copies of my car keys and fob. Her friend is a computer guy and he blew up my abs actuator and Lexus doesn’t make that part anymore. I get paid for mileage I use for my job. So I don’t have a speedometer. I have a GPS in my car a camera and they are listening to me thru my speakers so how. I think because when I turn off my stereo the speakers buzz.. I have been to the police several times but they will not do anything without some video proof. I’m afraid they will destroy my camera before it catches they. What can I do? Also he is getting to my IPhone and destroying important information I need. I need a hacker that’s a good hacker not to do anything illegal just someone to help me legally. Thanks
Ghostie
Posted on 16/12/2022 at 17:55
Hi Tracy!
This seems like a tricky situation. We can’t recommend you a hacker, even if it’s for legal purposes.
If you think your speedometer’s software was sabotaged, you may be able to get it repaired from a vehicle software expert. You may not have to get the part replaced as long as it wasn’t physical damage.
While you have reason to suspect someone might be snooping on you through your GPS or camera, they still can’t hear you through your speakers. Car speakers buzz usually when there’s a slight current passing through them. That doesn’t mean they’re recording sound as they don’t have microphone hardware.
We hope we were able to solve some of your problems and wish you all the best. Stay safe!
Kellee Wilson
Posted on 16/11/2022 at 02:31
Lately I have been finding a camera sitting in a corner facing directly at my room door in a house I rent a room at. Now this is not a secret camera, this is a camera I can actually see right when I walk out my room door. So I went right up to it and unplugged it and yanked it from the upper with hand corner of the wall on a picture it was sitting on and I realized it was a webcam…. interesting can someone watch you from a webcam that’s plugged in?
Ghostie
Posted on 17/11/2022 at 18:46
Hi Kellee!
Hmm! That’s suspicious. You might want to know where the camera was plugged in. Is the wire leading to a computer device in that house?
If the camera is a wireless one, you might want to check what Wi-Fi networks are available in that location. This might help you identify who’s using the camera.
Michelle
Posted on 07/12/2022 at 20:56
Which spy app to locate a camera would you recommend? I believe my ex is spying on me. We still live together and it is getting ugly. I think he is doing this to know what I’m planning for when I move out.
Ghostie
Posted on 15/12/2022 at 10:09
Hi Michelle!
It sounds like a difficult situation, Michelle. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend any apps or devices that may violate other people’s privacy, and that this sounds more like a job for a lawyer, who can also advise on what legal grounds you have for defending your own privacy in your particular situation. Stay safe!
Justin
Posted on 15/11/2022 at 15:20
Not a comment but a question you’re hidden app I mean you’re hidden spy app detector goes off and you get a notification saying that it’s by app detector detected a spy bug in your home what is that is that really true and how far away is the spite spy camera or mic
Ghostie
Posted on 17/11/2022 at 18:45
Hi Justin.
We’re not sure which spy detector app you’re using and what information it has to claim you’re being spied on. So we won’t be able to answer how far away the spy cam or mic might be, if any.
Sherlock
Posted on 14/11/2022 at 16:18
This post gives me sherlock holmes vibes
Lady H
Posted on 25/10/2022 at 01:22
Saw green light and a flash while going to toilet in a shared house where don’t get on with noisy housemates upstairs what was that?
Ghostie
Posted on 31/10/2022 at 08:51
Hi Lady H.
That sounds suspicious! You can try one of the methods we’ve mentioned above to confirm the presence of a hidden camera. If you find one, call the police right away!
Jacob
Posted on 16/10/2022 at 12:30
some pro tips right here. especially like the odd objects one. thanks and stay awesome CG!
Ghostie
Posted on 19/10/2022 at 10:16
Thanks for the kind comments, Jacob! We’re glad we could help.
Jen
Posted on 03/10/2022 at 05:57
I think my ex might have a trail cam watching my back yard. I hear a faint beep when I’m outside with my dog, and I think I’m occasionally seeing a faint red light but I can’t pinpoint the exact spot. Any advice? If I find anything, I’m definitely getting law enforcement involved.
Ghostie
Posted on 07/10/2022 at 14:15
Hi Jen.
You can try one of the methods mentioned above to pinpoint the faint red light. Please try to scan the suspected area from all sides, if possible.
Arlie Booth
Posted on 14/01/2023 at 04:08
Hi m ex used ‘jammers’ due to his line of work .
Long story short. Our ring doorbell was charging in the house and it recorded me having a very clear conversation within the same room .
My ex unexpectedly turned up and I left the room .
Due to a lot of other erratic and strange behaviour during that visit Being confused I suddenly realised the Legitimate devices should have picked up his actions etc at the time he was in the room .
Instead all I can hear is an extremely loud pitched squealing and muffled sounds .
Nothing visual .
Does this sound like the effect one of those blockers would have on something like a. Ring doorbell ?
Ghostie
Posted on 17/01/2023 at 10:45
Ring Doorbells can be jammed with a Wi-Fi jammer. If your Ring Doorbell does not display a visual or sound, it’s possible that a jammer interrupted its connection with your Wi-Fi network.
Hope that answers your question.