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5 min readIt might feel like the start of a horror movie if you suspect a hidden camera in your home. Scary as they may seem, they’re very real. You might find one in your holiday rental’s living room, a public bathroom, or even in your own home.
Hidden cameras are much smaller than your typical security camera. They’re usually no bigger than 3-5 cm in diameter and can be held between your thumb and forefinger. Here’s how to locate them so you can feel safer, wherever you’re staying.
No doubt, there are an array of places somebody can stash a hidden camera. Whether you’re staying at an Airbnb or in your own home, keep your eyes peeled. Look for any small holes or any unfamiliar objects that could house a hidden camera.
For outdoor areas, examine your:
For indoor areas, examine your:
In many cases, hidden cameras aren’t as well assembled as your run-of-the-mill security camera. You’re likely to find one if you know what to look for. Keep an eye out for:
A visual assessment will most likely show you what you want to see. Sometimes cameras will also make a humming or buzzing noise to show they’re on, so keep an ear out while you’re surveying each room.
Surveillance cameras can emit radio waves. These waves can cause crackling or buzzing in nearby phone calls. If you’re in the presence of a hidden camera, you might experience some disruption when you’re on the phone.
To test for signal interference, call a friend or family member. Walk around the room and listen closely for any interference. If you notice the quality drop when you’re in certain areas of your room, you might be in the presence of a hidden camera. This method isn't foolproof, but it could confirm your suspicions. Be wary that not all cameras will interfere with your signal. Even if you do experience some interference, it could just point to bad reception if you know you’re prone to spotting in certain areas of your home.
All cameras need a power source. Some might use a battery, while others need to be connected to an outlet. Some cameras might need a Wi-Fi connection, while others can be accessed and monitored remotely, as long as they’re connected to the internet. If you’re at home, log in to your router’s admin account and search for any unknown devices that might be connected to your Wi-Fi. Additionally, there is a whole range of network scanning apps that will search your network for you in the hopes of revealing a hidden device.
Another way to test for hidden cameras is by turning off your lights. Shine a flashlight around your home, and keep an eye out for any shining or blinking LEDs.
Many modern cameras typically use a measure of infrared – and you can use your phone to search for it. Firstly, make sure your phone camera reacts to infrared. Dim your lights and point your phone’s camera at the front end of your TV remote. Then press any button – if you see a light on the screen, your phone can detect infrared light. Now get to searching. Point your smartphone’s camera toward any areas or objects you’re suspicious of. If you see any bright lights or glowing dots, you could be looking at a hidden camera.
There are a multitude of hidden camera detection apps available for download. These apps contain techniques like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning and infrared detection. Hot tip: Stick to your phone’s native app store. You don’t want to download malware while looking for a hidden camera.
Using the flashlight on your smartphone can help identify reflections from camera lenses. Turn off all the lights in the room and shine around your phone around the room. If you see any small bright spots, you could be looking at a hidden camera.
If you think somebody may be installing hidden cameras in your home, set up a security camera. There are some cheap (but reliable) security cameras on the market, or you can use your smartphone as a security camera.
Specialised radio frequency detectors are available online for under $100. These devices work by scanning for radio frequency signals transmitted via electromagnetic waves. However, some cameras use alternating frequencies that render them undetectable to hidden camera detectors.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully. Unplug your kitchen appliances, TV, and Wi-Fi router to yield the best results and ensure they don't interfere with the device. While it's not the cheapest option, it's bound to find a hidden camera if you’ve exhausted all other options.
The JMDHKK Hidden Camera Detector can detect mini stealth cameras, body wires, wiretaps, and magnetic bugging devices, and more.
It uses infrared technology to locate any hidden camera lenses, and will alert you on any signal interference it finds. It's compact and portable, so you can feel safe in every Airbnb and hotel you stay at.
Two-way mirrors can house hidden cameras. To test your mirror, place the tip of your finger on the surface. Look at your finger from the side. If there’s a visible gap between your finger and the mirror, it’s real. If it appears they’re touching tip to tip, it could be a two-way mirror with a camera behind it.
You've confirmed your suspicions and located the hidden camera. First things first, don’t touch it or try to remove it. Make a note of any brand names or serial numbers and take a photo of it. Then grab a towel or blanket and cover the device. If the camera is in a public bathroom or there are no towels, move yourself and your belongings out of its range.
Contact the police and follow their instructions. If you're staying in a hotel or holiday rental, exit the property as soon as possible, then contact the police. After you've talked with the police, contact the hotel or rental provider directly. Don’t message the host, as they might try to cover up their tracks and destroy evidence.
It can be deeply unsettling if you think you’re being recorded or watched. Hidden cameras can be positioned almost anywhere, but they can be found if you know what to look for. Turn off your lights and use a hidden camera detection app or device, or listen for any buzzing that could indicate a hidden camera.
