How to Detect Hidden Surveillance Cameras
With Your Phone
A family recently discovered a rude surprise at their Airbnb: a hidden camera disguised as a smoke detector in the living room. Here are two ways to check for cameras—in an Airbnb or elsewhere—using only an iPhone or Android phone.
Airbnb Spy Cameras!!: If you’re staying in a hotel or an Airbnb, hidden cameras can be a worry. In the case of Airbnb, your host is required to list any cameras they have, whether or not they’re turned on.
But, as this one family found out, a creepy host can still hide a camera and not tell you. Hidden cameras in an Airbnb aren’t a new thing. The problem isn’t limited to Airbnb, either.
Hotels Are Not Spared, Be Warned: A recent news story described the harrowing tale of hidden cameras live-streaming in South Korean hotels. More than 1500 hotel guests were filmed and live-streamed over the internet. As hidden cameras become even more inexpensive, they seem to be popping up more and more.
Common objects used to spy are everyday objects like smoke detectors, clocks, USB hubs, even wireless chargers. These can be used for legitimate reasons in your own home—for example, to hide a camera a burglar can’t find or to monitor a nanny with that person’s consent.
But how do you ensure someone isn’t targeting you with a hidden camera?
1. Do a manual sweep with the lights off and look for infrared lights
2. The most effective way is to use a NoSpy Pro device and sweep the location and wait for a beep
How to Spot Night Vision Cameras
Some smartphones have filters to block out infrared light on their primary camera, but very few of them have filters on the front camera. To determine which camera will work for you, grab an infrared remote like the one you use for your TV. Point it at your smartphone’s primary camera and press a button. If you see the light on the screen, then it can detect infrared. If you don’t, try again with the front-facing camera.
Manual sweep is not safe enough: You can search for night vision cameras using your phone’s camera but if the hidden camera does not have night vision capabilities, it will not be detected.
Many tiny objects may be missed with a manual sweep. The best way is to use a NoSpy Pro to detect hidden cameras at a long range.
Save your life. Get a Hidden Camera Detector
A professional-quality hidden camera detector is both easier to use and more effective. You can get one for under $100.
They're as simple to use as a flashlight.
1. Activate them while looking around the room.
2. Just like a flashlight or smartphone, you'll have to hit the you'll want to take a slow, careful look around the room, focusing on specific areas where a camera might be hidden.
3. Red LED will light up and device will beep if hidden cameras are detected