Finding hidden cameras in vacation rentals and hotels has become a reality. Spy cameras keep getting smaller and can be disguised as everyday objects like alarm clocks and air fresheners. A Texas Airbnb host collected over 2,000 guest images this way, and similar cases have occurred from California to Malaysia. Some operators even livestream footage or sell recordings online. Cybersecurity experts tested these spy cameras in a mock rental to find which detection methods actually work. This guide shows you the proven techniques that can protect your privacy before someone records your private moments.
Check Your Wi-Fi Network First
Most Airbnb properties give guests Wi-Fi access. Connect to the Wi-Fi, then check your device settings to see what else is connected to the network. You can also download apps like Wireless Network Watcher to scan for all devices. Look for anything that seems odd or doesn’t match what you see in the room. Sometimes people connect the surveillance devices to the main Wi-Fi network without thinking. The careful ones set up separate networks to stay hidden.
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Scan for Bluetooth Connections
Cameras that skip Wi-Fi networks often use Bluetooth instead. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and scan for nearby devices. Skip the obvious ones like smart TVs and speakers. Look for devices with weird names or random letters and numbers. Search online for any strange device names to see if they match camera models. Walk through each room slowly while scanning, giving your phone a few minutes in each spot to find everything. This takes time, but it can find devices that stay hidden from the main network.
Use the Flashlight Reflection Method
Turn off all the lights and use your phone’s flashlight. Camera lenses work like little mirrors, so they reflect light. Sweep the light slowly across every surface and watch for small glints or reflections that shouldn’t be there. Start with private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms, where your privacy can be violated the most. Focus on high spots with clear room views. Smoke detectors and air vents are popular hiding places because they blend in naturally. Testing found four cameras using these methods, including one inside a working alarm clock and another behind a teddy bear’s eye.
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Detect Infrared Signals with Your Phone Camera
Many secret cameras use infrared light to operate remotely, especially ones that save to memory cards. You can’t see infrared light with your eyes, but your phone’s camera can pick it up since most phones don’t block infrared completely. Turn off all the lights and use your phone’s camera to scan around each room. Record video while you move, then watch the footage back carefully. Look for tiny white or reddish dots that show up on your screen to find hidden cameras. This works best when the room is completely dark.
Consider Professional Detection Equipment
An RF (Radio Frequency) detector beeps when it picks up signals from active cameras, but testing showed major problems. They only work on cameras connected to Wi-Fi and give loads of false alarms, like beeping in empty rooms where no cameras exist.
Basic lens detectors work differently by bouncing infrared light off camera lenses. When you point one toward a spy camera, you’ll see a red dot appear. While these avoid the false alarm problem, you need to get right up close to where you think a camera might be hiding.
The Mirror Test
Two-way mirrors let people watch from the other side while you think you have privacy. Test each one by placing your fingernail against the surface. Normal glass shows a gap between your nail and its reflection. Two-way versions have no gap, and your nail will touch its reflection directly.
Check bathrooms and bedrooms first. Watch for mirrors that seem too large or placed in strange spots. Turn off the lights and cup your hands against the glass surface. If you see light or shapes coming through, someone could be watching from behind.
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What to Do When You Find a Hidden Camera
When you find a recording device, start by taking photos of the device and its location. Write down the time and where you found it. Look for signs the camera is active, like blinking lights or other indicators it’s recording. Contact the rental platform right away if you’re staying at an Airbnb or similar property and you find one, these platforms have strict rules against hidden cameras. You may want to call local police, especially if the camera is in a private area. Keep all your photos and any messages with the property owner. If you feel unsafe, leave the property and find alternative accommodation.
Understanding Outdoor Camera Rules
Airbnb bans indoor cameras but allows outdoor security cameras and video doorbells. Property owners use these legally to prevent break-ins and watch for unauthorized parties, so you can’t demand their removal. However, watch for outdoor cameras aimed at windows that might capture what happens inside. When cameras are positioned this way, they break privacy laws and cross legal boundaries. Report any outdoor cameras that seem designed to peek inside the property.
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Protect Yourself During Travel
Being informed about these threats and knowing how to detect these hidden cameras means you can travel with confidence instead of worry. Knowledge puts the power back in your hands. The techniques in this guide give you practical ways to take control of your privacy. You don’t need to become paranoid or let fear ruin your trips. Instead, you can be prepared and aware, turning what could be a source of anxiety into something you can actively address. Travel should be about relaxation and new experiences, not privacy concerns. With these skills, you can focus on enjoying your time away while knowing you’ve taken steps to protect yourself.
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