What To Know
- To use your iPhone camera as a camera detector, make the room as dark as possible, then use the camera to scan for IR lights.
- Hidden recording devices and cameras can also be found by checking your Bluetooth settings for unfamiliar devices. Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and look under My Devices.
It's a creepy feeling to suspect that there's a hidden camera in your house, hotel room, or Airbnb. We'll show you how to find hidden cameras without a camera detector, or with a camera detector app.
Jump To:
- Check the Room for Unusual Objects
- Use Your iPhone Camera as a Hidden Camera Detector
- Scan Your Wi-Fi Network to Check for Hidden Security Cameras
- Check Bluetooth Settings for Unauthorized Apps & Devices
- FAQ
Check the Room for Unusual Objects & Signal Interference
There are lots of hidden spy cameras on the market that you'd never suspect at a glance. From Bluetooth speaker cameras to power banks, USB wall chargers to weather stations and clocks, more and more products have hidden security cameras built right in. Beyond that, there are mini spy cameras built into common products like clothes hooks!
If you suspect that a particular item in your home, AirBnb, or hotel room is a wired or wireless hidden camera, look for the brand and model number on the item, then Google that information to confirm or deny your suspicion.
Next, make a phone call and walk around the area where you suspect there's a hidden recording device or spy camera. It's not a guarantee, but you may hear interference like crackling, skipping, or otherwise poor call quality as you get closer to a hidden camera.
Note: If you suspect that there's a two-way mirror in the room, there are several ways to check.
Use Your iPhone Camera as a Hidden Camera Detector
The next way to detect a camera that shouldn't be there is to use your iPhone's camera to search for infrared light that can't be seen by the naked eye. To do this:
- Darken the room as much as possible. It's probably best to wait until after it's dark outside, then turn off all lights and pull curtains or drapes to keep any outside light out of the room.
- Open the Camera app.
![open the camera on your iphone to detect hidden spy camera]( "open the camera on your iphone to detect hidden spy camera")
- Slowly scan the room, looking for a white or purple light on your iPhone screen.
- If you don't find anything on your back camera, tap the switch icon at the lower-right corner of your screen to use the front camera instead.
![switch to front camera to detect hidden spy camera]( "switch to front camera to detect hidden spy camera")
Scan Your Wi-Fi Network to Check for Hidden Security Cameras
There are a few "ifs" connected with this step. If there's a hidden spy camera in your location, if it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network you're using, and if you have access to information about that network, you may be able to find the hidden camera. Look at all the devices connected to your Wi-Fi network to see if there's one that isn't one of your connected devices.
These steps vary depending on your Wi-Fi provider. Xfinity has one process, AT&T another, Kinetic by Windstream still another. Contact your internet service provider for directions on how to see all devices connected to your router if I didn't provide the link above.
Alternatively, you can download a network scanner app to check any Wi-Finetwork you've joined.
Check Bluetooth Settings for Unauthorized Apps & Devices
If you suspect that there are hidden recording devices or hidden cameras in your home, check your Bluetooth settings for unfamiliar devices. To do this:
- Open the Settings app.
![check iphone bluetooth settings for hidden recording devices]( "check iphone bluetooth settings for hidden recording devices")
- Tap Bluetooth.
![tap bluetooth settings]( "tap bluetooth settings")
- Look under My Devices to see all the devices connected to Bluetooth on your iPhone.
![check iphone bluetooth devices under my devices]( "check iphone bluetooth devices under my devices")
- If you find an unfamiliar Bluetooth device, disconnect it.
Note: If you really love gadgets and gear, and want a professional hidden spy camera detector, consider purchasing one of these hidden camera detectors!
Now you know how to find a hidden spy camera or hidden security camera in your house, hotel, or Airbnb! Let us know if this article helped you detect hidden cameras, and what happened once you found them (yes, I'm nosey!). Be sure to check out our free Tip of the Day for more great iPhone privacy tutorials!
FAQ
- Is a hidden camera a crime? Laws vary from state to state, but on a national level (in the US), it's legal to video record in public and workplaces. Some states require the knowledge and consent of both or all parties to record in private places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Others, like Iowa, only require the consent of one party, except in cases of partial or full nudity. Look into laws in your state or country for more information.
- How do I find hidden trail cameras? If you believe someone has placed a hidden spy camera on your property without permission, you can look for IR light as you would when searching for an indoor hidden camera, but there are several other steps to take, as well.
- How can I tell if my iPhone is being monitored, and can my iPhone be used to spy on me? We've all suspected our iPhones know a bit too much about us from time to time; our tips editor, Elisabeth Garry, explores this topic in their article, "Is Your iPhone Spying on You?"
Top image credit: thirasap phaknara / Shutterstock.com
