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The Secrets to Finding Hidden Cameras

by Elizabeth Harper on April 10, 2019

Now that tech is smaller and cheaper than ever, it's become easy to install cameras almost anywhere. In fact, once you start looking, you may realize that cameras are everywhere: on traffic signals, in parking lots and inside stores. If you're reading this article on your phone while waiting for your morning coffee, there's probably a camera keeping an eye on you right now. You may even have some "hidden" cameras of your own, like Dropcams for home security, nanny cams to watch the baby or a video doorbell to see who's knocking.

These cameras have plenty of perfectly legitimate uses. They can provide security in public spaces and prevent theft in businesses. The problems arise when they're used for nefarious purposes, which happens more often than any of us would like.  Earlier this year, police arrested a man who had secretly recorded women and girls in changing rooms at northern Virginia shopping malls. And, Airbnb has had ongoing problems with renters finding hidden cameras planted by hosts in places where guests should expect privacy. (The Airbnb regulations do allow hosts to place cameras in common areas, but they must disclose their use.)

One of the problems is that these tiny, inconspicuous cameras can be easily bought online. Browsing Amazon for hidden cameras is a little disconcerting. Cameras are disguised as alarm clocks, power adapters, smoke detectors, photo frames and even water bottles, most of them wireless and battery powered. These cameras are easy to obtain, and most require no technical skills to install, meaning anyone with ill intent could place them in a public place and watch you when you're unaware.

Aren't Hidden Cameras Illegal?

Laws pertaining to hidden cameras vary from state to state, so you'll want to check your local laws to find out the specifics in your area. The matter typically comes down to where you can expect to have a "reasonable expectation of privacy." There are certain spaces you would expect to be private, like bathrooms, dressing rooms, hotel rooms and locker rooms, and surveillance cameras placed in such areas are typically illegal. (However, if a sign informs you that you're under surveillance somewhere like outside a dressing area in a store where there are cameras to discourage theft, the cameras are typically considered legal.) In spaces that aren’t private, like browsing a shopping mall or walking down a city street, cameras are typically legal whether they're hidden or not.

Of course, the fact that hidden cameras might be illegal doesn't stop people from placing them, so it's up to you to remain vigilant.

How Can You Be Sure You're Not Being Recorded?

Cameras are small and often disguised, so the first thing to do is to take a look around. Not everyone placing a hidden camera does it in the smartest way, and you may be able to find them with a careful examination of the room. Look for the following tell-tale signs.

  • Wires in unexpected places or wires that don't seem to go anywhere While many cameras are wireless, unexplained wiring could lead to a hidden camera.
  • Lights A camera designed to be stealthy won't have any obvious signs like this, but cameras not designed to be hidden often do, and if the person who placed the camera wasn't careful, this can be an obvious giveaway.
  • Small holes in walls or other places It only takes a pinhole for a camera lens to see into a room. Some types of hidden cameras take advantage of this by hiding in innocuous objects with a small hole for the camera.
  • Objects out of the ordinary If you're in a familiar place, look for anything that's new or has been moved.

Another low-tech method of finding hidden cameras is to listen. While this won't catch every camera, some motion-sensitive cameras make a soft click or buzz as they turn on when someone walks by. In a noisy environment, you definitely won't be able to hear them, but if you're in a place where you can turn off lights, radios, televisions and other sources of sound, you may be able to hear a camera activate. You can also try turning out the lights and scanning the room with a flashlight to look for lens reflections. 

If the hidden camera is living streaming video, you may be able to see it on the local Wi-Fi network. Software, like Nmap for computers, or apps like Fing for iOS and Android devices will scan whatever Wi-Fi network your computer, smartphone or tablet is connect to and list the devices.

Unfortunately, the above methods aren’t foolproof — but don’t give up just yet. While not all hidden cameras produce obvious visible (or audible) signs of their presence, every camera has a lens that reflects light whether it's on or off. You should be able to spot a camera by doing a thorough scan of the room with a light source, looking for a glint of light as it reflects off the camera sensor. This method still isn't perfect, as you'll need to shine the light from the right angle and, with some devices, be fairly close to the camera to spot it.

The most straightforward way to find a hidden lens using a light source is to turn off the lights and pan a flashlight around the room. Go slowly, and examine suspicious places from multiple angles. If you see glints of light where there shouldn't be — areas where there are no mirrors, glass or other reflective surfaces — you may have found a camera. Mirrors can be suspicious, too, because you won't be able to see a camera hidden behind them.

Make your search easier by using a camera-detecting app on your smartphone. These apps use your smartphone's flash to light up camera lenses and help you detect them, though many have received negative reviews, which speaks to how tough it can be to spot a hidden camera. For iPhone, there's Hidden Camera Detector ($4.99); for Android, try Glint Finder (free, with advertisements). Hidden Camera Detector is a bit more helpful, as it automatically pinpoints suspected cameras on your phone's screen. Glint Finder, on the other hand, flashes your smartphone's light rapidly to make it easier to pick up a reflection, but it's on you to find the source. With either app, you'll need to be within a few feet of a camera to spot it.

The advantage of these apps is cost and accessibility. While you can purchase professional-grade camera detectors (more on those in a minute), they come with a notable price tag, while these apps are very affordable. And if you need to hunt for a camera unexpectedly, you're likely to already have your smartphone with you. If nothing else, these apps make a good stop-gap method for finding hidden cameras until you get a better solution.
 

Wired and Wireless Camera Detector

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. Professional detectors offer two methods of finding a camera: either they look for that glint from the lens (much like using a flashlight or smartphone), or they detect RF broadcasts from a wireless camera. Some detectors rely on one technology or the other (the cheapest detectors pick up RF), while pricier models include both, a combination of features that are effective at finding different kinds of cameras.

To make visually finding a hidden camera easier, detectors use multiple flashing LED lights — or in more expensive models, lasers — to help light up camera lenses. They're as simple to use as a flashlight. Simply hold them up to your eye (make sure the lights are facing away from your eye) and activate them while looking around the room. Just like a flashlight or smartphone, you'll have to hit the camera from the right angle to tell it's there, so you'll want to take a slow, careful look around the room, focusing on specific areas where a camera might be hidden. A camera lens should light up in the detector's viewfinder, making it easy to spot.

Detecting cameras via RF can be even easier. Most detectors will beep when they find a signal, giving an audible indication when you get near a potential camera. The snag with RF detectors is that there are lots of gadgets that can transmit RF, which means these detectors will either send you straight to a camera or on a wild goose chase for a lot of things that aren't cameras. On top of that, if the camera is turned off or simply not transmitting, there won't be anything for the RF detector to pick up. In the end, even though it takes more time, using a detector that looks for camera lenses can be more effective.

If you're looking to upgrade from an app to a stand-alone detector, try the Wired & Wireless Camera Detector ($59). When turned on, the detector can be set up to vibrate or beep to tell you you're near something that's transmitting, letting you know you could be near a hidden camera even when it's tucked in your pocket. For finding the hidden camera, hold the viewfinder to your eye and look around the room until it spots something. 

If you're looking for professional grade equipment, try the Stealth Camera Lens Finder ($445). At just over four inches long, it's small enough to easily fit into a purse, and it uses simple, one-button activation. It doesn't detect RF, but that helps keep it simple to use. It can uncover hidden cameras even if they're turned off.

What Should I Do if I Find a Hidden Camera?

Even though you can find cameras on your own with a detector, it's best to contact the authorities if you do find one. Your local police will not only be able to remove the camera but also find whoever put it there — and keep them from spying on you or anyone else.

[Images: hidden camera concept via Shutterstock, Brickhouse Security]

The article was originally published  in 9/2011, and last updated on 4/10/2019


Topics

Health and Home, Cameras and Photography, Home Safety & Security, Tips & How-Tos


Discussion loading

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From Gabe on December 30, 2020 :: 11:52 am


People stall me on the street , at home, in stores..my family and my wife’s family say I take everything for granted..I worked in aerospace..had a little drug issue..Im also a graffiti artist which they all hate including my friends..but it’s my therapy along with surfing..so I would paint at night , shoot heroin in the bathroom at work and then speak to govt officials about how our programs are running along with our new satellites ..this job will remain nameless but then I went to space x and things got really weird..I didn’t mind shooting dope in their bathrooms..hey elon I’ll do it again if I could after the shit you put me through..I should have caught the first tag in space when I worked on the dragon 5 capsule..anyway I became an asshole so maybe I deserved some of this..but I swear people would harass me on the street, stores, while driving, spit in front of me, do disrespectful things, cut me off, shine bright lights and hazards..they would honk or drive fast when I was about to do drugs or take a leave..they even knew when I was jerking off this was unreal it drove me nuts for 7 years..still is..I realized I might have cyber sickness..too many electronics in the house..I even got to the point where I removed my crown in my mouth cause I thought there was a mind reader in there cause I swear everyone knows what I’m thinking or where I’m going..I even got this treatment in other countries..I’m still here and I’ll never give up…I will help those who are facing this kind of treatment that to me is like living in the third reich..I will be successfully and remember those who disrespected me..I needed a lesson but not like this ..where you think of turning suicidal..that’s too far I hit rock bottom..

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From Liz Collingwood on April 22, 2021 :: 6:44 am


I have looked high ay low ,and I can’t find it! I did find an extra wifi network, and could not access it.I have found one before, outside my landlord s room,using my phone,I checked outside of the window.And I definitely made sure it was NOTa streetlight! As I aimed my phone outside the window,and suddenly saw it blink out! I collect disability money from the government.I believe that because I had a male landlord,,that gov was investigating.It does happen.Now, I definitely hear electronic whirring noise,Very very creepy!! It does happen,so before people judge,they shouldn’t! Sanely yours,Liz

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From Jerin on April 30, 2021 :: 6:08 am


Nice article, Hidden camera is very important so you can purchase this Camera. you can visit this site.

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From Evin Chafin on July 21, 2021 :: 3:57 pm


Thank you for sharing.

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From Cinda R Landes on November 21, 2021 :: 8:26 am


So now that I have found out that I am being spied on through the walls and ceilings, what do I say to the police that they will even believe me? Will they follow up and investigate it with the proper equipment to verify it? Or will they investigate me and think that I am crazy?

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From Shyn on November 27, 2021 :: 7:35 am


What happen if they turn the wifi of the Spy camera ? Can I still detect the RF Signal ?

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From Josh Kirschner on December 01, 2021 :: 11:54 am


If a camera is not transmitting via WiFi because it has been turned off, you would not be able to detect it.

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From RM on December 01, 2021 :: 3:34 pm


Josh, the russian mafia can detect and clean the signals even when WiFi off. No problem.

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From cinda on May 15, 2022 :: 6:22 am


If you don’t turn him in you will be an accessory.. and think about how you would feel if someone was violating your privacy.

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From Yvette S on January 31, 2022 :: 4:57 am


Hello my husband has installed hidden cameras in his coworkers home. I feel extremely guilty knowing that he has done this to his coworker and wife. We have 3 kids together and I don’t want to jeopardize them not having their father around but yet I want to tell. A couple of years ago he installed hidden cameras in our home and hired a bug specialist to do a sweep. The bug specialist came with a bunch of equipment but my husband wired it so it wouldn’t be detected. He did it purposely to see if he can get away with it if his coworker ever hired a bug specialist. I feel awful on what’s being done but yet I don’t want to lose my husband can anybody suggest on what I should do.
Yvette S

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From Ilene on February 06, 2022 :: 10:16 pm


Hello, I saw people asking questions - thought maybe you might be able to help me - I tried to help a friend who turned to alcohol - this person thought he was going to help himself to my home - a house. It seems with his inheritance he thought he coulg gain access while I left the house. There is something in this house that allows him the advantage of listening. My old tape recorder and old video camera pick up really creepy sounds - it’s his voice - also my cameras pick up orbs - from video to field cameras - day and night.  I have a little clip of this person inserting something under the front door - he made holes under the door to fit the wire - like a sewer camera - this has picked up the orb affect - not sure if there is something in my home that can do the same thing to allow him to watch anytime - Do you have any idea what this listening device is - he really thought he would take this house away from me - I have videos and so many tape recordings of him in my home with other people - him being an old man the others where young people - the police did not believe me even seeing a 1/2 naked man urinating in my dresser drawer - the officer said he could not line up men in this position - I don’t believe he is around the house or living under my home for the constant orbs day and night - can you tell me what this is. Please email me - I have been told by people don’t hang up and don’t call again - while my birds were killed and my cats kicked to death - it is on a disk from a recorder and the police still did nothing.

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From lonnie endofhorn on May 14, 2022 :: 11:50 pm


can anyone point me the direction on detecting spy audio devices???

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From James Lott on July 11, 2022 :: 11:51 pm


Am i being investigated

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From Mike on July 14, 2022 :: 12:51 am


Jesus!A question is asked and then verbal attacks? IMO if interested in serious, abuse-free discussion perhaps going to another site will be more helpful. Always be kind.

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From Deb on February 02, 2023 :: 2:41 am


Can someone from the outside take a picture of a defender camera on the inside of a house? I caught a flash on the SD card. And the popping sound so it wasn’t like the reflection from a car- I’ve seen many of those. This was different.

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From Josh Kirschner on February 02, 2023 :: 10:12 am


While it’s certainly possible for security cameras to be hacked, that still generally involves someone bypassing the password security to access it remotely in the same way you would. It wouldn’t result in any flashing or popping in the image. Sounds more like it caught an actual flash and pop (lightning?) or there was a power surge or something else that caused a glitch with the camera.

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From Security Patrol Melbourne on February 08, 2023 :: 5:40 am


It’s quite difficult for me to get this type of information the majority of the time, so I appreciate you sharing some advice on picking the best Hidden Cameras for your home. I’m glad I found your article and I really hope I can put your advice to use and that it will be successful for me as well.

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From listening devices australia on February 08, 2023 :: 7:04 am


You will learn more about the video doorbell on this subject. I’m grateful. SpyPro Security Solutions have been searching for this information, what a lovely and excellent article. You did write it clearly enough for a layperson to grasp it and act accordingly. You did a fantastic job. Superb post!

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