How to Detect Hidden Camera With Mobile Phone

In most parts of the world, it is illegal to hide a camera and record someone without their consent when they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Doing so is a serious offense that carries significant legal consequences. Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant about the presence of hidden cameras, especially in hotels, changing rooms, and other private spaces.

Surprisingly, you can use your smartphone to locate and identify hidden cameras and listening devices, making it unnecessary to purchase specialized equipment. The methods described below are reliable and have been tested in real scenarios. However, due to advancements in technology, hidden cameras are becoming increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect, so some methods may not work in every situation.

What does a Hidden Camera Look Like?

Hidden cameras differ significantly from standard surveillance cameras, as they are much smaller and easier to conceal. Typically, they are designed to fit in an area about the size of the space between your thumb and forefinger, with a diameter of only one to two inches.

Rather than being store-bought, most hidden cameras are custom-built to fit discreetly into specific locations. If the camera is not wireless, you may notice exposed wires, a circuit board, or other electronic components, which can help reveal its location.

Since hidden cameras usually require continuous power, they are often installed within existing electrical devices such as wall outlets, smoke detectors, or clocks. Detecting a wireless hidden camera is particularly challenging, as there are no easily visible components to trace. This is where your smartphone can become a valuable tool.

Using a Phone Camera to Detect Light

Smartphone cameras are capable of detecting infrared (IR) light, which is invisible to the human eye. If you suspect the presence of hidden cameras, you can use your phone’s camera to scan the area for IR signals.

Many hidden cameras, like common remote controls, emit infrared light, which can be picked up by most smartphone cameras. When scanning a room with your phone’s front or rear camera, any IR signals will appear as a small blinking or steady red light. To use this method effectively, follow these steps:

1. Open the camera app on your smartphone.
2. Turn off all lights in the room to ensure complete darkness. This helps your camera detect even faint IR lights.
3. Slowly scan the suspected areas with your camera. For demonstration, you can use a second phone, which often has a visible blinking red light from its call sensor or proximity sensor—these sensors also emit infrared. If you notice a similar light in objects where you weren’t expecting it, it may indicate a hidden camera.

In complete darkness, a hidden camera may reveal itself as a small blue or red light captured by your phone. Focus closely on any blinking or unusually placed lights. This method is effective if the camera has an IR sensor. However, if the camera does not use infrared, you may need to try additional methods.

Use your Phone’s Flashlight

Cameras have lenses that naturally reflect light, providing another way to detect hidden devices. By using your smartphone’s flashlight, you can shine light around the room and look for reflective glimmers that could indicate the presence of a camera lens.

Because hidden camera lenses are very small, their reflected light will be tiny and may only be visible up close. For best results, use your flashlight and inspect common hiding spots such as smoke detectors, electrical outlets, power strips, wall decor, clocks, coat hooks, and other household objects.

Check your Network

If the infrared method does not detect anything but you still have concerns, you can search for suspicious devices connected to the local network. Start by using your phone’s built-in Wi-Fi scanner to identify nearby devices.

1. Open the Settings app and go to the Network & Internet section.
2. Select the Wi-Fi option.
3. Walk around the room while monitoring the available Wi-Fi networks detected by your phone.

If you notice any unusual Wi-Fi networks or connections with names that match camera brands, this may indicate the presence of a hidden camera in the vicinity.

Use a network analyzer app

Network analyzer apps can provide a more detailed overview of all devices connected to the same network as your phone. By using these apps, you can scan and identify connected gadgets, making it easier to spot unauthorized devices that could include hidden cameras. Here are some recommended Android apps for detecting hidden cameras.

• Hidden Camera Detector by FutureApps
• Detectify
• Hidden IR Camera Detector by 4 Tech Solutions
• Hidden Devices Detector

For iOS users, consider these reliable spy camera detector apps.

• Hidden Camera Finder
• Hidden Spy Camera Finder Pro
• Hidden Spy Camera Detector
• Electromagnetic Detector EMF

Use a phone call to detect interference

Sometimes, surveillance cameras emit radio frequencies that can interfere with phone calls, causing crackling, buzzing, or static noises when you move your phone close to such devices. You can use this interference to help locate active hidden cameras.

To try this method, call a friend and keep them on the line as you walk around the room. Put the call on speaker and slowly move your phone near suspicious objects. If you notice increased interference or abnormal sounds while approaching a certain area or device, that location may contain a covert camera.

Keep in mind, however, that not all hidden cameras produce radio waves, and your phone may not always pick up interference. This approach is helpful but may not always reveal a camera.

Use an app to detect magnetic fields

Your smartphone’s magnetometer—often used for compass apps—can detect magnetic fields and may help locate hidden electronic devices, including cameras. Magnetic sensors are sensitive to metal and electric circuits, so an increase can indicate a nearby device.

The Magnetometer app, available for free on the iPhone App Store, provides real-time readings of magnetic field strength. In electronics-free rooms, readings tend to be around 15–20 microteslas, but these numbers often spike when the phone is near a camera or other electronic device.

Android users can download Detectify from Google Play. Move your phone close to metallic or electronic objects; a sudden rise in the magnetic field reading could indicate hidden devices.

The magnetic field strength will vary between phones. Instead of focusing on a specific value, watch for noticeable increases as you move your phone around. This can help you pinpoint the location of hidden electronics.

While technology can greatly assist with locating hidden cameras, always combine these methods with a careful visual inspection. Sometimes, physical examination by hand is necessary to confirm if an item contains a hidden device.

What to do if you Detect a Hidden Camera?

If you find a hidden camera, take the following actions immediately to protect your privacy and ensure proper reporting.

• Take clear photographs of the camera, its location, and any visible wiring or relevant details. Avoid moving or tampering with the device to preserve evidence.
• Contact local law enforcement or the appropriate authorities and report your discovery as soon as possible.
• If you are staying in a hotel or rental, inform the front desk or management staff right away. Request their immediate assistance and follow the hotel’s reporting protocols.