How to detect hidden camera?

In many places hidden cameras are installed by premises owner in such a way that it is invisible to the victim. These cameras send image/ video data (could also be a live stream) through a wired network. These cameras could be connected to a display or memory units like hard disc/ memory card etc.

It is very difficult to detect hidden wired cameras, but thanks to “magnetic sensor” in all modern android and ios devices.

1.  Download hidden camera detector app on android and ios device. Select “detect wired camera” or “magnetometer scanning” option.  If you see a message on your android device that “No magnetic sensor”, use different android device that has magnetic sensor. For ios, iphones and ipads have magnetic sensor for all of its versions.
2.  Once you start to see numbers on the screen, app should say “No camera nearby” or “No camera detected”.
3.  If app starts beeping with potential camera detected message without having any camera nearby, reset your magnetic sensor. Also check if there is any electronic device nearby like microwave oven or refrigerator.  Try to avoid electric influence as much as possible. App might give you false signal if it is influenced by electronic device other than camera.
4.  Now once readings are stabilized and app is not beeping, find objects that you have suspect on like flower pot, bathroom mirror. etc (look for most Common Places for hidden Cameras section below) and move app closer to it, (around few cm’s or inches) and check if it is causes any spike in magnetic readings or if app started beeping.
5.  If app is beeping then check for lens over that object. If suspect itself is electronic device like television, it could be a false signal. Sometimes electronic influence from electric wiring inside walls can interfere with the app providing false signal so always be thoughtful before making any decision. The best way is to check for lens around those suspects.
6.  The other way to detect wired camera is to only detect lens. For that, turn off all lights, open torch and turn on camera of your phone. if you observe any reflection or glint, check for camera lens.
7.  The last way is to turn off all the lights, if you see any red or white light blinking on any device, inspect more for that device. Sometimes camera comes with LED light indicator which you can easily detect with this technique.

Most Common Places for hidden Cameras 

• Smoke detectors
• Air filter equipment
• Wall decorations
• Electrical outlets
• Screws
• Fitness trackers
• Wall clocks
• Car keys
• Clothes hooks
• Alarm clocks
• Pens
• USB drives
• Charging plugs
• Power banks
• DVD cases
• Lava lamps
• Wall sockets
• Hairdryer holders

Wireless cameras are easy to detect as compared to wired cameras. These cameras use WiFi , Bluetooth of the premises or sometimes create own hotspot / WiFi Direct to send video /image data or live recordings. They are easy to install. With the little awareness, you can detect wireless cameras.

1. 1. Open hidden camera detector app or just open settings from your phone.
   2. Turn on WiFi and scan for near by devices.
   3. If you see any device name having same as below, be cautious and ask more information to the premises owner. ( 1080p, 720p, IP Cam, Cam, HD, Any name that has multiple “-“, Device name that seems to be a model number of device)
   4. Turn on Bluetooth and scan for nearby devices.
   5. If you see any suspicious Bluetooth devices like above, ask more information to the premises owner.

Note:  Initiate respectful and kind conversation with premises owner if you find any suspicious device. If you do not receive any helpful response then you can call authority.

Infrared cameras are also easy to detect. Mostly infrared cameras are used to record during night and low light environment. Also infrared are invisible to human eye.

There is a brilliant trick to detect infrared camera. You can use digital camera, your mobile phone’s camera to detect infrared lights. Even though infrared lights are invisible to human eye, those are captured by your phone camera and shown as visible white or blue light spot in the camera preview.

1. 1. Open hidden camera detector app and open detect infrared camera option, or just open camera of your phone,
   2. Scan 360° to check visible white/blue light which is visible in camera preview but invisible to naked eye.
   3. If you find any such light, check the source, it can be infrared camera.

Note: There could be many devices that may have infrared light, not necessarily a camera like reflection of phone’s own IR lights in the mirror or TV remote control.  So always check which device is emitting IR lights. If you see lens on device emitting IR lights, ask more information to premises owner.