How to detect wired camera?
[ Step by Step guide ]
Hello everyone.
Let’s talk about how to detect wired cameras using your android and iPhone devices.
In many places, a hidden camera is installed by the premise owner in such a way that it is invisible to the victim. These cameras can send image/ video data (which could also be a live stream) through a wired network. These cameras could also 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 sensors” in all modern Android and iOS devices.
Let’s see step by step guide to detect wired camera –
Step 1: Download the hidden camera detector app on your android (Click here to download) or iPhone (Click here to download)
Step 2: Select the “Detect Wired camera” option. If you see a message “No magnetic sensor” on your android device, then use a different android device that has a magnetic sensor. iPhones and iPads already have magnetic sensor for all of their variants.
Step 3: Once you started to see numbers on the screen, the app should show “No camera detected”.
Step 4: If the app starts beeping immediately after you open the app or without having any camera nearby, then wait for a moment and let readings stabilize. If it continues to beep then the magnetic sensor in your device needs recalibration.
To recalibrate, just rotate your phone in horizontal 8 direction. Watch this 9-second video on how to do that.
Also, check if there is an electronic device nearby like a microwave oven or refrigerator. Try to avoid electronic influence as much as possible. The app may give you a false signal if it is influenced by an electronic device other than the camera.
Step 5: Now once the readings are stabilized and the app is not beeping, find objects that you have suspect on like flower pots, pens, screws, lamps, hairdryers, clocks, wall decorations, bathroom mirrors. etc.
Step 6: Identify magnetic sensor position in your phone: For iPhones, the magnetic sensor should be at the top left corner of your iPhone. For android, it can either be on the top left corner or at the top right corner depending on the manufacturer of your device.
The best way to identify magnetic sensor position is to have other mobile cameras and move around the app. When you see spikes in numbers or the app starts beeping then that would be the sensor position for your android device.
You should perform step no 6 in advance before you actually start using the app and it is one time activity.
Step 7: Now whenever you visit an unknown place, move the app closer to your suspect (around a few cm or inches) and check if it causes any spike in magnetic readings (or if the app starts beeping).
See the below image to identify the suspect in any commonplace
Step 8: If the app is beeping then check for the lens over that object. If the object itself is an 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 to confirm is to check for the lens over those suspects.
FAQ
How this app works?
App receives data from the magnetic sensor of your phone in raw format. This data is a magnetic signal from nearby objects. This is the same sensor that is used by the compass app to find the north direction based on the earth’s magnetism. After getting data from the magnetic sensor, the app removes unnecessary noise and earth’s magnetic noise and convert the magnetic signal into meaningful number. Then app analyzes the magnetic activity and tries to decide if that matches with magnetic activity from typical camera units. If it does, the app will beep with the respective message on the screen.
App is beeping near XYZ, is it a camera or is it a false signal?
The app will only beep if magnetic activity matches with the magnetic activity from typical camera units. Sometimes it can also be a false signal depending on magnetic influence caused by other electronic devices or even electric wiring inside walls. In that case, we recommend users inspect the lens over that object. If you are unable to find the lens over the suspect or object itself is an electronic device then you can ignore this message considering it as a false signal.
Will app tell me if room has hidden camera just by opening the app?
No. App can only sense magnetic activity from objects nearby 1-2 inches. You need to first identify potential objects and then scan those objects using the app.
App show a message “No magnetic sensor”, what should I do?
Unfortunately, the app needs a magnetic sensor to work. You need to try the app on a different device that has a magnetic sensor. Almost all recent devices have magnetic sensors but that totally depends on the manufacturer of your device. Like Uber app needs GPS on your device to work, this app needs a magnetic sensor on your device.
How can i use this app if I need to scan smoke detector, it is on roof?
If you need to scan objects which are installed on the roof, It is difficult but there are few ways like you can use a selfie stick and use a ladder.
Why app can not detect from longer distance?
Technically this is not possible yet because magnetic sensors on mobile devices are not highly sensitive or designed for this purpose. More the distance, the magnetic activity gets reduced to zero and almost impossible to detect.
App is not detecting laptop camera or XYZ camera
It all depends on the type of camera, circuit boards, and power supply units used for the camera. The app does not detect the lens but the electronic hardware of that camera. For laptop cameras, the only lens is at the top center but all camera units are embedded in the motherboard. hence it is difficult to detect such cameras.
How much is the accuracy of this app?
Since there are a lot of factors influencing the performance of the app, it is difficult to measure the accuracy of the app. User intervention and common sense are required and the user is expected to use this tool to support your decision and not to make a decision.
How to reset magnetic sensor?
Open the app, select the “Detect Wired Camera” option and rotate your phone in a horizontal 8 direction. That should reset and stabilize the numbers. To confirm, open the compass app and make sure the compass app is pointing to the correct north. Watch this 9-second video on how to do that.
You know about your privacy now. But now a days physical security is utmost important. Spending some money on security gadgets is always good investment especially for ladies and kids.
Below are 3 important gadgets that you must buy today to ensure physical safety for you and your kid.
Links if images are not loaded up.
Write down your comments below if you more questions.
Hidden Camera Detector app developer and blogger. We are in a process to build something useful and also provide tech information to the readers.