Covert surveillance poses serious privacy and security challenges as technology advances and hidden cameras become increasingly common in rental properties and public spaces across Europe.
Understanding what discreet surveillance devices look like, how to find hidden cameras effectively, and what steps to take if you discover one—this blog covers it all.
What Do Hidden Cameras Look Like?
These days, hidden cameras blend in remarkably well—perhaps a little too well. They're compact, inexpensive, and frequently disguised as everyday household objects, ranging from a phone charger to a smoke alarm.
Common Disguises
Places where hidden cameras are most often concealed include:
- Digital alarm clocks or weather stations
- Smoke detectors, particularly those mounted on walls rather than ceilings
- USB wall chargers or power bricks
- Picture frames or wall décor
- Air purifiers, light bulbs, or even soft toys
Something that seems out of place deserves a second look—such as a charger plugged in with no cables attached, or a smoke detector angled oddly towards the bed.
How to Detect Hidden Cameras - 6 Methods
Six effective methods to find hidden cameras are listed below, whether you're a frequent traveller wanting to check for hidden cameras in holiday rentals or hotels, a concerned tenant, or simply someone protecting their personal space:
1. Physical Inspection
Scanning the room carefully is the simplest way to find hidden cameras. Think like someone trying to spy on others before doing an inch-by-inch inspection, and consider where cameras are typically concealed.
Common rooms and areas where spy cameras hide:
- Bedroom
- Bathroom
- Showering area
- Restroom
According to security consultants, living rooms and kitchens are less likely to contain hidden cameras, as perpetrators typically target private areas. That said, it's still important to check other rooms if you have concerns.
Electric devices should be your main focus since small hidden cameras rarely have long-lasting batteries and usually require a power source. Don't overlook wiring either.
Any items in private spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms warrant careful examination. A case from early 2026 saw a man in Germany charged with voyeurism after installing spy cameras in a rented property's bathroom.
Checking every hidden camera in a holiday rental or hotel room can be challenging for ordinary people. A simple tip: unplug suspicious devices and cover anything facing you directly with a towel.
2. Use a Flashlight
A practical approach to finding hidden cameras is using a flashlight. Spy camera lenses reflect light—even a tiny glimmer can be enough to catch if you're paying attention, though these cameras are so small they can be concealed inside an alarm clock or computer mouse hole, making them easy to miss during manual inspection.
Steps to check for hidden cameras using a flashlight:
- Close the curtains and switch off all the lights.
- Slowly sweep your flashlight across objects, shelves, vents, and suspicious corners.
- Watch for any glint or shine—a small flash of reflection could be a hidden lens.
- Keep an eye out for tiny red or green LEDs that some cameras leave on in the dark.
- Take your time and move at different angles. It's a low-tech method, but surprisingly effective.
3. Wi-Fi Network Scanning
Local networks are a good starting point for your search since many hidden cameras rely on Wi-Fi to stream footage. Log into your router's admin panel at home and scan for unfamiliar devices—especially those with odd names like "IP_CAM" or "ESP32."
Router access won't be available in hotels or holiday rentals, but a hidden camera app still works. Fing is one of the best hidden camera detector apps—it quickly lists all connected devices and reveals details such as MAC addresses and device types, although some features require a paid subscription.
A free alternative like Net Analyzer or WiFiman gives you a decent network snapshot without the cost, even if they're more basic. That's sometimes all you need.
This method isn't foolproof, however. Wi-Fi isn't required by all hidden cameras. Some spy cameras sold online come with SD cards and record locally instead of transmitting over the internet. Additionally, devices like printers may appear as unknown devices on your network.
4. Check with Your Mobile Phone
Your mobile phone can find hidden cameras in other ways besides running network scanning apps:
Signal Interference Test: Walk around the room while on a phone call. Interference in the call signal could indicate a hidden camera using wireless transmission.
Front Camera Inspection: In a dark room, use your smartphone's front camera to look for infrared lights often used in hidden cameras for night vision. Tiny, bright dots may appear on your camera screen from these IR lights.
5. Use a Radio Frequency Detector
An RF (radio frequency) detector is worth having if you want something more serious than just a phone and flashlight. These compact handheld devices pick up wireless signals that hidden cameras and other surveillance equipment frequently emit.
Steps to spot hidden cameras using an RF detector:
- Smoke detectors
- Wall clocks
- Power outlets
- Picture frames
- Air vents
Choose a Quality Detector: Pick an RF detector with adjustable sensitivity and a visual display. Dual detection modes (RF + magnetic field for wired cameras) make models more effective.
Power Down Unrelated Devices: Turn off Wi-Fi routers, smart speakers, TVs, and other wireless equipment in the room before scanning. False positives can occur when these create interference, causing the detector to light up unnecessarily.
Scan Slowly and Systematically: Hold the detector a few inches from the surface and sweep slowly across:
Where would you place a device to see the whole room? Think like a camera installer.
Watch (Or Listen) for Alerts: The detector will beep, vibrate, or light up (or all three) when it picks up a signal. Consistent alerts in one area—near a plug or inside a suspicious-looking alarm clock, for example—warrant closer inspection.
Use the Lens-Finder Mode (if available): A small red LED viewer comes with some detectors. Shine the built-in light towards suspicious objects while looking through it. A pinprick reflection from a hidden camera lens will bounce back at you.
6. Test for Two-Way Mirrors
Mirrors should reflect you—not spy on you. But in rare cases, particularly in dubious motels or questionable short-term rentals, people have rigged two-way mirrors to conceal tiny cameras. Unsettling, isn't it?
The trick for finding hidden cameras behind mirrors is old-school yet surprisingly effective.
Press your fingertip directly against the mirror's surface. A tiny gap between your finger and its reflection appears in a normal mirror—caused by the glass backing. That gap vanishes on a two-way mirror, and your fingertip looks like it's touching itself.
Does that automatically mean there's a camera behind it? Not necessarily. But if the mirror faces the bed or bathroom and seems out of place—mounted oddly low, or not matching the décor—a second look is worthwhile.
Another red flag: shine your phone flashlight against it. If it illuminates like a window rather than reflecting light back, that's suspicious.
This isn't about being paranoid—it's about noticing details most people miss. When someone bothers to hide a lens behind glass, they're relying on you not checking.
What to Do Next When You Find Hidden Cameras
Handling the situation carefully and legally is essential if you discover a hidden camera in your home, holiday rental, or any accommodation. Follow this structured approach:
Do Not Move Anything: Avoid touching or relocating the hidden camera. This is critical—law enforcement may need fingerprints or other forensic evidence to identify the perpetrator.
Document the Scene: Photograph or video the camera clearly, along with its location and surrounding area. Note details about the camera's placement and type.
Notify Authorities: Report the discovery to local law enforcement immediately. They'll guide you through the legal process and investigate the matter.
Inform the Accommodation Provider: Notify both the host and the platform promptly if you're in a holiday rental. Such privacy violations are their responsibility to address.
Protect Your Privacy: Review and strengthen your personal security measures. This might involve upgrading home security systems—installing security cameras and smart locks, for example—and being more vigilant about privacy in various settings. The eufy PoE Bullet-PTZ Cam S4 is one option for enhancing your home security.
Conclusion
The notion that someone might be watching you secretly is unsettling—but unfortunately, it's not unrealistic. Taking a few minutes to find hidden cameras is simply smart, whether you're staying at a holiday rental or moving into a new flat.
The good news? You don't need to be a specialist or invest in expensive equipment. A phone, a flashlight, and some patience are all most people need. Affordable RF detectors or scanner apps can provide extra peace of mind for those who want more security.
Hidden cameras are designed to be subtle but are rarely invisible. Vigilance goes a long way. Learn what to look for, trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to speak up if something feels wrong. Your privacy deserves protection—everywhere, every time.
FAQs
Can a cell phone detect a hidden camera?
Yes—smartphones can detect infrared light, which hidden cameras commonly use. Simply open your front-facing camera, switch off the lights, and scan the room. An active IR emitter from a hidden camera lens could appear as a glowing purple or white light on-screen.
How do you detect if there is a hidden camera?
A hidden camera can be detected using a flashlight, smartphone camera, RF detector, or Wi-Fi scanner app. Unknown devices on local networks, suspicious objects facing private areas, or reflections from lenses are all things to look for. Each method provides a different detection layer.
Where are hidden cameras commonly found?
Common hiding spots include smoke detectors, alarm clocks, picture frames, USB chargers, mirrors, and air vents. Beds, showers, or seating areas are usually where they're aimed. Hidden cameras tend to be placed where people expect the least privacy invasion.
Can a cell phone detect a trail camera?
Sometimes a cell phone can help detect a trail camera, but it's not guaranteed. Unknown devices on nearby Wi-Fi or Bluetooth networks can be scanned, or your phone's camera can spot infrared light from night-vision models. However, many trail cameras don't broadcast signals, making a dedicated RF detector more reliable.