Your Android phone can help you spot a hidden camera

How to Find Hidden Cams With Your Phone's Camera

Your Android phone can help you spot a hidden camera

Although not foolproof, it's possible to use your phone's camera to detect hidden cams and microphones or other listening devices. This works because some hidden cameras emit IR (infrared radiation) light, which isn't visible to the naked eye, but might be through your camera lens.

Here's how to do this:

Launch your phone's Camera app.

Go around the room and point your camera at areas you suspect spy equipment is hidden.

Expert Tip: Tip

Test it out on a TV remote first to confirm this will work. Point the remote at your camera and press some of its buttons. Try both the front-facing and the rear-facing camera.

If you spot any bright-whitish or purple light, set your phone down and investigate further. It may be a hidden camera.

How to Detect Hidden Cameras and Listening Devices by Scanning Wi-Fi

If you're not sure where to look for the hidden camera, your next best option is to check the Wi-Fi network. There are two methods: Use an app to scan the network you're connected to (the preferred method) or use your phone's Settings app to scan for nearby networks (less likely to work).

Use a Dedicated Wi-Fi Scanner App

There are lots of apps that can scan a Wi-Fi network, and they can find all kinds of things, including networked cameras and other devices, no matter where they're located.

You'll need to connect to the Wi-Fi network for this to work, but it's almost guaranteed to show specifics that you won't find with other methods.

Here's an example of theFing appfinding a hidden indoor camera and other devices:

Use Your Phone's Wi-Fi Scanner

Some lower-end spy cameras and listening devices might show up in your phone's list of Wi-Fi connections. Not all cameras are wireless, and not every wireless device shows up on this list, but it's worth a shot.

Expert Tip: Note

Your phone will most likely pick up several wireless devices and networks. Look for specific brand names, the word cam or camera, or something similar.

Open the Settings app and tap Network & internet, or Connections on some phones.

Tap Internet,Wi-Fi, or a similar term.

Walk around the building and watch the list of nearby Wi-Fi networks.

Frequently asked Questions

How can I detect a camera hidden in a mirror?

Check around the mirror for anything that looks out of place, like a wire or a tiny blinking light. Next, press a fingertip against the mirror and see if there's a gap between your finger and the reflective surface—if there's no gap, it might be a two-way mirror. Also, look very closely and slowly shine a flashlight against a mirror's surface to reveal the reflection of a camera lens.

How can I check for a hidden camera in a lightbulb?

First, turn off all the lights in the room. Carefully inspect the lightbulb for any faint interior glow. If you see light on the inside of the bulb, it might contain a camera.

How do I spot a hidden camera in a pair of glasses?

The first thing to look out for is a small circle of some kind along the front of the glasses. This could be a camera lens. Also, spy glasses are often made in darker colors, and usually feature wider than normal surfaces to better hide internal cameras. Most smart glasses have a built-in recording light that should light up when the camera is turned on.