Airbnb just took a hard stand against indoor security cameras, banning them outright in listings worldwide. But even with this bold move, can you ever be truly sure your privacy is intact during your stay?
As hidden cameras become increasingly sophisticated, spotting them takes more than a quick glance around the room. These 12 strategies will help you uncover what could be lurking where you least expect it.
1. Check for Unusual Devices or Objects
Hidden cameras are often disguised as clocks, smoke detectors, or picture frames. These items might look ordinary but could be hiding lenses or recording equipment.
Start by scanning the room for anything that seems out of place or oddly positioned, especially in private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms.
Don’t just stop at what’s visible—take a closer look at any odd gadgets or electronics that seem unnecessarily complex for their function. If you find something that doesn’t belong or looks suspicious, it might be worth investigating further.
2. Turn Off the Lights & Use a Flashlight
Cameras need lenses to capture images, and these lenses can reflect light. One of the simplest ways to detect them is by turning off the lights in your Airbnb and using a flashlight to scan the room.
Slowly move the light across different surfaces and pay attention to any reflections that bounce back at you. Even small camera lenses will reflect light, so if you see a tiny glimmer where there shouldn’t be one, it could be a hidden camera.
This method is particularly effective for finding cameras hidden in dark corners or behind objects.
3. Use Your Smartphone’s Camera
Your smartphone can be a powerful tool for detecting infrared cameras. Many hidden cameras use infrared (IR) light to record in low-light conditions, which is invisible to the naked eye but can be picked up by your phone’s camera.
Open your camera app and scan the room, especially near electronics or suspicious objects. If you spot a bright white or purple light through your phone’s screen that isn’t visible otherwise, it could indicate an infrared camera.
This trick works best in darker rooms where IR lights are more noticeable.
4. Look for Wires That Don’t Seem Right
While many modern hidden cameras are wireless, some still rely on power sources or data cables. Check behind furniture, under tables, and around outlets for wires that seem out of place or don’t connect to anything obvious.
Pay close attention to areas where wires might be tucked away but still visible upon closer inspection. If you find a wire leading to an unknown device or one that doesn’t seem necessary for the room’s setup, it could power a hidden camera.
Don’t hesitate to unplug suspicious devices if they make you uncomfortable.
5. Scan for Wi-Fi Networks
Many hidden cameras operate via Wi-Fi, allowing someone to access footage remotely. By scanning for nearby Wi-Fi networks with your phone or laptop, you might spot unfamiliar devices connected to the network.
Look for network names that include “camera,” “CCTV,” or anything unusual that doesn’t match Airbnb’s provided network. If you notice multiple networks that don’t belong to you or seem out of place, it could indicate a hidden surveillance system operating in the area.
In this case, it’s best to notify Airbnb support immediately and consider leaving the property if necessary.
6. Use a Hidden Camera Detector
Investing in a hidden camera detector can be worthwhile for those who want extra assurance. These devices are designed to pick up on radio frequencies (RF) emitted by wireless cameras and other recording devices.
Sweep the detector around the room and listen for any alerts indicating nearby signals.
While not foolproof, these detectors can provide additional security when staying in unfamiliar places like Airbnb. They’re portable and easy to use, making them a great travel companion if privacy concerns them.
7. Inspect Mirrors Carefully
Two-way mirrors are another way hidden cameras may be concealed in rental properties. To test if a mirror is two-way, press your finger against its surface—if there’s no gap between your finger and its reflection, it may be a two-way mirror hiding something behind it.
Another method is shining a flashlight directly at the mirror; if there’s something behind it (like a camera), you might notice an unusual reflection or see through the glass slightly.
8. Listen for Unusual Sounds
Some hidden cameras emit faint sounds when operating—whether it’s a slight buzzing from motors moving lenses or clicks from recording mechanisms turning on and off.
In quiet moments during your stay, listen carefully to suspicious areas like air vents or smoke detectors where these devices might be concealed.
If something sounds off—literally—it’s worth investigating further by checking those areas more closely with some of the other techniques mentioned here.
9. Cover Suspicious Devices
If all else fails and you still feel uneasy about certain objects in your Airbnb, simply cover them up! Use towels or clothing to block potential camera views from suspicious items like clocks, smoke detectors, or even vents where cameras could be hidden.
While this won’t permanently solve the problem, it can give you peace of mind during your stay until you can report your concerns to Airbnb support.
10. Examine Vents & Air Purifiers
Air vents and purifiers are often overlooked but can be prime camera hiding spots. These devices, such as facing beds or living areas, are usually positioned strategically, making them ideal for covert surveillance.
Take a closer look at the vents and cleaners in your Airbnb, especially if they seem unusually large or have small holes that could conceal a lens. It could be worth further investigating if you notice anything strange, such as wires or a reflective surface.
You can also use a flashlight to peer into these areas and see if hidden lenses catch the light.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.