This article will teach you how to find hidden cameras in your home or work. As easy as it is to hide small devices, there are some useful techniques for finding them. Do you believe you are being spied on? Follow the tips below and take the test!
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using Basic Techniques
Step 1. Know where to look
Hidden cameras can be tiny, which makes them quite easy to hide. When searching an environment, look in the following places:
- Smoke detectors.
- Sockets.
- Line filters.
- Night and emergency lights.
- Books and DVD covers.
- Shelves.
- Holes in the wall.
- Fours, picture frames and other decorations.
- Stuffed animals.
- Lamps.
Step 2. Know which part of the camera to look for
The device is likely to be well out of sight, but the lens must be visible for the camera to work. That is, always look for the lens.
If the installation is professional, the body and wiring will be well hidden
Step 3. Think about the best angle for shooting
Try to get into the perspective of whoever installed the camera and consider what would be the best position for it. For example, if you fear someone is filming your kitchen, it doesn't make sense to look for the camera at the bottom, right?
Corners usually provide the best image in the room, but it's harder to hide a camera in them
Step 4. Look for mirrors and decorative items in strange places
As much as stuffed animals and books can be placed anywhere, mirrors, pictures and picture frames usually have well-defined spaces. If a decor is in an odd location, make sure there isn't a hidden camera.
See if the mirror is real or fake to find out if there is a camera hidden behind it. If a mirror is fake, there is reason to be suspicious
Step 5. Check out stuffed animals and watches
Animal eyes and clock screws are often used to hide a camera.
As these items are easily removable from the location, remove them from the room if you have any suspicions
Step 6. Turn off the lights and look for camera indicators
There is usually a red or green light that blinks continuously while the camera is working. If the installation is good, these lights will likely not be visible, however.
It is unlikely that the person who installed the camera was relaxed enough not to hide the lights, however
Step 7. Create a camera detector.
Professional detectors are quite expensive, but you can create your own with some items you already have at home:
- Turn off lights and close windows. If you prefer, wait for nightfall.
- Hold the paper towel roll against one eye. Close the other eye.
- Place a flashlight over your closed eye and turn it on.
- Search the room and keep an eye out for reflections.
Step 8. Use your cell phone to search for interference
This technique is not perfect, but it works for some types of cameras.
- Make a phone call and leave the phone on.
- Walk around the room with the phone.
- See if there is any noise in the call.
Step 9. Use an RF signal detector
This device allows a physical scan for hidden cameras, just turn it on and walk around the room; if you encounter a whistle or interference, a sign that you are near a camera.
- Before using the detector, turn off items that transmit radio signals, such as household appliances, baby monitors, routers, video games, televisions, etc.
- Test several frequencies until you find the right one.
- Look for RF signal detectors on the internet, and be prepared to spend a considerable amount of money on a quality device.
Step 10. Look for public cameras
As much as they tend to be less scary and more noticeable than those installed in private environments, it's good to know where the "hidden" cameras are if you're trying to dispute a car accident or something. They usually stay in:
- ATMs.
- Store ceilings.
- Fake mirrors in high-end stores and shop windows.
- Gas station.
- Traffic lights and speed cameras.
Method 2 of 2: Using the phone's front camera
Step 1. Open the cell phone camera
On iPhone, the app icon is on the home screen; on Android, look for the app in the main menu.
Step 2. Access the front camera
If the app doesn't start showing your face, tap the rotate icon, identified by one or two circular arrows, to flip the camera.
This method does not work with the rear camera
Step 3. Check if your cell phone is able to identify infrared lights
To search for hidden cameras, you need a cell phone without an infrared filter. To find out, use a television remote control:
- Point the controller at the camera.
- Press any button on the controller.
- Look for a flashing light on the screen. If you find it, go to the next step.
Step 4. Turn off the spot lights
To scan for infrared light, it is important that the room is dark.
If there are any other light sources in the room, such as power strips or emergency lights, turn them off
Step 5. Use your cell phone camera to look for flashing lights
Search the room for lights with your cell phone camera. If you find something, maybe it's a hidden camera.
Tips
- Wireless cameras operate with a transmitter and are usually larger because of that. They normally run on batteries and transmit the recordings to a device relatively close, with a range of about 60 m. They are quite popular for spying on someone.
- Make discreet checks in hotels and work environments. Typically, fake cameras are installed to intimidate and promote good behavior.
- Wired cameras are typically used for crime prevention by being connected to recording devices or television monitors.
Notices
- There are several paid apps that claim to feel cameras. They usually don't work, so don't fall for this scam.
- If you find an illegally hidden camera in your home or work, contact the authorities.