Detect Hidden Cameras – A Guide to Protecting Your Privacy
Being in the security tech industry can often raise people’s eyebrows when it comes to ethical questions. Is surveillance legal? Where is it okay to record people? Are hidden cameras legal?
At LaView, we are all about visual security that brings you peace of mind. We want to do away with any stigmas that come along with security cameras. We want to provide people with easy, accessible DIY security solutions. As a result, we are not a provider of hidden cameras. Until we feel there is an ethically responsible way to provide you with a hidden security camera option, we will stick to our IP security systems as well as our standalone smart home-friendly cameras.
Below is a guide to the top 6 ways to find hidden cameras as well as audio recording devices that could be placed in hotel rooms, in your home, the restroom (everyone’s nightmare) and more.
In this article:
Section 1: Best 6 Methods to Detect Hidden Cameras
- Step-by-step detection guide.
Section 2: Great Alternatives for Hidden Cameras
- Try Some of our Top Rated Nanny Cams.
Section 3: Hidden Surveillance Camera FAQ’s
- We go through the top questions related to hidden cameras.
Section 1: Best 6 Methods to Detect Hidden Cameras
We’re arming you with the best step-by-step guide for increasing your peace of mind by finding and eliminating hidden cameras both public and private areas. Check out our guide on FREE and easy tips to getting rid of hidden security cameras.
The Steps:
1. Scour the Area Closely and Carefully
2. Shut off the Lights and Observe
3. Detecting With Your Smartphone
4. Use a Specialized Detector or Sensor
5. Examine the Mirrors In Your Surroundings
6. Using a Flashlight to Discover Hidden Cameras
1. Scour the Area Closely and Carefully for Hidden Cameras
Okay, we’ll level with you. “Look really closely” probably seems like too obvious. On the other hand, it is too important for us not to mention when trying to find hidden cameras. Along with that, we can give you the shortlist of top locations one might find a hidden surveillance camera. As a result, this will speed up the process significantly.
Top Common Areas to Find Indoor Hidden Cameras
- Air Vents
- Bookshelves/Books
- Smoke Detecting Devices
- Painting Frames
- Potted Plants
- Stuffed Animals
- Furniture Seams
- Shelves/DVD Racks
- Lamps
- Electrical Outlets
Where You Might Find Outdoor Hidden Cameras or Recording Equipment
- Potted Plants
- Bushes
- Trees
- Roof Shingles
- Eaves
- Doorbell
A lot of times, a telltale signs of hidden cameras are out-of-place wires, small lights or miniature lenses. If you find unidentified plugs in your outlets, unplug them as well as find where they run to.
2. Shut off the Lights and Observe the Area for Hidden IR Cameras
If there is a night vision hidden camera in your vicinity, you can easily find out. Most IR cameras have red or green IR LED lights that stand out in the dark. They will stand out in the dark and even sometimes blink.
When you shut off the lights, most IR night vision cameras will automatically start functioning in night vision mode.
Take the simple steps below to detect hidden IR cameras.
Step 1: Close all doors and make sure all windows are covered by blinds or curtains, then turn off the lights.
Step 2: Survey the area for any unusual shining or blinking lights. These will be IR LEDs if you find them.
Generally, this is an effective means of finding hidden cameras as they almost always have IR night vision capabilities.
Gain more clarity on IR night vision cameras by clicking below:
3. Detecting With Your Smartphone
If you have an android or iphone, you can actually use your mobile device to find hidden cameras in many cases.
Method 1. Making a phone call to detect signal interference.
Step 1: Make a phone call to another person.
Step 2: Move around the space you want to check. Many times, you will notice a distinct disturbance in the radio frequency that will be picked up in your call.
Method 2. Download a Hidden Camera Detection App.
There are several apps you can purchase that are designed to help you detect hidden cameras. Simply download the given app and it should walk you through what to do.
Once you find the hidden surveillance cameras make sure to remove them as well as dispose of them!
4. Use a Specialized Detector or Sensor
Specialized detectors are great at picking up frequency disturbances. This is an upgraded version of the above steps. If your mobile phone isn’t cutting it to find hidden surveillance cameras, then you should explore this option.
Grabbing one of these detectors to take on-the-go when you are staying in hotels or Airbnb residences is a great idea. Many recent reports suggest that you never know who is watching through a hidden viewing device.
This process is as simple as purchasing a good quality detector from Amazon and switching it on in the space you want to check.
There are certain types of sophisticated hidden surveillance cameras and recording devices that have more complex frequencies. These may not be picked up by certain detectors. In a general sense though, these kinds of detectors help you find as well as eliminate the threat of hidden recording devices.
The upside here is that most people with malicious intent install the cheaper versions of the cameras which are extremely easy to detect.
Useful Tip: If you are on-the-go with travels and you want to ensure the safety of your belongings in a hotel room or Airbnb, take your ONE Link Battery Powered Outdoor Security Camera with you!
The ONE Link is perfect for using around the house with it’s smart station, or taking on your travels with its long-lasting battery life!
Learn more about battery powered outdoor security cameras.
5. Examine the Mirrors In Your Surroundings
Some of the places that you want the most privacy are bedrooms, changing rooms as well as restrooms. Some mirrors can be seen through and people with ill-intent can take advantage of that. You’ll want to check your mirrors to look for hidden cameras.
There is an extremely easy tip to follow here. To see whether it is a real mirror or a faux mirror for spying all you have to do is touch your fingertip to the glass. From there, check the distance between your finger and its reflection. If there is space between them, it is a normal mirror. Conversely, if they touch perfectly, with no gap, it is a fake mirror for spying!
6. Using a Flashlight to Discover Hidden Cameras
One of the simplest ways of discovering hidden surveillance cameras is using a flashlight.
For this, simply turn off all the lights and shine a flashlight all around the room.
If there is a hidden camera, your light will reflect off of it and it should catch your eye. This trick can be used in conjunction with the earlier tip of looking for IR lights; do both at the same time!
Section 2: Great Alternatives for Hidden Cameras
One of the best ways for you to record in an ethical as well as responsible manner is our nanny cams.
We offer HD nanny cams that are perfect for blending in with your decor, but aren’t completely hidden to deceive your guests.
Here’s our Top 3 Nanny Cams:
ONE Dot Mini Indoor Camera – $39
- HD 1080P Resolution
- Built-in 2-Way Audio
- Motion Detection
- Mobile Alerts
- Easy Magnetic Mounting
- 360° Pan/Tilt Remote Controls
- 360° Motion Tracking
- HD 1080P Resolution
- Built-in 2-Way Audio
- 360° Panoramic Control
Human Detection Camera – $49.99
- HD 1080P Resolution
- Human Face Detection
- Built-in 2-Way Audio
- Remote Viewing
- 33ft IR Night Vision
Click below to learn more about our Top Tier Nanny Cams
Section 3: Hidden Surveillance Camera FAQ’s
We get plenty of questions about hidden cameras. We’ve come to the conclusion that everyone has some trepidation of being secretly recorded. No one wants their privacy to be violated!
Let us walk you through the top 4 questions we get in this category.
Question 1: What does the typical hidden camera look like?
Answer 1: Hidden surveillance cameras come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are often even harder to detect because they are made to either look like or fit inside everyday objects.
The most popular kinds available are as follows:
- Flash Drive
- Power Adapter
- Smoke Detector Unit
- Clock/Radio
Question 2: How do I deal with Neighbors, Family Members or Authority Figures Spying with Hidden Cameras?
This is a tricky questions. For hints on the logistics of it, follow our 6 steps above. Those will guide you on how to detect as well as get rid of the threat of hidden security cameras.
When it comes to neighbors and family members, you are likely fine to deal with them directly. If you do not know your neighbors on a personal-level, you may want to involve authorities.
If an authority figure at your work or school is recording you without your consent, you should either contact higher officials, your HR department or the authorities to deal with the matter.
Question 3: How Do Hidden Surveillance Camera Detectors Work?
Usually hidden camera detectors check in one of 2 ways:
- IR light detection.
- Radio frequency detection.
Question 4: What Are the Laws Related to Hidden Cameras?
There are laws that strictly forbid the use of hidden surveillance, especially in areas where a person expects a reasonable amount of privacy. These include:
- Restrooms
- Bedrooms
- Changing Rooms
- Locker Rooms
- Public Showers in Gym