How to Detect a Hidden Camera Using Android Phones

Think someone's watching you? Track their hidden camera down

What to Know

  • Using the camera: Launch the phone's photo app. Move the phone's camera around. Look for a small blue-white light.
  • Using Wi-Fi: Open Settings > Network & internet and tap Wi-Fi. Move the phone around while watching the Wi-Fi devices list.

This article explains how you might be able to detect a hidden camera using an Android phone.

How to Detect a Hidden Camera Using Android Camera

If you suspect you're being watched via a hidden camera somewhere in your house or private space, your Android phone is a useful tool for detecting certain types of surveillance equipment. Although not foolproof, it's possible to use your Android phone's camera and magnetometer sensor to detect hidden cameras and microphones or other listening devices.

Some hidden cameras emit IR (infrared radiation) light, which isn't visible to the naked eye. The camera lens on your Android phone will pick up infrared light if you hold your device close enough. If you find a hidden camera that emits IR, it will appear in your camera's display as bright blue-white light.

  1. Launch your phone's camera app.

  2. Go around the room and point your phone's camera in areas you suspect spy equipment is hidden.

    A screenshot showing IR light from a TV remote with Android's stock camera app.
  3. If you spot any small, bright-whitish 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

It's possible for some lower-end spy cameras and listening devices to show up in your phone's list of Wi-Fi connections. Refresh your network list as you walk around the room and look for any odd-looking connections or devices.

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

  1. Open the Settings app and then tap Network & internet.

  2. Tap Wi-Fi.

  3. Move your phone around and watch the list of nearby Wi-Fi networks.

    A screenshot showing a list of available Wi-Fi networks.
  4. That's it!

FAQ
  • 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.

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