Mobile Phones Android 318 318 people found this article helpful How to Detect a Hidden Camera Using Android Phones Think someone's watching you? Track their hidden camera down by Jason Bennett Writer Jay Bennett is a former Lifewire writer and digital marketing consultant with 8 years' experience. His writing has appeared on the VisiHow website. our editorial process Twitter LinkedIn Jason Bennett Updated on November 03, 2020 reviewed by Jon Fisher Lifewire Tech Review Board Member Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek. our review board Article reviewed on Oct 07, 2020 Jon Fisher iStock / Getty Images Android Switching from iOS Tweet Share Email 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 fool-proof, it's possible to use your Android phone's camera and magnetometer sensor to detect hidden cameras and microphones, or other listening devices. How to Detect a Hidden Camera Using Android Camera 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 white. Launch your phone's camera app. Go around the room and point your phone's camera in areas you suspect spy equipment is hidden. 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 & Listening Devices by Scanning Wi-Fi It's possible for some lower-end spy cameras and listening devices to show up in your 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, etc. Open the Settings app, then tap Network & internet. Tap Wi-Fi. Move your phone around and watch the list of nearby Wi-Fi networks. That's it!