Find the hidden camera
The physical examination is the first and most obvious step. Look for handy items located near the bed or shower that might conceal a miniature camera. Even innocent items like tissue boxes and stuffed animals are suspect - remember, modern cameras only need a hole the size of a small nailhead to conceal their presence. They call them "spy cameras" for a reason, you know.
If you listen carefully, you may even hear the motion-activated camera turn on as you enter the room. When you are talking to a friend, certain signals can buzz, click, or even cause static interference on the phone.
One more thing to consider - all cameras need a lens, and lenses flicker in bright light. Turn off all the lights, draw the curtains, and then use a bright flashlight (or a flashlight from your cell phone) to check each room. You may see light reflecting back from a small lens hidden in a vent or similar location.
Dark rooms can also help you detect the light from the camera. Some cameras have an LED that lights up when the camera is turned on.
See the mirror in the bedroom? Press your finger on it and look at your fingertips. On a regular mirror, there is a gap between your fingertip and the mirror. However, on a see-through mirror, there is no gap.
Your smartphone's camera is also a useful detection tool.
"Your front-facing camera (the one you use to take selfies) usually doesn't have an IR filter, which means you can use it to detect the source of IR light in the dark that your night vision camera relies on to operate," "Just turn off the lights and activate the front-facing camera on your phone, then swipe it while looking at your phone screen. If you notice any purple or white lights appear on the screen, look closely at where those lights are coming from and you may find a hidden camera."
Testing Applications
You can continue to use a scanner application like Fing to check the host's WiFi network. You will be able to see all the devices connected to the network, listed by name and/or function. Your smartphone and laptop will appear as well as your smart TV, router and other commonly used devices. You may also find Ring devices or similar gadgets used to monitor the front door or other parts of the exterior. If you see cameras mounted near the front and back doors, it's not surprising that these devices are using the network.
Of course, if the camera is not connected to a network (or if it is connected to another network that you cannot access), you will not find it. As an additional step, you may also want to turn on your phone's Bluetooth and take a stroll around the house to see if you notice any unknown devices appearing on the screen.
Or, you can try an app like Hidden Camera Detector, which has received mixed reviews but can be purchased for just a few dollars as a so-called camera detector. If you want to spend the money, you can get a camera detector that combines lens flicker detection with RF detection to pinpoint the camera. There are also super-expensive options that can illuminate the camera for you, even if it's powered off.
Don't ignore a very powerful self-protection tool - your intuition. "If you meet the owner of the home you're renting in person, you can ask them directly if there are any hidden cameras you should know about." "Pay close attention to your host's reactions. If the host seems cautious or uncomfortable with the issue in any way, scan the property thoroughly for hidden cameras or find alternative accommodations if possible."
