How to detect hidden cameras with your phone — 3 steps

With an infrared light source, the camera can capture images beyond the visible spectrum, allowing your phone to detect things that are not visible to the naked eye.

Cameras that need to capture movement or take pictures in dimly lit or dark spaces often utilize infrared (IR) light, which is invisible to the human eye. Even though you may not be able to see the IR light emitted by the camera, the sensor in your smartphone camera should be able to detect it.

Some smartphones only have the ability to detect IR light with the front-facing camera, while others, like the Pixel 6, can detect it with both the front and rear-facing cameras.

Before attempting to use IR signals, check if your phone is able to detect them by using a TV or other remote as a test.

1. Activate the camera on your phone and point it towards the remote control.
2. Power on the remote control and search for a small light, which can be steady or flashing. The light will likely have a purplish-pink color, but it may also appear as purplish-blue.
3. If the small light is not visible using the rear camera, try using the front-facing camera instead.

To check for a camera with IR capabilities, create a dark environment and use your phone to slowly scan the area. If an active camera with IR is present, it should be detectable.

Another method to potentially locate an active camera in your room, in case the IR trick does not work due to the absence of a camera or IR capability, is to examine other devices connected to the local network.

Fing is one of many network analyzer apps that can identify devices connected to your local network. Available for both Android and iOS, these apps can locate and enumerate all devices on your network and allow you to identify unknown devices for further investigation.

Please note that these methods may not be 100% effective. They are simply suggestions for you to consider. Additionally, experimenting with the infrared detection features on your phone can be entertaining. However, if you are truly concerned about hidden microphones or cameras, you can purchase a radio frequency (RF) detector to detect any signals emitted from them.

When it comes to purchasing, the cost is often reflective of the quality. If an item is priced at $30, it's likely that it is not of great quality. To obtain a better product, one should expect to pay hundreds or even more than $1,000.

When you find a camera, disconnect it carefully to avoid damaging it. This is important because the camera's firmware may have important information such as login credentials and the name of the Wi-Fi network it was connected to.

If hidden cameras are discovered in a hotel room, they should be immediately reported to the front desk. It is important to also notify the police, even if just for documentation, in case further legal action is needed.