How to find hidden cameras with your phone in hotels, Airbnbs, and at home

Dan Kauna 17:49 - 21 July 2025

Learn simple techniques to reveal covert cameras

Learn simple techniques to reveal covert cameras in hotel rooms, holiday lets or private homes on stays across Kenya without needing specialist equipment.

Hidden surveillance devices have become ever more compact and simple to conceal.

Travellers in Nairobi hotels or Mombasa holiday inns, and homeowners across Kenya, can uncover covert cameras by combining smartphone tools with systematic physical checks.

The steps below outline proven methods to locate hidden cameras without specialist gear.

1. Torchlight reflection test

With lights off, activate your phone’s torch and sweep the room slowly.

Activate your phone’s torch and sweep the room slowly

Even micro‑camera lenses will catch and reflect light. Focus on any small, bright spots within objects such as smoke alarms, decorative pieces, power sockets or electronic gadgets.

A stronger reflection from a single point may indicate a camera lens hidden behind a pin‑hole or tinted cover.

2. Infrared LED detection via selfie camera

Most rear smartphone cameras include an infrared (IR) cut‑off filter.

The front‑facing camera often lacks such a filter, making it sensitive to IR light.

Switch to the selfie camera and scan areas where a camera could be concealed

In a darkened room, switch to the selfie camera and scan areas where a camera could be concealed.

Small white or purple dots on the screen reveal IR LEDs used for night‑vision capabilities.

3. Network scanning for unrecognised devices

Many hidden cameras connect to Wi‑Fi for remote access.

Review the device list for unfamiliar names

Network‑scanning apps such as Fing or Net Analyzer list all devices on the local network.

Review the device list for unfamiliar names or generic identifiers like 'Camera', 'IPC' or unlabelled hardware. An unexpected entry should prompt a physical check of its likely location.

4. Bluetooth discovery

Some wireless cameras and microphones rely on Bluetooth transmission. A basic Bluetooth‑scanning app will reveal nearby broadcasting devices.

A basic Bluetooth‑scanning app will reveal nearby broadcasting devices

Conduct a scan in each room and note any unknown Bluetooth devices. Move closer to the source until the signal is strongest to pinpoint its location.

5. Physical inspection of common hiding places

Physically inspect common hiding places

A methodical visual and tactile inspection remains essential. Pay special attention to:

Smoke detectors and air vents: Remove covers where safe to check for lenses or wiring.
Wall clocks and picture frames: Look for unusual bulk, seams or loose wiring.
Lamps and electrical outlets: Spot extra cables or USB leads that do not fit the device’s function.
Bookshelves and soft furnishings: Inspect behind books, cushions and ornaments for hidden units.

6. Radio-Frequency (RF) detection techniques

Dedicated RF detectors pick up the transmission frequencies used by wireless spy cameras more reliably than smartphone apps.

Walk slowly around the room while monitoring the detector

Basic detector applications can still indicate spikes in ambient radio noise. Walk slowly around the room while monitoring the app; sudden increases may reveal active transmitters.

7. Listen for electronic noise

In very quiet conditions, hidden cameras may emit faint noise or clicks from autofocus mechanisms or stabilisers.

Stand still and listen attentively

Stand still and listen attentively near suspect items.

While modern micro‑cameras are often silent, older or budget models can still be detected in this way.

8. Routine home sweeps

For long‑term security, schedule regular checks. Combine the torch reflection and IR detection at least once a month in high‑privacy areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms.

Combine the torch reflection and IR detection in high‑privacy areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms

Maintain a record of all connected devices on your home network and remove or investigate any unrecognised entries promptly.

9. Advanced detection options

Frequent travellers or security‑minded households may consider portable camera‑detection devices.

Portable camera detection devices integrate IR scanning, magnetic‑field detection and RF analysis in one compact unit

These often integrate IR scanning, magnetic‑field detection and RF analysis in one compact unit.

Thermal‑imaging attachments for smartphones can also highlight hidden electronics by detecting heat signatures through walls or inside objects.

Conclusion

No single method will uncover every covert camera.

By adopting a layered approach - combining torchlight reflections, infrared checks, network and Bluetooth scans, physical inspections and RF monitoring - you can detect most hidden cameras using only a smartphone and basic observation.

Regularly repeating these procedures ensures greater confidence in the privacy of any hotel, holiday inn or home.

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