For most people, checking into a hotel means relaxing after a long journey. But in recent years, concerns about hidden surveillance devices in hotel rooms and rental apartments have made many travellers more cautious. Hidden cameras are extremely small today and can sometimes be disguised inside everyday objects such as smoke detectors, alarm clocks, charging adapters, air vents, or even wall chargers.
While such incidents are rare, taking a few quick precautions can help protect your privacy and give you peace of mind. Before you settle in, spending a few minutes checking your surroundings can make a big difference. 1. Start with a quick visual inspection of the room The first and easiest step is simply looking around carefully. Hidden cameras are usually placed in spots that give a clear view of important areas in the room, such as the bed, dressing area, or bathroom. When you enter the room, quickly inspect common objects, including: Look for anything that seems unusual, such as tiny holes, small glass lenses, or devices pointed directly toward the bed or bathroom. If something feels out of place or has been recently installed, it’s worth checking more closely. 2. Turn off the lights and use your phone flashlight A surprisingly simple trick involves switching off the room lights and scanning the space with your phone’s flashlight. Camera lenses are made of glass and tend to reflect light.
When the flashlight beam hits the lens, it may appear as a small bright reflection or dot. Slowly move your flashlight across objects, corners, shelves, and ceiling fixtures to see if anything reflects light suspiciously. This quick test often helps identify hidden lenses that might otherwise go unnoticed. 3. Scan the room with your phone camera Many hidden cameras use infrared light for night vision. These infrared signals are invisible to the human eye, but some smartphone cameras can detect them. To try this method, dim the lights and open your phone’s camera.
Slowly scan the room, especially around electronic devices or objects facing the bed. If you notice tiny blinking lights or glowing dots, it could indicate an infrared-enabled camera. Also read: NASA observations confirm asteroid won’t hit the Moon in 2032
4. Check the Wi-Fi network for unknown devices Some hidden cameras transmit video using Wi-Fi. That means they may appear as connected devices on the same network. Once you connect to the hotel’s Wi-Fi, check the list of connected devices in your phone’s settings. Unknown names like IP camera, surveillance camera, or unfamiliar network devices could raise suspicion.
You can also use network-scanning apps such as Fing. The app scans the Wi-Fi network and shows every connected device, including phones, laptops, smart TVs, and sometimes cameras. However, keep in mind that this method only works if the camera is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you are using. 5. Inspect mirrors carefully Some travellers worry about two-way mirrors, which can allow someone to see through from the other side. A quick way to check is the fingertip test. Place your finger against the mirror.
If there is a visible gap between your finger and its reflection, the mirror is usually normal. If there is no gap, it could potentially be a two-way mirror. This test is not always perfect, but it can help you stay alert. Use a hidden camera detector if you travel frequently Frequent travellers sometimes carry portable hidden camera detectors. These small devices can detect radio frequency signals or infrared lights, which may help identify surveillance equipment. There are also smartphone apps designed to assist with this process, although dedicated detectors are usually more reliable. Also read: AI can now operate your computer on your behalf, OpenAI launches GPT-5.4 model
What to do if you find something suspicious If you discover a device that appears to be a hidden camera, do not touch or tamper with it immediately. Instead: Handling the situation properly ensures the issue is investigated and helps protect other guests as well. Travelling should be relaxing, not stressful. Taking a few minutes to check your surroundings can help ensure your stay remains safe, comfortable, and private.
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