Finding hidden cameras | What the Tech?

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (WHAT THE TECH?) — Cameras are smaller, cheaper, and harder to spot than ever. You could be in any room in a hotel or rental property and never suspect you’re being recorded, or even watched live.

On Amazon, you can buy secret cameras in anything from outlet covers, to clocks, to smoke detectors. It takes a keen eye to spot them.

Check the outlets. Most cameras require electricity, and they’ll be plugged in. If there’s a smoke detector in a bathroom or bedroom, check it out. 

A smoke detector was under $30 on Amazon. Remove the cover and there’s a camera—either recording or sending the live video back to another device.

You can check to see what’s connected to the Wi-Fi router, but that isn’t as simple as it sounds. Even if you know what you’re doing and can search for the IP address, the owner could have a second Wi-Fi network that’s hidden and won’t show up when you search.

You can find apps in the app stores that claim to pick up cameras connected to the Wi-Fi router. We’ve tried several and none of them work well. Even with the paid subscription, this app identifies 17 connected devices. But they’re all labeled as “generic.” 

The best way to search for hidden cameras, is with your phone. Turn off the lights, turn on the flashlight, and look for red or blue lights. Camera lenses will reflect the light.

For more “What the Tech?” stories, click here.