How to detect hidden cameras in hotels: A comprehensive guide

Recently, an independent investigation found that Airbnb has a hidden camera problem, with tens of thousands of guest complaints over the last decade. While hotels have stricter privacy policies, bad actors can occasionally get past security checks and successfully hide cameras.

Thankfully, there are some easy ways to ensure your hotel room is free of hidden cameras for extra peace of mind.

About standard hotel security camera policies

Hotel rooms are intended to be private spaces. In the U.S., recording hotel guests in private spaces without their consent is illegal, including video and audio recordings.

In most hotels (even very small ones), security cameras are a standard fixture in common spaces. This includes the registration desk and hallways, dining, parking, and swimming areas. These surveillance cameras help keep hotel staff and guests safe. Moreover, these cameras aren’t hidden.

Hotel security or law enforcement must review camera footage in the event of an emergency or crime. Entry and exit from the hotel should also be monitored to ensure only hotel guests and staff are present.

What do hidden cameras look like?

Hidden cameras (also called spy cameras) are usually small and made to fit into tight, inconspicuous spaces, so they go unnoticed. 

To avoid detection, hidden cameras are often disguised as everyday objects and easily blend in with their environment. However, all cameras have one thing in common—they have a lens. This is the camera's most identifiable part. A sharp eye can spot a lens by searching for a small, shiny, or tinted area when light is directed at the object. 

How to check for hidden cameras in your hotel room

While the likelihood of being spied on in your hotel room is low, doing an inspection can put your mind at ease.

Some of the most common items where you might find a hidden camera include:

• Alarm clocks and clock radios
• Smoke detectors
• Lamps and other light fixtures
• Thermostats

In addition to being inconspicuous, you can usually disassemble these items, making it easier to hide a camera in them.

We don’t recommend taking these objects apart throughout your hotel room—if you break any items during your camera search, you’ll be held responsible. Additionally, tampering with a smoke detector could be a safety hazard.

Here are a few ways to check for hidden cameras in your hotel room.

Manually check for hidden cameras using a flashlight

A great way to find cameras is to shine a bright light on objects in the room. You can do this with your phone’s flashlight setting or any other direct source of bright light. 

The best hidden camera lenses are often coated with materials that help them take clearer images and avoid reflection. For this reason, camera lenses usually have a blue or purple tint when you shine a light on them. This highlights the difference between a hidden camera and a harmless indicator light.

If you’re still worried after checking, you can always cover these objects with tape or a towel (though not the smoke detector, since this could temporarily disable it). You could also unplug the alarm clock and stash it in a drawer until you leave.

Using apps and devices to detect hidden cameras

For a more thorough search, use a hidden camera detector. Various apps and devices achieve this by using your phone’s sensors to look for unusual electromagnetic signals or changes in light that could indicate a hidden camera. Some apps also scan for suspicious devices connected to the local network, helping you spot cameras that might be transmitting a signal through Wi-Fi.

Scan for Wi-Fi networks

Hidden cameras often use Wi-Fi to transmit video footage. To check for this, scan the available Wi-Fi networks in the area using your phone or another device. Many cameras will create their own network to send data, so spotting unknown networks might mean a device is transmitting from your room.

Use a radio frequency detector

Radio frequency (RF) detectors are specialized devices that pick up signals emitted by electronic devices, including hidden cameras. If you're especially concerned about surveillance in your hotel room, use an RF detector to scan the room for hidden devices transmitting signals. These highly sensitive detectors spot cameras actively sending data to a remote location.

What should I do if I find a hidden camera?

In the rare event that you do find a camera inside your hotel room, follow these steps:

1. Don’t attempt to remove or disable the camera. If law enforcement becomes involved, they must check the camera for fingerprints. An SD card inside the camera may also be used as evidence. Don’t try to remove the card yourself.
2. Cover the camera with a towel, blanket, or anything else you have on hand without directly touching it.
3. Alert hotel management immediately—they’ll contact the police. If you’re staying in a private vacation rental, leave the premises before contacting the police.
4. Request a different room or an immediate refund and book a room at a different hotel.
5. Contact your travel booking service to report the incident.

If you’ve booked with Engine, the support team is always here to help. Member Support is available 24/7 and will quickly relocate you.

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