When using your phone camera to find a hidden camera, you look for tiny, bright purple or white glowing dots in a dark room, which are infrared (IR) LEDs that your eyes can't see but your phone camera can pick up, or you look for glinting reflections from a lens when shining your phone's flashlight. Hidden cameras often blend into everyday objects like smoke detectors, alarm clocks, or chargers, appearing as small pinholes or disguised electronics, so a thorough physical check is crucial.
If your phone has an infrared light camera you can use it to find hidden cameras. Open the camera and scan the room looking for small bursts of steady or flashing light—these may be hidden cameras. You can also use smartphone apps that combine several technologies, such as Bluetooth scanning and infrared detection.
The cameras are mounted on a large T-shaped stand and secured with a brightly coloured base. There are two black separate cameras on the stand, with one in the middle of the prongs and one at the far end.
What Do Hidden Cameras Look Like? You might be surprised (and maybe a little creeped out) by how well hidden cameras can blend in these days. They're small, cheap, and often disguised as regular household items—anything from a phone charger to a smoke detector.
If you see camera indicator light is on even when you aren't using the camera, that can indicate that someone else is tapped into your camera. You should look carefully for other signs of spyware on your device.
Unusual sounds or echoes during calls
If you're noticing weird clicking sounds or high-pitched hums on multiple calls across different locations and with different people, it could be a sign that someone is eavesdropping or tracking your calls.
Dialing *#21# on your phone checks the status of your unconditional call forwarding, revealing if your calls, texts, or data are being redirected to another number without you knowing, often without leaving traces on your phone bill; it's a standard network code to see your carrier's call forwarding settings, not a definitive "hacking" tool, but useful for detecting unauthorized forwarding.
USB Hidden Camera
Spy cameras disguised as USB drives are common and affordable, and will be the hidden camera type you're most likely to come across online. They're cheap and simple to manufacture, which helps keep the costs down. They have a constant source of power through USB ports.
Many types of hidden cameras emit infrared light while in use. While you won't be able to see this yourself, your smartphone might be able to help. To test if your smartphone camera can detect infrared light, you can use an infrared remote control such as a TV remote.
Rightfully so, you're probably wondering: how to tell if someone is watching you through your phone camera? Sophisticated spyware can remotely access your phone's camera and microphone, recording you without your consent. Therefore, spyware apps can steal your data and destroy your online privacy.
How far away can mobile phone cameras detect a car? About 20-30 metres away is a good guide,12 but it can depend on the specific camera technology being used.
You'll find most of them under Settings > Assistant, and you can turn off the ones you don't need. Here's how to turn off AI on your phone via Settings: AI Suggestions: Go to Settings > Assistant > AI Suggestions. Turn it off to stop system-level pop-ups and recommended actions you didn't ask for.
Turn off the lights in your room. Shine your smartphone's flashlight on areas where a camera could be hidden, such as air vents, smoke detectors, alarm clocks, or mirrors. Look for a tiny reflective glint or a lens-like surface. If you notice anything suspicious, inspect the area more closely.
In a dark room, shine a flashlight across suspicious areas. A hidden lens will often reflect light differently than regular surfaces, making it easier to detect.
Yes, you can find hidden cameras with your phone using its built-in flashlight to spot lens reflections, scanning for suspicious Wi-Fi/Bluetooth signals with apps like Fing, or using your phone's camera to detect infrared (IR) light from night-vision cameras, often revealing purple/white dots in the dark. However, no single phone method catches all cameras, especially non-connected ones, so physical inspection remains crucial.
What do hidden cameras look like? Hidden cameras can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Somebody may hide or disguise them as common household objects, such as smoke detectors, outlets, or USB chargers. But all hidden cameras will have some form of camera lens.
Here are some locations where you should check for hidden cameras to protect your privacy.
Assess the situation: Pay close attention to your surroundings and any suspicious behaviour you observe. Look for signs of stalking/surveillance, such as individuals loitering nearby, unusual vehicles parked outside your home or workplace, or repeated encounters with the same people.
Make a Call to Check for Any Interference
During the call, listen for unusual noises or interference. Static, echo, or clicking sounds may indicate the presence of a listening device. Interference during calls is a common sign of nearby spy devices. If you notice disruptions, investigate further.
You can also use *82 to unblock your number in case your call gets rejected temporarily. Some providers and users will automatically block private numbers, so using this code will help you bypass this filter.
5 signs your phone is possibly being tracked
Dial *#62# to check if your voice or messages are being forwarded. Then dial ##62# to cancel #reject #TechSavvy #changeisgood.