Don’t Let Airbnb Owners Spy on You. Here’s How to Spot Hidden Cameras in Your Rental

Travel during the holidays has become more common and many people choose to take a local Airbnb instead of staying at home with their parents. However, even if you hope to have peace of mind, you might have unwanted eyes on you. Voyeur cams have been found from California to Texas, and even overseas in countries like Malaysia. These hidden cameras could monitor your movements and destroy your sense of privacy.

My first advice is to contact immediately Airbnb if you discover something that looks like a spy camera: they will arrange alternative accommodation and take the necessary measures. But how do you know if cameras are there any? Fortunately, today’s tips and tools are easy to use and only take a few minutes with your phone when you arrive. We tried these techniques on CNET and here’s what we recommend.

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1. Discover the local Wi-Fi network

Most Airbnbs offer some sort of guest Wi-Fi. Log in and go to your settings to view the Wi-Fi network and see if you can find all connected devices. Use the provided passwords or built-in router and login app to search for a section on Connected or Connected Devices. Or if these options are not available, you can try a third-party app like Wireless Network Watcher.

(Note for technicians, the arp -a The command line won’t work here, because it only shows your own computer’s cache of connected device information, and the Airbnb owner probably didn’t leave their laptop behind.)

Now look for any unexpected devices online that don’t match any technology in the home. You might think that voyeurs would avoid connecting their hidden cameras to local Wi-Fi networksbut that gives them too much credit. Watch for surprise devices online and see if you can find them or tell what they are.

2. Show your Bluetooth

If the cameras are not connected to Wi-Fi, you can still capture them with your Bluetooth. Simply set your Bluetooth to its pairing mode and see which devices it can pick up. Ignore the TVs and smart home technology and focus on the mystery devices you couldn’t otherwise identify.

If these devices have strange names, search them to see if they are a camera product number or similar identifier. Give your Bluetooth a few minutes to retrieve all available devices and walk from room to room with your phone to see if any surprises appear.

3. Make a pass with a flashlight

Even the sneakiest camera still needs a lens to look through, and where there’s a lens, there can be a reflection (as well as LED lights). So, one of the most effective ways to search for hidden cameras is to turn off all the lights in a room, turn on flashlight mode on your phone, and do a thorough scan. Watch for unexpected reflections or flickers of light in strange places that could be a tiny camera lens. It sounds a little weird, but this old-school method of spotting cameras is still one of the most effective.

To save a lot of time and patience during this step, focus on rooms where spy cameras are more likely to be found, basically any room where you would undress. Look for locations and angles that provide a high, wide field of view. There’s a reason smoke detectors are such a popular hiding place. Other popular places include plants, books and lamps.

4. Look for infrared eyes

Many cameras use infrared/IR connections for simple controls, especially if they are not connected to a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. This is the same type of connection that older TV remotes use. Human eyes cannot see infrared light, but the front camera of many smartphones does not have an infrared filter, or at least not a perfect one.

This means you can use your phone’s camera in a dark room to scan the area, then review the footage to see if you can spot any unexpected spots of whitish light that could mean a device is hiding somewhere.

5. Use a camera tracking app

There are many apps that can help you with the steps above. They’re far from perfect, but they might save you a little time if you’re serious about scanning your Airbnb. There are applications that attempt to detect unexpected magnetic fields, capture reflections when scanning a room, and some even combine several options.

These apps are usually free or cheap, but we suggest you don’t rely on them entirely when your own naked eye can do it so well.

6. Inspect the vents

People have found hidden cameras in all kinds of places, but we suggest getting close to any wall vents. Air vents can often obscure signs of an infrared light or glare unless you’re at the right angle. So, with smoke detectors, put those high-mounted vents at the top of your list if you’re concerned.

7. Take out an infrared scanner

If you’re particularly concerned about hidden cameras and don’t mind investing a few dollars, an infrared or thermal scanner is one of your best options. These scanners work by detecting heat signatures at close range, and the most affordable and user-friendly versions cost between $150 and $200.

These sensors can detect the small heat signatures produced by hidden cameras. You can use them near walls, mirrors, shelves and anywhere you want to closely scan unexpected electronic devices. It takes more time than our other methods, but nothing else offers such a comprehensive overview.

Bonus Tip: Be careful when plugging in your devices

Finally, be wary of chargers, ports or charging stations included in your Airbnb. They are generally harmless and included for convenience, but sometimes they can host malware that could infiltrate your phone or laptop. The last thing you want is a virus that can take over your own camera or hold files hostage.

When using an Airbnb, use your own travel chargers whenever possible and plug them directly into power outlets when available.

OK, what about security cameras outside Airbnb?

Currently, Airbnb only prohibits cameras inside participating properties. So, having an outdoor security camera or video doorbell is still completely legal and a common choice for Airbnb owners worried about illegal house parties or uninvited strangers. There’s really nothing you can do about the presence of these exterior cameras. You can complain that they make you uncomfortable, but they probably won’t lead anywhere. However, be wary if exterior cameras are pointed at windows so they can see inside, which is a legal issue, just like an indoor spy camera.

Since you’re done, now is a great time to review where you should never install your own home security camera, the best places to install a security camera, and whether it’s legal to record video or audio in your own home.