Do this after entering the rented apartment. All you need is a phone

When renting an apartment or checking into a hotel, you can check in a few minutes whether there are any suspicious devices in the room. All you need is a thorough inspection, a flashlight and a phone camera. More advanced solutions also allow you to analyze the local Wi-Fi network.

Particular attention should be paid to items facing the bed, shower or dressing area. Miniature lenses can be hidden in smoke detectors, alarm clocks, chargers, lamps, TVs, ventilation grills or photo frames, among others.

Turn off the light and use a flashlight

The easiest way is to look carefully at the room. After turning off the lights, slowly shine a flashlight on suspicious items, preferably keeping it close to your line of sight. The camera lens can reflect light as a small, distinct point.

Suspicions should arouse unusual holes, additional wires, devices placed in an illogical place and LEDs that glow in the dark. However, not every reflection means a camera – light is also reflected by screws, decorative elements and sensors.

Do not dismantle smoke detectors or electrical installations yourself. This may be dangerous and may also damage the equipment.

Your phone’s camera can detect infrared

Some cameras are equipped with infrared diodes enabling recording in the dark. Humans cannot see such light, but some smartphone cameras can show it as a white, purple or flashing point.

The easiest way to check the phone’s capabilities is to use a TV remote control. Just point its transmitter towards the camera and press the button. If a flashing light appears on the screen, your phone can help you look for infrared sources. It’s worth testing both the front and rear cameras.

However, the method will not work if the camera does not use infrared or the phone lens is equipped with an effective filter that blocks such radiation.

Check your Wi-Fi connected devices

Cameras transmitting images via the Internet can be visible on the local network. Apps like Fing display a list of connected devices and try to recognize their manufacturer and type.

On the list, it is worth looking for devices described as an IP camera, monitoring, recorder or equipment from an unknown manufacturer. However, the foreign element itself is not evidence – it may be a TV set, a router, a thermostat or a device belonging to the facility’s staff.

Scanning also has significant limitations. It will not detect a camera recording images on a memory card, operating on a separate network or using a cellular connection. In hotels, guest devices can also be hidden from each other by network configuration.

What to do after finding the camera?

It is best not to disassemble or destroy a suspicious device. You should take photos showing its location, leave the room and notify the facility staff, the booking platform and the police. If there is an immediate threat, call the emergency number 112.

From April 30, 2024, Airbnb prohibits the use of any cameras monitoring the interior of rented properties – even public, turned off or disconnected ones. Hidden recording devices were already banned. Disclosed external surveillance remains permitted as long as it does not involve areas where there is an expectation of privacy.