We trust rental hosts with our privacy when we book a vacation. We assume the space is ours for the weekend. Unfortunately, stories of hidden cameras in rentals are becoming terrifyingly common. Technology has made spy cameras smaller and cheaper than ever before. A host can hide a lens in a smoke detector or a phone charger for under $20. They often claim it is for “property protection,” but it is a massive violation. You need to know how to sweep a room the moment you arrive.
1. The “Router Hack” Check
This is the most technical and effective method available. Most Wi-Fi cameras need to connect to the internet to stream video. Therefore, they will appear on the local network. Download a network scanning app like Fing to your phone. Connect to the Airbnb’s Wi-Fi immediately. Run a scan to see every device connected to that router. Look for device names like “IP Camera” or generic manufacturers. If you see a device you don’t recognize, you should be suspicious.
2. The Smoke Detector Lens
Smoke detectors are the perfect vantage point for a creep. They are high up and provide a wide view of the room or bed. Stand on a chair and examine the device closely. A real smoke detector does not have a camera lens. Look for a small, dark circle that reflects light differently than the plastic. Furthermore, look for any wires running into it that don’t look standard. If it looks tampered with, cover it with a towel immediately.
3. Infrared Light Scan
Cameras need light to see in the dark. Most spy cameras use infrared (IR) LEDs for night vision. These lights are invisible to the naked eye but visible to your phone camera. Turn off all the lights in the room so it is pitch black. Open your phone camera and scan the room slowly. Look for a small, pulsing purple or white light on your screen. If you see one, that is likely the IR emitter of a hidden camera.
4. The Bathroom Mirror Test
Two-way mirrors are rare but incredibly violating. They allow someone to watch you from behind the glass. Place your fingernail against the surface of the mirror. If there is a gap between your finger and its reflection, it is a standard mirror. However, if your finger touches its reflection directly, it might be a two-way mirror. This is a major red flag. You should leave the property if you find this type of glass in a bathroom.
5. Strange Wires or Chargers
Cameras need power to run for days at a time. Be wary of any AC adapters or phone chargers plugged in that don’t belong to you. Hidden cameras are often disguised as functional USB wall chargers. Look at the face of the charger carefully. You might see a tiny pinhole lens right above the USB port. Unplug any device that looks suspicious or out of place. It is better to disconnect a host’s air freshener than to be recorded.
The Bottom Line: Trust Your Gut
You are not being paranoid by checking your surroundings. You are protecting your family’s privacy in a stranger’s house. If you find a device, do not confront the host directly. Leave the premises immediately and contact customer support. Document everything with photos for your refund claim. Your safety is worth more than a polite review.
Have you ever found something suspicious in a rental or hotel room?
What to Read Next…
- 7 Airbnb Red Flags That Signal You Should Leave Immediately
- 7 Items You Should Never Leave in Your Airbnb
- How to Spot Hidden Cameras in Airbnb Rentals
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