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wikiHow to Detect Hidden Cameras and Microphones

Three Methods:Initial SweepUse DarknessUse a Signal DetectorCommunity Q&A

Do you feel like you're being watched? Maybe you just want to make sure your privacy is protected. Here are some different ways to locate hidden cameras and microphones.

Method 1
Initial Sweep

  1. 1
    Do a physical search of the premises. This involves a slow, meticulous sweep of the room or building you suspect is wired.
    • Look around for anything that seems different or out of place, such as flower arrangements, pictures on the wall out of level or in unusual areas, or lampshades that don't look normal. Check for smoke detectors you didn't add, look for a speaker that might have a camera in it.
    • Look inside flower pots, light fixtures, and other places where a microphone transmitter can easily be hidden.
    • Look under couch cushions, table tops, and shelves. Underneath shelves and table tops are excellent places for miniature cameras.
    • Look for wires that do not seem to go anywhere, such as an appliance or other familiar device. "Hardwired" (that is, not wireless) spy equipment is less common with modern technology, but is still used for permanent surveillance in commercial businesses for loss prevention.
  2. 2
    Listen as you walk the entire room quietly. Many small, motion-sensitive cameras make an almost inaudible click or buzz when they operate.

Method 2
Use Darkness

  1. 1
    Turn off the lights and look around for tiny red or green LED lights. Some microphones have "power on" indicator lights, and if the person who sets it up is careless they may fail to cover or deactivate this feature.
  2. 2
    While the lights are off, grab a flashlight and carefully examine all mirrors. These can be made transparent from one side so that a camera can see through, but they rely on the observer's side being darker than the area observed in order to keep the other side of the mirror reflective.
  3. 3
    Search for pinhole cameras in the dark. A pinhole camera might have a charge-coupled device (CCD) sitting behind a tiny opening in a wall or object. Get an empty toilet paper tube and a flashlight. Put the tube over one eye like a telescope and close your other eye. As you sweep the flashlight over the room, pay attention to any small glimmers that reflect back at you.

Method 3
Use a Signal Detector

  1. 1
    Buy an RF signal detector or other bug detector. If you seriously believe you are being spied on, buy an RF (radio frequency) detector and do a sweep of your room, building, or home. These portable devices are small, simple to use, and fairly inexpensive. However, there are bugs that use multiple frequencies in rapid sequence called "spread spectrum" that an RF detector will not pick up. These bugs are used by professionals and require a spectrum analyzer and an experienced technician to find.
  2. 2
    Use your cell phone to pick up an electromagnetic field. Place a call on your cell phone, then wave the device around where you think there might be a camera or microphone. If you can hear a clicking noise on the call, it means your phone might be interfering with an electromagnetic field.

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • I am in a rental home. How do I remove and/or confirm what I found in my smoke detector is a camera? I don't want get hurt since it's hooked up to the house wiring.
    wikiHow Contributor
    If it is a normal smoke tied to the house wiring, it should be easy to remove, the wiring just plugs in the back so you can always replace the smoke when needed. If it is actually a camera, it will be hard wired to the back where you can not easily remove it. (No plug.) You should then ask your landlord why they have breached your privacy and talk to the police as well.
  • Can cameras in TVs be used to watch someone?
    wikiHow Contributor
    If a device is wireless connected to the same signal, the camera can be activated from the TV, transmitting the live broadcast from that camera.
  • Are squeaky or buzzing sounds possible signs of hidden cameras or microphones?
    wikiHow Contributor
    It's possible, but some cameras work via cable and power from an external adapter and record on a remote DVR. Wireless cameras may emit the sound.
  • Is it illegal for my boyfriend to secretly videotaped me when we are having intercourse?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Yes. If your boyfriend secretly taped you during intercourse, ask him to delete any footage and reconsider your relationship.
  • My landlord at random times insists on changing the air filter. I have told him I can do it; he says he just likes doing it. Also, every phone conversation I have on my cell phone is interrupted by a strange loud sound. He's also been caught snooping a few times. What can I do?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Most landlords are required to give you 24 hours notice before entering your premises, unless it's an emergency (check your lease). You have the right to privacy against snooping; contact the authorities when this happens. For a list of tenant rights, check your city government's website.
  • How do I approach my spouse about hidden cameras and microphones?
    wikiHow Contributor
    If you've found hidden cameras or microphones, you need to accept that you're in an unhealthy relationship and you need to get out. Keep a record of any other coercive, controlling behavior; take photos of the devices you've found and bank statements showing when and where they were purchased. Get in touch with a women's organization and set about getting together some money and an escape plan and move on with your life.
  • There's a clicking sound coming from my laptop. How can I tell if my laptop is bugged?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Likely you are just hearing the hard drive. This often happens as they get older, and may be a sign of imminent failure; you may want to back up your data. There's probably not a physical bug in your laptop. There could be software installed, but it wouldn't make any sounds.
  • If there is a hidden camera connected to my WiFi, can I see it when logged into my WiFi?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Most routers, when logged into the administrator account, will display a list of connected wireless devices.
  • Is it possible to have a hidden microphone/camera hidden in a couch?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Yes, hidden cameras and microphones are available in such small sizes that they are able to be planted just about anywhere.
  • Is it possible for people to watch me from their phones?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Yes, they could be watching/recording you from the camera app in their phone.
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  • Check hotel rooms.
  • If you find something, alert the authorities. Don't move or disable the camera or microphone. Act as if you hadn't noticed it, go just outside the bugged area and call your local law enforcement agency. They'll want to see evidence that the bugs were installed, and not just lying around the room.
  • Make sure that your computer's microphone and webcam (if you have one) are off or covered when not in use.
  • Wireless surveillance devices will be a bit larger, because they contain wireless transmission equipment. These devices can send information in about a 200-foot (61-meter) radius.


  • Don't let the cameras and mics know you're looking for them.
  • For stealthy sweeps, hide the RF detector and make sure it's on silent mode.

Things You'll Need

  • Empty toilet paper tube (optional)
  • Flashlight (optional)
  • A high-quality RF detector (optional)
  • Cell phone (optional)

Article Info

Categories: Self Defense | Spying

In other languages:

Français: détecter des caméras et des microphones cachés, Italiano: Individuare Telecamere e Microfoni Nascosti, Español: detectar cámara y micrófonos escondidos, Deutsch: Versteckte Kameras entdecken, Português: Detectar Câmeras e Microfones Escondidos, Русский: обнаружить спрятанные камеры и микрофоны, Nederlands: Verborgen camera's en microfoons ontdekken, Bahasa Indonesia: Mendeteksi Kamera dan Mikrofon Tersembunyi

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