How to Detect Hidden Cameras Using Cell Phones and Radio Frequency (RF)

Dojammer 2022-04-06

Q: Does the app that claims to be able to detect hidden cameras in the room work?

The cost and size of high-resolution cameras have become so low that they can be placed almost anywhere.

Traditional internet cameras are very easy to spot - and generally have an LED indicating they are turned on - but cameras used for covert surveillance are almost impossible to see with the naked eye.

There are two main ways to try to detect hidden cameras in a room; through light and radio frequency (RF).

RF detection can be more accurate, but since there are many things transmitting RF signals that are not something a casual user might find useful, light detection is best for most people. Special lenses used in hidden cameras reflect light. They produce tiny reflections and generally stand out from the set.

There are several apps on the market that claim they can use the smartphone's LED and camera to detect hidden cameras.

The Hidden Camera Detector app for iPhone costs $4.99, but many talks of buying it are not very good.

Android users can try a free app called GlintFinder, and it's talked about differently. When I tested it, I didn't believe it would be that accurate in the real world.

The problem with both apps is that they require you to be in appropriate proximity (three to four feet) to the hidden device, and the viewpoint of the smartphone and the hidden camera lens need to be the same for any reflections to be detected.

A better way is to use a professional handheld inspection device that uses a series of shining red LEDs around the lens to make your eyes shine. When they detect what looks like a lens, they produce what's called a "flare halos" or bright red dots that you can look into further.

Just like the app, you need to move slowly and look closely at each area you're examining, but they can be done from farther distances (10-15 feet).

The dimly lit room also gave us the best detection results.

Before you spend the money, we found that DIY versions of reflection detection also work:

Grab the paper towel roll and flashlight, hold the roll around one eye and close the other eye.

In a dark room, flip on the flashlight and place it near the view level of the tube, then gradually scan the room for a prominent white reflection.

We found every camera in our test room this way, so try it out for yourself.


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