Tiny, inexpensive, and easy to install, miniature and hidden cameras can be installed without the knowledge of passing tourists.
However, they are unaware that they have the perfect tool to find these hidden cameras; her smartphone.
In order to be able to see in the darkness of the apartments, these cameras, hidden by the owners or managers, use infrared, a spectrum of light that is invisible to our eyes.
And this infrared light can be seen by your smartphone’s camera sensor. On most newer phones, the rear camera can pick up infrared (IR) light; on others, like the Pixel 6, it works with both front and rear cameras.
A simple watch face can serve as a hidden camera
How to determine if your phone can receive infrared
To check your smartphone’s infrared detection, use an accessory like a TV remote, a speaker, or a streaming player like a Roku. By pressing one of the buttons, you aim the IR beam at your phone’s camera.
If you see a small solid or flashing light on the screen (regardless of color, red, pink, purple, etc.), your smartphone can distinguish the IR light. If the camera system on the back of your phone doesn’t work, try the front camera on the screen side.
Or this coat hook
play detective
Once inside the apartment, make the room as dark as possible to look for a hidden camera with infrared lights. Darkness automatically triggers this IR light.
Slowly scan the room with your phone. If there is a hidden IR camera, you should be able to find it.
However, if this hidden camera does not have infrared, then this method will not work.
As a further means of detection, it is imperative that this camera is connected to a local network. You can then use an application (iOS and Android) like Fing. Several network analyzers are available from online stores.