Tech tips for hotel privacy: how guests can check for hidden cameras and secure devices

Most hotels do not place cameras inside guest rooms, and industry officials say guest privacy is central to their business. Still, travelers who worry about undisclosed cameras or other surveillance can take straightforward steps — from a quick visual sweep to a few digital checks — to reduce risk and gain peace of mind.

Security specialists and technology reporters recommend a layered approach that combines a basic physical inspection, the use of smartphone features and apps, and optional dedicated detectors for higher‑risk situations. They also advise practical habits before, during and after a stay to limit both physical and digital exposure.

A recommended room sweep begins with a careful look and listen. Guests are advised to shine a phone flashlight into dark corners and toward reflective surfaces, because camera lenses can reflect light. Common hiding places include smoke detectors, alarm clocks, lamps, USB chargers, picture frames and decorative objects. A simple fingernail mirror test can flag two‑way glass: when a fingernail touches a mirror, a gap normally appears between the nail and its reflection; if there is no gap, the glass may be two‑way.

Travelers should also listen for faint buzzing, clicking or other mechanical noises that could indicate a concealed device. If anything looks or sounds suspicious, experts say not to touch or remove the device. Instead, document its location with photos, notify hotel management immediately and, in cases of potential criminal conduct, call local law enforcement before contacting the property owner. Short‑term rental platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo prohibit undisclosed recording devices in private sleeping areas.

Smartphones can assist in detection. The camera app may reveal infrared lights emitted by some covert cameras, and scanning the room while viewing the camera feed can uncover otherwise invisible glows. Network scanning apps such as Fing can show devices connected to a hotel’s Wi‑Fi and may reveal unexpected device names like “IP Camera,” though experts note not all devices will appear on a network scan, and some sophisticated cameras may operate offline or use cellular links.

Dedicated consumer tools are available for travelers who want added assurance. Infrared lens detectors are designed to catch camera reflections, and radio‑frequency scanners can detect wireless transmissions from hidden cameras or microphones. These devices are supplemental to, not replacements for, a hands‑on inspection.

Several mobile apps on iOS and Android advertise hidden‑camera detection by combining Wi‑Fi scanning, infrared detection and the phone’s magnetic sensor to identify nearby electronics. Examples include Peek, Spy Camera Scanner, Android Hidden Camera Detector and Camera Detector: Hidden Spy. Reviews and user reports indicate variability in accuracy; many apps limit full functionality behind subscriptions or include intrusive advertising. Security professionals caution that these apps can produce false positives and should not be the sole method of verification.

Digital hygiene is an important complement to physical precautions. Travelers should assume hotel Wi‑Fi is shared and treat it as untrusted. Using a virtual private network can encrypt traffic and reduce the risk of eavesdropping on logins and sensitive transactions. Installing up‑to‑date antivirus and endpoint protection on phones and laptops helps defend against malware that can spread on insecure networks.

For device theft or tampering, built‑in tracking and remote‑wipe services — such as Apple’s Find My or Google’s Find My Device — provide a recovery option. Third‑party anti‑theft tools, like Prey or laptop alarms such as iAlertU for MacBooks, can add layers of protection; some services provide remote screenshots or photos if a device is disturbed.

Before arrival, guests can reduce risk by asking hotels about security measures such as 24‑hour surveillance in public spaces and guest‑floor access controls. During check‑in, travelers who prefer privacy may request that the front desk do not list their stay publicly, or ask staff to note that no visitors are expected. In the room, using the Do Not Disturb setting, relying on a cell phone instead of an in‑room handset, locking deadbolts and using additional latches can limit uninvited entry. When away, storing spare keycards in a locked safe and using the hotel safe for valuables can prevent unauthorized access.

Experts emphasize proportionality: for most guests the risk of hidden cameras in hotel rooms is low, but the growing availability of miniature cameras and networked microphones has made some travelers more cautious. A quick visual and audio check, combined with basic digital precautions, typically reduces exposure without specialized gear.

Travelers who find a recording device should preserve evidence, inform management and consider involving law enforcement. Journalists and privacy advocates say hotels and rental platforms should continue to make their camera policies transparent to help travelers make informed choices.

The guidance reflects reporting and recommendations from security and consumer technology observers, including cyber‑security columnist Kurt Knutsson, who has written about practical steps travelers can take to protect privacy in hotel and rental‑property stays. As devices and detection tools evolve, security professionals say awareness and a few simple checks remain the most reliable first line of defense.