This wikiHow teaches you how to find a hidden camera in a house or building. Although this camera is very small and easy to hide, you can use several techniques to find it in the right conditions.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Basic Techniques
Step 1. Know where to look
Unfortunately, hidden cameras can be as small as the tip of a pen so they can be easily hidden anywhere. When searching the room for it, check the following places:
- smoke detector
- Electric socket
- Power strip (cable connection that has several electrical sockets)
- Night lamp
- Books, DVD cases, or video game cases
- Rack
- Small hole in the wall
- Pictures or other decorations
- Stuffed Animals
- Lava lamp (a type of lamp for decoration)
Step 2. Understand which part of the camera to look for
Normally, most parts of the camera will be hidden, but the lens must be visible for it to function effectively. This means, you can find the camera by looking for the lens.
A camera installed by an expert will not reveal any lights or wires, but the lens is definitely visible
Step 3. Try to find the best angle that can reach all parts of the room
It's easy to find the camera based on the perspective of the person who wants to record the center of activity in a room. For example, if you suspect someone is trying to record the kitchen, there's no way the camera will be placed on the floorboard.
Corner rooms usually provide the best image coverage throughout the room, although cameras placed in corners are more visible than most hidden cameras
Step 4. Look for mirrors or decorations in odd positions
Objects such as books and stuffed animals can be placed anywhere, but mirrors and decorations (such as paintings or photographs) usually cannot be placed haphazardly. If you find decorations or mirrors at unusual heights and places, there may be a hidden camera attached there.
You can check if there is a two-way mirror to make sure there is a camera attached to it. If the mirror is bidirectional, this is suspicious
Step 5. Check the stuffed animal and clock
Eyes on stuffed animals, and screws or small parts on wall clocks are often used to hide cameras.
Since clocks and stuffed animals are easy to move, try moving them if you suspect they are being used to hide the camera
Step 6. Locate the camera indicator by turning off the light
Most cameras have a green or red light that flashes or stays on. If the hidden camera is not placed so well, you may be able to see the light when the room is dark.
However, it is very unlikely that the person who installed the camera forgot to hide the indicator light. So, don't think there is no hidden camera even if you don't find the indicator light
Step 7. Make your own camera detector
Professional camera detectors can cost millions of rupiah, but you can make your own detector cheaply using only a tissue roll and a flashlight.
- Turn off all the lights in the room, and close the curtains (or wait until nightfall).
- Hold the paper roll in such a way that one eye can "peek" through it, then close the other eye.
- Place the flashlight at eye level (in front of closed eyes), then turn on the flashlight.
- Scan the room, and watch for flashes of light as you do so.
Step 8. Use your phone to scan for interference
It's not a perfect method, but it can be used to find certain types of cameras:
- Make calls using your cell phone, and keep your phone in a calling state.
- Walk around the room with your cell phone on and on the loudspeaker.
- Listen for gurgling, clicking, or buzzing sounds on your phone.
Step 9. Purchase and use an RF detector
The RF detector can be used to scan hidden cameras by pointing the detector throughout the room and listening to the results of the scan. If you hear a sudden rustling or beeping sound, there may be a hidden camera in front of it.
- When using the RF detector, unplug all items that emit radio signals. This includes items such as baby monitors, kitchen appliances, modems and routers, game consoles, televisions, and so on.
- You may have to change the frequency to find the right frequency.
- You can buy RF detectors at electronics stores or online such as Bukalapak, for between $15 (around Rp. 200 thousand) to $ 300 (Rp. 4 million).
Step 10. Look for public cameras
While public cameras are not used for malicious purposes and are installed more prominently than private cameras, it never hurts to know where these cameras are if you want to prove something in the event of a traffic accident or other similar incident. Some places that are often used to place public cameras include:
- ATM
- shop ceiling
- Two-way mirrors in shopping malls and high-end stores (e.g. at the front of a jewelry store)
- Gas station (gas station)
- Traffic lights
Method 2 of 2: Using Smartphone Front Camera
Step 1. Run the Camera app on your smartphone (smartphone)
On iPhone, this app is usually on the Home screen. On Android devices, you can find it in the app drawer.
Step 2. Switch to the front-facing camera
If the camera is not showing your face when the screen is facing you, tap the " Rotate " icon (usually one or two circular arrows) to flip it.
This process cannot be done using the rear camera
Step 3. Make sure the smartphone can see infrared light
In order to find hidden cameras, the front camera of the phone must be able to see infrared light. You can use the TV remote to see if the front camera of your phone has an infrared filter. How to do it:
- Point the TV remote control at the camera.
- Press any button on the remote control.
- Pay attention to whether the remote control headlight is blinking.
Step 4. Turn off the light in the room you want to scan
To allow your phone's camera to scan infrared rays, make the room as dark as possible.
If there are other lights in the room (eg a night light, a light on the powerstrip, etc.), unplug it from the power source
Step 5. Use smartphone camera to look for flashing lights
Turn your phone screen toward you, then move your phone around the room to look for the blinking lights. If there is a dot that is flashing, it is most likely an infrared beam emitting from a hidden camera.
Tips
- Wireless cameras run through a wireless transmitter and tend to be a bit bulky because they contain a wireless transmitter. This camera can be run on batteries and beamed to a recording device within a range of approximately 60 meters. This type of camera is often used by those who intend to spy on others.
- Perform the same visual checks separately and perform inspections on hotels and workplaces. Be aware that some dummy cameras may be installed in the workplace and other business environments to compel you to behave properly.
- Wired cameras are commonly used in business to prevent crime. This camera can be connected to a recording device or television monitor.
Warning
- Call the authorities if you find a hidden camera in your home or office.
- Some paid mobile apps claim to be able to detect the camera. This app often gets bad reviews, and its performance is really bad. Avoid apps like this.
