Don’t let Airbnb owners spy on you. Here’s How to Detect Hidden Cameras in a Rental Car – It’s Going Viral in 2026

Journey this has become more common during the holidays and many people choose to buy local Airbnb instead of spending the night at home with my parents. However, while you may be hoping for peace of mind, you may get some unwanted looks. Voyeur cameras have been discovered from California to Texas and even overseas in countries like Malaysia. These hidden cameras can monitor your movements and destroy your sense of privacy.

My first advice is to contact immediately Airbnb if you find something like a spy camera: they will arrange other conditions and take the necessary measures. But how do you know if cameras There is? Luckily, today’s tricks and tools are easy to use and will only take a few minutes from your phone when you first arrive. We’ve tried these methods at CNET and here’s what we recommend.

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1. Check your local Wi-Fi network.

Most Airbnbs offer guest Wi-Fi. Log into it and go to settings to view your Wi-Fi network and see if you can find all connected devices. Use the provided login and passwords of the built-in router or application to find the connected or connected devices section. Or, if these options aren’t available, you can try a third-party app like Wireless Network Watcher.

(Note for techies, arp-a The command line won’t work here since it only displays your computer’s cache of connected devices, and the Airbnb owner probably didn’t leave his laptop behind.)

Now look for any unexpected online devices that don’t match any technology in the house. You might think that voyeurs would avoid connecting their hidden cameras to local Wi-Fi networksbut this gives them too much attention. Keep an eye out for unexpected online devices and see if you can track them down or tell what they are.

2. Connect Bluetooth

If the cameras are not connected to Wi-Fi, you can still connect them using Bluetooth. Just set Bluetooth to pairing mode and see what devices it can detect. Ignore TVs and smart home technology and focus on mystery devices that you might not otherwise be able to identify.

If these devices have strange names, look them up to see if they are the camera’s product number or similar identifier. Give your Bluetooth a couple of minutes to pick up all available devices and walk from room to room with the phone to see if any surprises pop up.

3. Make a pass with a flashlight

Even the most sophisticated camera still needs a lens to see, and where there is a lens, there can be reflections (as well as LED indicators). Therefore, one of the most effective ways to find hidden cameras is to turn off all the lights in the room, turn on the flashlight mode on your phone, and thoroughly search the room. Watch for unexpected glare or flickering light in strange places, which could be a tiny camera lens. It sounds a little strange, but this old-fashioned method of camera detection is still one of the most effective.

To save a lot of time and patience at this stage, focus on the rooms that are most likely to have spy cameras, basically any room where you take off your clothes. Look for locations and angles that provide a high and wide field of view—there’s a reason why smoke detectors are such popular hiding spots. Other popular places include plants, books and lamps.

4. Scan infrared eyes

Many cameras use infrared/IR connections for easy control, especially if they are not connected to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This is the same type of connection that old-fashioned TV remotes use. Human eyes can’t see infrared light, but the front camera on many smartphones doesn’t have an infrared filter, or at least isn’t a great one.

This means you can use your phone’s camera in a dark room to scan the area, then review the footage to see if you can spot any unexpected points of whitish light that could indicate a device is hiding somewhere.

5. Use a camera app

Many apps can help you complete the steps above. They’re far from perfect, but they can save you some time if you’re serious about scanning your Airbnb. There are apps that try to detect unexpected magnetic fields, catch reflections while scanning a room, and some even combine several options.

These apps are usually free or cheap, but we recommend not relying on them completely if your own naked eye can do it well.

6. Inspect the vents

People have found hidden cameras in a variety of places, but we recommend getting close to any wall vents. Vents can often hide signs of infrared light or reflection unless you are at the right angle. So if you’re concerned, along with smoke detectors, put these tall vents at the top of your list.

7. Take out the infrared scanner.

If you’re particularly concerned about hidden cameras and don’t mind investing a few dollars, an infrared or thermal scanner is one of your best options. These scanners work by detecting heat signatures at close range, and more affordable, consumer-friendly versions cost between $150 and $200.

These sensors can detect small heat signatures created by hidden cameras. You can use them near walls, mirrors, shelves, and anywhere else you want to thoroughly scan to find unexpected electronics. It takes more time than our other methods, but nothing else gives such a complete look.

Bonus tip: Be careful when connecting devices.

Finally, be careful with any chargers, ports, or charging stations included in your Airbnb. They are usually harmless and included for convenience, but sometimes they can contain malware that can sneak into your phone or laptop. The last thing you want is a virus that can take control of your camera or hold your files hostage.

When using Airbnb, use your own travel chargers whenever possible and plug them directly into outlets when available.

Okay, what about the security cameras outside the Airbnb?

Airbnb currently only prohibits the use of cameras inside participating properties. So, having an outdoor security camera or video intercom is still perfectly legal and is a common choice for Airbnb owners concerned about illegal house parties or uninvited strangers. There is nothing you can do about the presence of these outdoor cameras. You may complain that they make you feel uncomfortable, but chances are they won’t go away. However, be careful if any outdoor cameras are pointed at windows so they can see inside the premises, which is a legal issue just like an indoor security camera.

Since you’re done, now is a good time to review the places you should never install your own home security camera, the best places to install a security camera, and whether it’s legal to record video or audio in your own home.