How to Detect Hidden Cameras in an Airbnb or Rental
7 min read · Updated
Hidden cameras in rentals are rare, but the thought of one is enough to ruin a trip. A ten-minute check when you arrive puts that worry to rest or gives you something concrete to act on. Here's a methodical way to do it with what you already carry.
What the rules say
Airbnb banned indoor security cameras in listings worldwide in 2024, whether or not the host discloses them. Doorbell cameras and some outdoor cameras are still allowed, but hosts must disclose outdoor cameras before you book, and they can never point at indoor spaces or private areas like an enclosed outdoor shower.
Other platforms and hotels have their own rules, and local laws vary. As a rule of thumb, a camera in a bedroom or bathroom isn't acceptable anywhere.
Where hidden cameras usually hide
Small cameras need two things: a view of the room and, often, power. Look first at:
- Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, especially extra ones or ones in odd spots.
- Alarm clocks, digital picture frames and speakers facing the bed.
- USB chargers and power adapters left plugged in.
- Air purifiers, vents, and wall or ceiling fixtures.
- Decor with small holes: tissue boxes, plants, books, picture frames.
- TVs and streaming boxes.
Step 1: Do a slow visual sweep
Start in the bedroom and bathroom. Stand where you would sleep or shower, and look at what has a clear view of you. Check anything that seems out of place, duplicated, or angled oddly. Look for tiny holes, wires that lead nowhere, and objects plugged in for no reason.
Step 2: Look for the lens reflection
Every camera lens reflects light back toward its source. Turn off the lights, close the curtains, and slowly sweep a flashlight across the room while looking along the beam. A lens shows up as a small, sharp glint that stays put as you move slightly.
Take your time. Shine the light at each suspicious object from a few angles.
Step 3: Use your phone camera to spot infrared light
Many cameras that record in the dark use infrared LEDs your eyes can't see. Many phone cameras can. In a dark room, open your camera app and slowly scan the room on screen. A small purple or white light that you can't see with your eyes is worth a closer look.
Some rear phone cameras filter infrared more strongly than front cameras, so try both. Test it first by pointing a TV remote at your camera and pressing a button.
Step 4: Check the network, if you can
If you're on the rental's Wi-Fi, a network scanner app can list connected devices. A device that names itself as a camera is a lead. Many cameras record to a memory card and never join Wi-Fi, so an empty list doesn't settle anything.
If you find something
- Don't destroy or tamper with it. Photograph it where it is, and note the time.
- Cover it or unplug it if you are comfortable doing so, and move to another room.
- Contact the booking platform right away. Most have a safety line and can move you or end the stay.
- If you believe you were recorded in a private space, contact local law enforcement.
Where TraceSweep fits
TraceSweep turns Steps 2 and 3 into a guided check. As you pan your phone's camera around the room, it looks for small bright points that persist across frames — infrared lights, lens reflections or status lights — and shows you where each one was, on your screen only. A sweep reports only what it found during that sweep, using your device's camera. It cannot detect listening devices, and it isn't a certification or inspection of the room.
Nothing from a sweep is saved, shared or sold. No photos, video or results leave your phone to be stored. TraceSweep plans start at $2.99/month or $19.99/year, with no TRUVO360 plan needed. For a single trip, the Trip Pass is $2.99 once: 3 sweeps for 7 days, and nothing renews.
TraceSweep: $2.99/month or $19.99/year, or a $2.99 Trip Pass (3 sweeps for 7 days, nothing renews). Cancel anytime in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
Are cameras allowed inside an Airbnb?
No. Airbnb banned indoor security cameras in listings worldwide in 2024. Doorbell cameras and some disclosed outdoor cameras are still allowed, but never ones that view indoor or private spaces.
Can my phone detect hidden cameras?
Your phone can help. Its camera can often see infrared lights that your eyes can't, and its flashlight can reveal lens reflections. These checks find many cameras but not every possible device.
Where are hidden cameras most often placed?
In objects with a view of the bed or shower that have power: smoke detectors, clocks, USB chargers, speakers, vents and decor with small holes.
What does a TraceSweep sweep tell me?
It reports only what it found during that sweep, using your phone's camera to look for bright points such as infrared lights and lens reflections. It cannot detect listening devices and is not a certification or inspection of the space. Nothing from the sweep is saved.
Sources
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These guides are general safety information, not legal advice. TRUVO360 is not a consumer reporting agency and does not run background checks. Its results can't be used for employment, housing, lending or insurance decisions.