10 Everyday Objects Where Hidden Cameras Are Commonly Placed
By Bumang Meheshu | 12 Oct, 2025 |
Category:
Security & Surveillance Equipment
You walk into a hotel room, Airbnb, or even a friend's guest room. The space looks cozy, the lighting is soft, and everything feels welcoming. But as you set your bag down, a thought creeps in: what if there's a hidden camera in here?
It's not an unreasonable question. Hidden cameras have become smaller, cheaper, and easier to disguise than ever before. While the vast majority of spaces are perfectly safe, a quick understanding of where these devices are commonly hidden can help you spot problems before they spot you.
In this guide, we'll walk through ten everyday objects where hidden cameras are often placed, explain why they're chosen, and share simple ways to detect them. By the end, you'll know exactly what to look for when you walk into a room.
1. Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are among the most popular hiding spots because they're already placed high up and naturally aimed at the room. A small pinhole lens can be fitted into the casing without drawing attention.
What to do:
What to do:
- Stand directly underneath and shine a flashlight toward the detector.
- Look for any small, dark circle or glassy surface that looks out of place.
- If you have a hidden camera detector, scan near the device to check for signals.
Quick Note: A real smoke detector shouldn't emit any blinking lights apart from an occasional low battery indicator.
2. Alarm Clocks and Digital Radios
A bedside clock has the perfect angle to capture sleeping areas, making it a common choice for covert recording. Some hidden cameras come disguised as fully functional alarm clocks.
How to check:
How to check:
- Pick up the clock and inspect the front panel closely.
- Look for small black dots or lenses that don't match the design.
- Scan it with your phone's camera in the dark to see if infrared lights appear.
3. TV Stands and Smart TVs
The TV area is often overlooked, but it provides a wide angle of the entire room. Some cameras are tucked into decorative boxes, soundbars, or even the TV frame itself.
Smart TVs may also have built-in cameras for video calls or gesture control.
How to check:
Smart TVs may also have built-in cameras for video calls or gesture control.
How to check:
- Run your finger gently along the TV frame to feel for small bumps or lenses.
- Turn off the lights and scan the area with a flashlight or phone camera.
- Check the TV settings to disable any built-in camera features.
4. Wall Décor and Picture Frames
A decorative frame on the wall seems harmless, but a hidden camera can easily be installed through the center or corner of the artwork. Because frames often hang at eye level, they offer an ideal recording angle.
How to check:
How to check:
- Angle your flashlight across the surface to look for pinholes.
- Check the frame's back for extra wiring or unusual thickness.
- Gently move the frame to see if any wires or devices are attached behind it.
5. Mirrors
A two-way mirror can be turned into a spying tool if there's a hidden space behind it. Bathrooms, changing areas, and bedrooms are the most sensitive places to check.
Simple mirror test:
Simple mirror test:
- Place your fingertip against the glass.
- If there's a visible gap between your finger and the reflection, it's a normal mirror.
- If there's no gap, it may be two-way glass, and further inspection is needed.
6. Lamps and Light Fixtures
Lamps and ceiling lights can be modified to house tiny cameras. Because lighting fixtures are expected to have bulbs and components, a lens can blend in easily.
How to check:
How to check:
- Look up into lampshades or ceiling fixtures with a flashlight.
- Check for tiny lenses facing downward or toward key areas of the room.
- If possible, gently lift the lamp or check its base for hidden electronics.
7. Air Purifiers and Wi-Fi Routers
These gadgets often sit in the corner of the room and run continuously, making them ideal for covert surveillance. Some spy devices are sold as fully functional air purifiers with built-in cameras.
How to check:
How to check:
- Examine any unfamiliar device closely, especially if it looks newer than the rest of the décor.
- Use a network scanner app like Fing to see if any suspicious camera devices are connected to Wi-Fi.
- Look for small lens openings that don't match air vents or indicator lights.
8. Curtain Rods and Decorative Hooks
It sounds odd, but some hidden cameras are disguised as tiny screws or caps on curtain rods. Decorative hooks on walls can also conceal small cameras, especially in bedrooms.
How to check:
How to check:
- Inspect the ends of curtain rods with a flashlight.
- Look for any tiny round openings facing into the room.
- Check hooks for unusual protrusions or non-functional parts.
9. Power Outlets and USB Chargers
One of the sneakiest hiding spots is a fake power outlet or a USB wall charger. These are placed at natural eye-level angles and blend perfectly into most rooms.
How to check:
How to check:
- Tug lightly on outlets that look newer or slightly misaligned. Fake covers often pop off easily.
- For USB chargers, shine a flashlight directly into the port. Some cameras are hidden right inside.
- Use an RF detector to scan around electrical fixtures.
10. Decorative Objects and Random "Extras"
Finally, pay attention to items that don't seem to belong. This might be a random teddy bear, a digital photo frame, a plant with a suspicious opening, or a random gadget on a shelf.
What to do:
What to do:
- Trust your instincts. If something looks out of place, inspect it.
- Pick it up, rotate it, and check for small lenses or battery compartments.
- Use your phone camera in infrared mode for a quick scan.
Quick Detection Checklist
Here's a handy checklist you can use the next time you check into a hotel or Airbnb:
- Inspect ceilings and smoke detectors
- Check alarm clocks and radios
- Scan TVs and surrounding furniture
- Examine wall décor and frames
- Perform the mirror test in bathrooms and bedrooms
- Shine a flashlight into lamps and fixtures
- Check air purifiers, routers, and unfamiliar devices
- Look closely at curtain rods and hooks
- Inspect power outlets and chargers
- Investigate any odd decorative objects
Pro Tips for Better Detection
- Do a quick scan at night with lights off. Infrared lights on hidden cameras will show up as tiny blinking dots through your phone camera.
- Use a pocket-sized detector to pick up wireless signals and hidden lenses.
- Don't ignore your gut feeling. If something seems off, it's worth a closer look.
Remember, most spaces are completely safe. But having this knowledge puts the power in your hands.
Final Thoughts
Hidden cameras can be unsettling, but spotting them doesn't require advanced skills. By knowing the most common hiding places and taking a few minutes to check, you can safeguard your privacy confidently.
Next time you walk into a new room, let your flashlight, phone camera, and awareness do a quick sweep. Once you've checked the usual suspects, you can relax and enjoy your stay without any nagging worries in the back of your mind.
Next time you walk into a new room, let your flashlight, phone camera, and awareness do a quick sweep. Once you've checked the usual suspects, you can relax and enjoy your stay without any nagging worries in the back of your mind.