How to Do a Complete Privacy Check When You Arrive at a Hotel or Airbnb

By Bumang Meheshu | 12 Oct, 2025 | Category: Security & Surveillance Equipment
Imagine this: You've just dragged your suitcase up three flights of narrow Airbnb stairs or stepped off the airport shuttle into a sleek hotel lobby. The bed looks inviting, the lighting is warm, and there's that little complimentary chocolate on the pillow. Everything seems perfect… until a tiny blinking light under the TV catches your eye.

Your stomach drops. Is that… a camera?

You're not alone if this thought has ever crossed your mind. Hidden cameras and spy devices have unfortunately made their way into some vacation rentals and even hotels. And while it's rare, it's not unheard of. The good news is, with a little know-how and a few minutes of your time, you can do a quick but thorough privacy sweep to give yourself peace of mind.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly how to check for hidden cameras, bugs, and other sneaky devices when you arrive at your hotel or Airbnb. It's easier than you might think, and once you get the hang of it, it'll become second nature, just like locking the door behind you.

Why a Privacy Check Matters

Most places are completely safe and legitimate. But a quick privacy sweep is like washing your hands: it's a small precaution that prevents big problems. A hidden camera in a smoke detector or a listening device under a table can invade your privacy in ways that are both creepy and illegal.

Besides, a few minutes of checking can save you hours of worrying. Once you've done a sweep, you can relax and enjoy your trip without glancing suspiciously at every light fixture.

Step 1: Take a Slow Walk and Observe

Before you pull out any gadgets, start simple. Your eyes are your best first tool.

Walk around the space slowly and imagine you're setting it up yourself. Ask yourself: If I wanted to hide a camera in this room, where would I put it to get the best view?

Here are a few spots to check carefully:
  • Smoke detectors on ceilings or walls, especially those aimed at beds or bathrooms
  • TVs, alarm clocks, or air purifiers - these are perfect hiding places for small lenses
  • Lamps and wall décor, including mirrors that could be two-way
  • Vents and small holes in walls or ceilings that look out of place
  • Power outlets and USB chargers, which can hide tiny pinhole cameras
Pro Tip: Turn off the lights and scan the room slowly with a flashlight. Camera lenses often reflect light and give off a small sparkle. You might be surprised how easy they are to spot this way.

Step 2: Kill the Lights and Use Your Phone Camera

This is one of the easiest and most effective tricks. Modern phones are surprisingly good at picking up infrared light, which many hidden cameras use for night vision.

Here's what to do:
  1. Turn off all the lights in the room.
  2. Open your phone's camera app. (Use the front-facing camera if the back one has an IR filter, which some do.)
  3. Slowly pan the room, especially toward suspicious objects.
  4. Look for small, bright, blinking dots on your screen. These are often IR lights used by hidden cameras.
You can also test your camera by pointing a TV remote at it and pressing a button. If you see the remote's IR light on your phone screen, it'll pick up hidden camera lights too.

Step 3: Listen for Unusual Sounds

Many audio bugs or GPS trackers emit faint clicking, buzzing, or high-pitched sounds that you might not notice unless you stop and listen.
  • Turn off the TV, air conditioner, and anything else making background noise.
  • Stand still in different parts of the room and listen carefully.
Some people like to use a white noise app afterward to drown out any potential listening devices, but usually, if you don't hear anything unusual and the next step (scanning) comes up clean, you're in good shape.

Step 4: Use a Hidden Camera or RF Detector

This is where a small investment pays off. Hidden camera detectors and RF scanners are pocket-sized tools that can find wireless signals, GPS trackers, and even lenses you might have missed.

Here's how to use one effectively:
  1. Switch to RF scanning mode and slowly sweep the room. Start from one end and work your way around systematically.
  2. Pay attention to signal spikes, especially near walls, smoke detectors, or furniture.
  3. If your device has a lens finder mode, turn off the lights and scan surfaces. Lenses reflect back brightly when hit with the detector's light.
Quick Note: Wi-Fi routers, smart TVs, and legitimate Bluetooth devices will also set off detectors, so don't panic if you get hits there. The key is to look for unusual sources.

Step 5: Check the Wi-Fi Network

Hidden cameras sometimes connect to the same Wi-Fi you're using. You can scan the network for unknown devices using a free app like Fing (available for iOS and Android).

Look for:
  • Devices with names like "IP Camera," "EspCam," or generic strings of numbers.
  • Anything labeled as "network camera" or unfamiliar brands.
If you spot something suspicious and can't figure out what it is, disconnect from Wi-Fi, use mobile data, and continue your check. You can also ask the host about unfamiliar devices, sometimes it's just a smart thermostat or hub.

Step 6: Inspect Bedrooms and Bathrooms Carefully

This is where privacy matters most, so give these spaces extra attention.
  • Check mirrors by shining a flashlight and pressing your fingertip against the glass. If there's a gap between your finger and the reflection, it's a normal mirror. If not, it might be two-way.
  • Look at bathroom vents, towel racks, and light fixtures carefully.
  • Don't forget behind curtains, under furniture, and inside decorative items.

Step 7: Report and Relocate if You Find Something

If you find an actual camera or bug, don't confront the host or hotel staff immediately. Take photos and video evidence, unplug the device if safe, and contact the platform (Airbnb or hotel management) as well as local authorities.

In most regions, installing hidden recording devices without consent is illegal. It's your right to protect your privacy.

A Quick Traveler's Privacy Checklist

Here's a simple reference you can save for your next trip:
  • Do a visual sweep of the room
  • Turn off lights and scan with flashlight
  • Use phone camera to detect infrared
  • Listen for unusual sounds
  • Scan with RF detector
  • Check Wi-Fi for unknown devices
  • Pay extra attention to bedrooms and bathrooms
  • Document and report if anything suspicious is found

Final Thoughts

Doing a privacy check when you arrive at a hotel or Airbnb doesn't make you paranoid, it makes you prepared. Most of the time, you won't find anything, and that's the best outcome. But taking ten minutes to check gives you the priceless gift of peace of mind.

So the next time you set down your suitcase in a new room, take a quick walk, shine that flashlight, and scan the Wi-Fi. Then kick back, unwrap that chocolate on your pillow, and truly relax knowing you've got your privacy covered.

Tags:

hidden camera detection hotel privacy check airbnb bug sweep rf signal scanner spy camera finder travel privacy tips anti spy detector hidden device detection