5 Ways I Check For Hidden Cameras In Hotels And Changing Rooms

Ways To Check For Hidden Cameras:  In recent years, hidden cameras have become a significant privacy and safety issue. Most of the time, hotels, changing rooms and public facilities respect the right of their clients to privacy, but as a woman, I always feel it is better to be careful and alert than sorry, especially when you are away from home. Luckily, there's no need for high-end equipment or to be tech-savvy to check for suspicious devices. When I'm staying in a hotel room or a changing room, I always look for hidden cameras in these five simple ways.

How To Check Hidden Cameras In Hotels And Changing Rooms?

It's 2026, and somehow we still worry about women's safety and right to privacy. I feel precaution is better than a cure. So, before check-in a hotel or changing in a green room, I always stay alert and careful. Here are my 5 ways to look for hidden cameras.

1. Careful Visual Inspection

I start by making a thorough inspection of my room. Hidden cameras are also often concealed in common household items like clocks, smoke detectors, power cords, air purifiers, tissue boxes, and decorative objects. Before changing, I always notice hooks, mirrors, shelves, wall hooks or anything unusual.

I search for anything that appears out of place, out of position, and directly facing a place where people change their clothes or sleep. These tiny camera lenses can be as small as a pinhead, but typically need a clear view to take pictures. When I see an object, and it seems weirdly positioned, I take a closer look at it.

2. I Use The Flashlight Of My Mobile Phone And Switch Off The Lights

One of my favourite hacks is turning off the lights in the room and using my cell phone’s flashlight to inspect around the space. The reflection of light through camera lenses is different from that of other surfaces.

I take a flashlight and carefully scan the mirrors, electronics, vents, smoke detectors and decorative objects for a small, blinking, or reflective dot. While this hack is not foolproof, it can still be useful to show otherwise hidden lenses in normal lighting.

3. I Check Mirrors Carefully

Mirrors should be given special consideration, especially in changing areas. The vast majority of mirrors are perfectly fine, but I like to check them out for my own peace of mind.

Hidden camera inside the washroom (Image Credit: GrokAI) 

I observe the installation of the mirror and the way it is positioned, and I check if it is unusually thick or positioned. The classic ‘fingertip test’ is one of the most useful pieces of knowledge i have found on the internet. I also look for unusual gaps, wires, or some strange object near the mirror. And to be careful, if something does not feel right to me, I tell the management and do not try to take the mirror off or break it.

What Is The Finger Test On The Mirror?

There is a technique called ‘the fingernail test,’ which is used to determine if a mirror is a regular mirror or a two-way mirror to snatch your privacy. To do that, a person touches the glass surface with their fingertip; if there is a gap between the fingertip and its reflection, it is likely not a two-way mirror.

Representational image | Credit: Freepik

4. Check Wifi Network

In a modern, digitally awakened world, hidden cameras often feature wireless transmission capabilities. So, if possible, I always check Wi-Fi networks available or run a network scanner app to see if there are any unknown devices connected.

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However, it is also important to note that in hotels, there are numerous smart devices and networking equipment installed, so an unknown device doesn't always mean a hidden camera. But if I see strange devices or several unknown cameras on a home network, my guard is up.

The cameras were hidden inside the bulb holders of the toilet and bedroom (Images: X/VaniMehrotra)

I also watch for strange flashing lights, unusual electronic noise or electronic items that are connected to an outlet but for a not-so-clear reason.

5. Trust Your Instincts And Report Anything Suspicious

While technology can assist, common sense is one of the top helps you can get at the time of adversity. So, if a room or changing area doesn't feel right to me, I don't ignore that feeling.

A smoke detector aimed directly at a bed, a charging adaptor aimed at a charging area, or a strange object in an inappropriate location can all be questions to ask. If I notice anything suspicious, I immediately inform the hotel management, or hotel store staff or local authorities, rather than attempting to solve the issue myself.

ALSO READ: Kannada Actress Registers FIR After Being Blackmailed And Filmed Secretly At An Event's Washroom In Bengaluru

Lastly, most hotels and changing rooms are safe and hidden camera incidents are relatively rare. But a few minutes to check the surroundings can bring a lot of peace of mind. These are all visual checks that can be performed with a light, a mirror, a wireless gadget, and a healthy awareness to keep your privacy intact and to keep you safe anywhere.

The objective of this article is not to panic, but to be aware of your new surroundings, stay prepared and ensure that your personal space remains 'private'.