What to look for when you arrive at an Airbnb
Start your search the moment you enter the rental. Look for small holes, lens glints, or wires in places where cameras should not be: smoke detectors, air purifiers, clocks, picture frames, charging cables, and bathroom fixtures. A camera lens is typically a small dark circle, often shiny or reflective. Scan the room from different angles and in different lighting—a lens that is hard to see head-on may catch light when you move to the side.
Pay special attention to bedrooms and bathrooms, where hidden cameras are most concerning. Check the walls around the bed, the ceiling above it, and any furniture pointing toward it. In bathrooms, examine the mirror, ventilation fan, soap dispenser, and any decorative items on shelves. Cameras hidden in bathrooms are illegal in all U.S. states and most countries worldwide.
Use your phone's camera or a flashlight to look into small spaces. Point your phone camera at suspected spots and take photos or video—some camera lenses will show up as a bright spot or reflection in your phone's display that is not visible to the naked eye. This works because phone cameras are sensitive to infrared light that human eyes cannot see.
Key Takeaways
- Check smoke detectors, clocks, picture frames, and other common objects for small holes or lens reflections before unpacking.
- Bathrooms and bedrooms are the highest-risk areas; examine mirrors, ventilation fans, and any items pointing toward the bed or shower.
- Use your phone's camera to photograph suspected spots, since some camera lenses show up as bright reflections in phone displays.
- If you find a camera, photograph it, do not touch it, and contact Airbnb support and local police when ready.
- Airbnb's policy prohibits hidden cameras in private spaces, and hosts who violate this face permanent removal and potential legal action.
Checking common hiding spots in bedrooms
Bedroom cameras are often hidden in objects that naturally point toward the bed. Examine alarm clocks, especially digital ones with a display facing the bed—the lens can hide behind the screen. Check picture frames, mirrors, and wall-mounted shelves. Look at the smoke detector on the ceiling directly above or near the bed; a real smoke detector has a specific design, and a fake one may look slightly off or have an unusual lens opening.
Inspect the nightstand and dresser carefully. Cameras can be hidden in phone chargers, USB cables, or small decorative boxes. Pull out drawers and look at the underside of furniture. Check the corners of the room where walls meet the ceiling, and look for any small holes that do not match the room's design. If the rental has a ceiling fan, examine it from below and above.
Checking bathrooms and shower areas
Bathroom cameras are a serious violation. Start with the mirror—some two-way mirrors allow a camera to film from behind, though these are rare in rentals. Look for any mirror that seems unusually thick or has an odd frame. Examine the ventilation fan in the ceiling; a camera can be hidden inside or behind it. Check the exhaust vent opening for any lens or wiring.
Inspect the shower head, towel racks, and soap dispensers. Look at any shelves, hooks, or decorative items. Check the toilet tank and the area behind the toilet. Examine the light fixtures, especially recessed lights in the ceiling. If there is a window, check the frame and any blinds or curtains for holes or devices. Do not forget to look at the door frame and the area above the door.
Using your phone and other tools to detect cameras
Your phone's camera is your best tool. Open the camera app and point it at suspected areas while looking at the screen. Many hidden cameras, especially infrared ones, will appear as a bright white or purple spot on your phone's display even though you cannot see them with your eyes. Move slowly around the room and pay attention to any unusual bright spots that do not match what you see in person.
If you have a flashlight, use it to look into small spaces and holes. Shine it at an angle into suspected spots and look for reflections that suggest a lens. Some people use a radio frequency (RF) detector, which picks up wireless signals from cameras. These are inexpensive and available online, though they require some knowledge to use correctly—they will pick up any wireless device, not just cameras.
Do not rely on apps that claim to detect hidden cameras through your phone's sensors alone. Most of these do not work as advertised. Your phone's camera and a flashlight are more reliable.
What to do if you find a camera
Do not touch the camera or attempt to remove it. Photograph it from multiple angles and note its exact location in the room. Take a photo of the serial number or any identifying marks if visible. Leave the room and move to a common area or outside if possible.
Contact Airbnb support when ready through the app or website. Describe what you found, where it was located, and provide the photos you took. Airbnb has a policy against hidden cameras in private spaces and will investigate. You can also contact local police and file a report, especially if the camera was in a bathroom or bedroom. Provide the police with the same photos and information you gave Airbnb.
Depending on your location and the circumstances, you may be may have access to to a refund for your stay. Airbnb typically cancels the reservation without penalty and removes the host from the platform. Local law enforcement may pursue criminal charges if the camera was used to record people without consent.
Understanding Airbnb's camera policy
Airbnb prohibits hidden cameras in private spaces—bedrooms, bathrooms, and any room where guests have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Hosts are allowed to have security cameras in common areas like entryways, living rooms, and hallways, but they must disclose these cameras in the listing and in the house rules. The disclosure must be clear and visible before a guest books.
Hosts who violate this policy face permanent removal from the platform. Airbnb also cooperates with law enforcement investigations. In many jurisdictions, recording someone in a bathroom or bedroom without consent is a felony, regardless of whether the footage was shared or stored.
If a listing mentions cameras, read the description carefully to understand where they are located. If the description is vague or does not specify private versus common areas, contact the host before booking to ask for clarification. You have the right to know about any recording devices before you arrive.
Prevention steps before you book
Read the listing description and house rules carefully. Look for any mention of cameras and note where the host says they are located. Check the photos provided in the listing for visible cameras or suspicious objects. Read recent guest reviews—if other guests mention cameras or privacy concerns, take that seriously.
Contact the host before booking if anything seems unclear. Ask directly: "Are there any cameras in the bedrooms or bathrooms?" A legitimate host will answer clearly. If the host is evasive or defensive, consider booking elsewhere.
Choose listings with good reviews and established hosts who have hosted many guests. Newer hosts or those with few reviews carry slightly higher risk, though this is not a may provide. Trust your instincts—if something feels off about the listing or the host's responses, there are other rentals available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone's flashlight to find hidden cameras?
Yes. Shine the flashlight at an angle into small spaces, holes, and suspected objects. Look for reflections that suggest a lens. This works best in darker areas and when you angle the light to catch any glass or reflective surface inside the object.
What if I find a camera but I am not sure if it is real?
Photograph it and contact Airbnb support with the photos. Describe exactly where it is and what it looks like. Airbnb will investigate. Do not assume it is fake—treat any suspicious device as a potential camera until Airbnb or police confirm otherwise.
Are RF detectors worth buying?
RF detectors pick up wireless signals from cameras, but they also pick up signals from phones, routers, and other devices. They require some skill to use correctly. A phone camera and flashlight are simpler and more reliable for most people.
Can I get a refund if I find a hidden camera?
Yes. Airbnb typically refunds the full stay and cancels the reservation without penalty when a hidden camera is found in a private space. Contact Airbnb support with photos and a description of what you found.
What should I do if the host says there is a camera but did not disclose it in the listing?
Contact Airbnb support when ready. Hosts are required to disclose all cameras in private spaces before you book. Failure to disclose is a violation of Airbnb's policy, and you may be may have access to to a refund and cancellation without penalty.