What to look for when you arrive at an Airbnb
Hidden cameras in short-term rentals are rare, but they do happen. The most common places hosts install them are bedrooms, bathrooms, and changing areas—spaces where guests have a reasonable expectation of privacy. When you arrive, spend the first 10 minutes doing a physical sweep of the rental before you unpack or settle in.
Start by looking for small holes or lenses in walls, mirrors, smoke detectors, clocks, picture frames, and charging cables. A camera lens is typically a small dark circle, often shiny or reflective. Check the bathroom mirror carefully—two-way mirrors are sometimes used, though they are less common than people think. Look at the shower head, towel racks, and any decorative items. In bedrooms, examine the nightstand, dresser, and any wall-mounted devices.
Pay attention to anything that seems out of place or positioned oddly. A picture frame angled toward the bed rather than the wall, a smoke detector in an unusual spot, or a USB charger plugged in but not connected to anything are worth investigating more closely.
Key Takeaways
- Check bedrooms and bathrooms first by looking for small dark circles (camera lenses) in everyday objects like clocks, mirrors, picture frames, and smoke detectors.
- Use your phone's camera or a flashlight to spot reflective lenses—many phone cameras can detect infrared light from night-vision cameras that are invisible to the naked eye.
- If you find anything suspicious, photograph it, document the location, and report it to Airbnb when ready through the app rather than confronting the host.
- Airbnb's terms of service prohibit hidden cameras in private spaces, and the company has a process for investigating reports and removing listings.
- If you feel unsafe at any point, leave the rental and contact local police—do not stay in a space where you suspect surveillance.
Using your phone to detect infrared cameras
Many modern security cameras use infrared light to see in the dark. Your phone's camera is sensitive to infrared wavelengths that your eyes cannot see. Open your phone's camera app and point it around the room in low light or darkness. If a camera is using infrared night vision, you will see a bright purple or pink glow on your screen where the camera is located, even though you cannot see it with your eyes.
This method works best in a dark room. Close the curtains, turn off the lights, and scan slowly across walls, shelves, and objects. Pay special attention to areas where a camera would have a view of the bed or bathroom. If you see an unexplained glow, take a photo of it and note the exact location.
Not all cameras use infrared, so this is one tool among several. A camera with a standard lens and no night vision will not show up this way. This is why the physical inspection of the room is equally important.
Checking mirrors and reflective surfaces
Two-way mirrors (also called one-way mirrors) allow someone on one side to see through while the other side appears reflective. They are sometimes used to hide cameras. To test a mirror, place your fingernail against the reflective surface. If there is a gap between your finger and its reflection, it is a normal mirror. If your finger touches its reflection with no gap, it may be a two-way mirror.
This test is not foolproof—some two-way mirrors will still show a small gap—but it is a quick initial check. If a mirror seems suspicious, avoid changing clothes or using the bathroom in front of it. Report it to Airbnb with a photo and description of its location.
Bathroom mirrors are the most common place this concern arises. If the bathroom has an exhaust fan, check whether it is actually functional or if it is a cover for a camera. Turn it on and feel for air movement. A non-functional fan in a bathroom is unusual and worth noting.
What to do if you find something suspicious
Do not touch, move, or tamper with anything you suspect is a camera. Doing so could damage evidence and complicate any investigation. Instead, take clear photographs of the object and its location in the room. Note the exact time you found it and which room it was in.
Open the Airbnb app and go to your current booking. Tap the "Contact Host" button or look for a "Report a Safety Concern" option. Describe what you found, where it was located, and include your photos. Airbnb has a dedicated safety team that investigates these reports. You can also contact Airbnb's customer service directly through the app if you feel unsafe.
If you believe a crime has been committed—such as recording in a bathroom or bedroom without consent—contact your local police department and file a report. Provide them with the same photos and information you gave to Airbnb. Keep records of all communication with the host and Airbnb.
Understanding Airbnb's camera policy
Airbnb's terms of service state that hosts must disclose all cameras in the listing and cannot have cameras in private spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms. Cameras are only permitted in common areas such as living rooms, kitchens, and entryways, and only if the host has clearly disclosed them in the listing description and photos.
When you are browsing an Airbnb listing before booking, look at the description and photos for any mention of cameras. The listing should explicitly state where cameras are located and what they record. If a listing mentions cameras but you cannot see them in the photos or the description is vague, message the host before booking to ask for clarification.
If you book a listing and discover undisclosed cameras in common areas, or any cameras in private spaces, this violates Airbnb's policy. Report it through the app, and Airbnb may remove the listing and take action against the host.
What to do before you book
Read the listing description carefully and look at all the photos provided. If the host mentions cameras, note where they say the cameras are located. Some hosts will say "security camera in living room" or similar language. If you see security equipment in the photos but no mention in the description, message the host and ask them to clarify.
Check the reviews left by previous guests. If multiple people mention feeling unsafe or mention cameras, that is a red flag. Read the full text of reviews, not just the star ratings. Guests sometimes mention concerns about privacy in their written feedback.
If anything in the listing or reviews makes you uncomfortable, book a different property. There are millions of Airbnb listings, and your safety and comfort come first.
When to leave and seek help
If you find evidence of a hidden camera, or if you feel unsafe for any reason, you do not have to stay. Pack your belongings and leave the rental. You can request a refund through Airbnb by explaining the safety concern. Airbnb has a policy of refunding guests who discover policy violations related to cameras or other safety issues.
Once you are in a safe location, report the incident to Airbnb and to local police if you believe a crime occurred. Do not confront the host or attempt to investigate further on your own. Let Airbnb and law enforcement handle it.
If you are in when ready danger, call 911 or your local emergency number. Your safety is the priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a flashlight to find hidden cameras?
A flashlight can help you see into dark corners and small spaces, but it will not detect infrared cameras the way your phone camera will. Use a flashlight to do the physical inspection of objects and spaces, and use your phone camera in a dark room to detect infrared light. Together, these methods cover most common camera types.
What if the host says the camera is for security but it is pointed at the bedroom?
Cameras in bedrooms are not permitted under Airbnb's policy, regardless of the reason the host gives. A camera pointed at a bed is a violation. Report it to Airbnb when ready. Do not stay in the rental if you are uncomfortable, and request a refund citing the policy violation.
Do all hidden cameras use infrared?
No. Some cameras use standard visible-light lenses and can record in daylight without infrared. This is why the phone camera method alone is not enough. You also need to do a physical inspection of the room, looking for small lenses in objects and checking for anything that seems out of place.
What if I find a camera in a common area that was not disclosed?
Take a photo, note the location, and report it to Airbnb. Even if the camera is in a common area, it must be disclosed in the listing. An undisclosed camera is a policy violation. Airbnb will investigate and may remove the listing or take action against the host.
Can I ask the host about cameras before I book?
Yes. If you have concerns about privacy, message the host before booking and ask directly whether there are any cameras in the rental and where they are located. A transparent host will answer clearly. If the host is evasive or the answer does not match the listing description, consider booking elsewhere.