What to look for when you arrive at an Airbnb
Hidden cameras in rental properties are rare, but they do happen. When you arrive at an Airbnb, spend the first 10 minutes doing a physical sweep of the bedroom and bathroom. Look for small holes in walls, mirrors, smoke detectors, clocks, or charging cables that seem out of place. A camera lens is typically a small dark circle, often shiny or reflective. Check the bathroom mirror especially — two-way mirrors are sometimes used, though they are uncommon in short-term rentals.
Pay attention to devices that seem unnecessary for the space. A motion sensor in a bedroom closet, a USB charger pointed at the bed, or a picture frame angled toward the shower are red flags. Move items slightly to see if anything is hidden behind them. Check air vents, light fixtures, and the tops of door frames. If something feels wrong about a device's placement or design, take a photo and contact Airbnb support before settling in.
Key Takeaways
- Check bedrooms and bathrooms for small dark circles in walls, mirrors, clocks, smoke detectors, and charging cables when you first arrive.
- Look for devices that seem out of place or unnecessary — motion sensors in closets, USB chargers pointed at beds, or picture frames angled toward showers warrant suspicion.
- Two-way mirrors exist but are uncommon in Airbnbs; hold your fingernail against the glass and look for a gap between your nail and its reflection as a basic test.
- Take photos of any suspicious device and contact Airbnb support when ready rather than confronting the host or leaving the property.
- Request a full refund and leave if you find evidence of a camera, and report the listing to Airbnb so the property is reviewed.
How to test a mirror for two-way glass
A two-way mirror allows someone on one side to see through while the other side appears reflective. To test a bathroom or bedroom mirror, place your fingernail directly against the glass. In a normal mirror, there is a visible gap between your nail and its reflection. In a two-way mirror, your nail and its reflection touch with no gap, because the glass is thinner and the reflective coating is on the back rather than the front.
This test is not foolproof — some two-way mirrors are made to pass it — but it catches the most common type. If the mirror fails the test, leave the property when ready and contact Airbnb. Do not confront the host. Do not stay the night. Report the listing and request a refund.
What hidden camera detection apps actually do
Phone apps that claim to detect hidden cameras work in two ways: they either look for infrared light (which some cameras emit) or they scan for wireless networks that cameras might connect to. Neither method is reliable for finding a camera that is already installed and hidden.
Infrared detection apps can sometimes spot the glow from a camera's night-vision LED, but only in a dark room and only if the camera is actively recording. A camera without infrared capability will not show up. Network-scanning apps can find connected devices on the Wifi, but a camera could be hardwired, use a separate cellular connection, or be set to record locally without broadcasting. These apps may catch something obvious, but they should not be your only check. Physical inspection is more reliable.
Where cameras are most likely to be hidden
Bathrooms and bedrooms are the primary concern because they are private spaces where guests expect no recording. Cameras in common areas like living rooms or kitchens are more likely to be disclosed by the host, though Airbnb's rules prohibit recording in any private space without explicit consent.
Within bedrooms and bathrooms, focus on areas with a direct line of sight to the bed or shower. Smoke detectors mounted on the ceiling, clocks on nightstands, and charging cables near the bed are common hiding spots because they blend in. Bathroom exhaust fans, light fixtures above the shower, and shelves with decorative items should also be checked. Look behind or under furniture if you can move it safely. The goal is to identify anything that could conceal a lens and has a view of a private area.
What Airbnb's policy says about cameras
Airbnb prohibits hidden cameras in all listings. The platform allows disclosed security cameras only in common areas like entryways, living rooms, and kitchens — never in bedrooms, bathrooms, or other private spaces. The host must clearly state in the listing description that cameras are present and specify their location. If a camera is not disclosed in the listing, it is a violation of Airbnb's terms of service.
If you find an undisclosed camera, Airbnb will remove the listing and may ban the host. You are may have access to to a full refund and can request additional compensation for the violation of your privacy. Report the camera through the Airbnb app or website under "Report a Safety Issue" rather than messaging the host directly.
Steps to take if you find a camera
Do not touch, move, or damage the camera. Do not confront the host. Do not stay in the property. Leave when ready and go to a safe location — another room in the building, a public space, or a different accommodation.
Once you are safe, open the Airbnb app and select "Report a Safety Issue" from the listing page. Upload the photo you took and describe the location and type of device. Airbnb's safety team will review the report within 24 hours. Request a full refund for your stay. You can also contact Airbnb support by phone or chat if you need to speak to someone when ready. After reporting to Airbnb, you may choose to report the incident to local police, though many police departments treat this as a civil matter unless the recording was used for blackmail or other criminal purposes.
What to do if you feel unsafe after finding nothing
Sometimes a guest feels uneasy about a property for reasons that are hard to pinpoint — poor locks, a host who seems intrusive, or a layout that feels exposed. If you have checked thoroughly and found no camera but still do not feel safe, you can leave and request a refund. Airbnb allows cancellations for safety concerns even after you have arrived.
Contact Airbnb support and explain that you do not feel safe in the property. You do not need to prove a camera exists to get a refund for a safety issue. Be specific about what made you uncomfortable — a broken lock, windows without curtains, a host who entered without permission, or poor lighting. Airbnb will often refund your stay if you report a legitimate safety problem within a few hours of arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone's camera to detect infrared from a hidden camera?
Most smartphone cameras can see infrared light that human eyes cannot. Point your phone's camera around the room in the dark and look for small red or purple dots on the screen — these may indicate infrared LEDs from a camera. This method catches some cameras but not all, especially if the camera uses no infrared or is hardwired. Use it as one check among several, not as your only method.
What if the host says the camera is for security but it is pointed at the bed?
Airbnb's rules do not allow cameras in bedrooms under any circumstances, even if the host claims it is for security. A camera pointed at a bed is a violation regardless of the host's reason. Report it as a safety issue and request a refund. Do not stay in the property.
Is it legal for me to disable or cover a camera I find?
Disabling or destroying property, even a camera you believe is illegal, can expose you to liability. Leave the property and report it to Airbnb instead. Let Airbnb and law enforcement handle the camera. Your safety and legal protection matter more than confronting the host.
How common are hidden cameras in Airbnbs?
Hidden cameras are not common in Airbnb listings. Airbnb removes listings when cameras are found and bans hosts who install them. Millions of stays happen without incident. That said, the risk is real enough that a quick check when you arrive is worth the 10 minutes it takes.
What if I find a camera after I have already left?
You can still report it. Contact Airbnb support with your booking number and explain what you found. If you have a photo or video, include it. Airbnb will investigate and may refund your stay even if you have already checked out. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove, so report it as soon as you realize what you saw.