How to Scan Wi-Fi Networks for Hidden Cameras the Easy Way

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We’re going to take a look at how to scan Wi-Fi networks for Hidden Cameras and other devices that shouldn’t be connected. You’ll learn methods and tricks to keep you ahead of the game and keep your privacy intact.

These days, it’s getting harder and harder to protect your privacy. It’s these small bites of knowledge that can give you the power to take control back.

We’ll show you how it’s all done in a simple and easy-to-follow way, without all the technical stuff. You’ll be able to get started right away.

Let’s jump into the guide!

How to Scan Wi-Fi Networks for Hidden Cameras the Right Way

We’re going to cover the different methods for detecting these hidden camera signals. They can often piggyback your Wi-Fi network, or use their own dedicated Wi-Fi.

We’ll show you how to scan with your phone, how to use apps for a simpler experience, and the different types of hidden camera/listening devices.

By the end of the guide, you’ll have a solid working knowledge of how this all works and what your next steps will be.

Let’s get started!

How to Detect Hidden Cameras with Mobile Phones

Since you’ll almost always have your phone handy, it’ll be super convenient to use it to quickly scan the room you’re in for cameras or listening devices.

This method is very user-friendly and free to get started with. You’ll need to download and detect a hidden camera app called “Hidden Camera Detector”. To do this, open Play Store and search for it.

Click on the app and select install. Allow the app all the access rights it requests and open it up.

You’ll see a title called “Futureapps” and four options below it. You can ignore the bottom option unless you’re feeling generous and want to donate and support the developers for their app.

The first option is called “Detect Camera by Radiation Meter” and it works by picking up radio frequencies, radiation, and signals found in phones, wireless hidden cameras, and listening devices.

Click on this option and you’ll be taken to a new screen with a green/blue circle with a number in the center. Here’s what you need to do next:

Start at any point in the room and move the phone around the area to scan for the signals
The phone needs to get pretty close to detect the signal, so move it up and down as you scan the room in a clockwise direction
Be sure to focus on any spot you think is likely to hide a camera or listening device such as:
- Mantle pieces
- Bookcases
- Pot plants and ornaments
- TV stands
- Pictures and paintings
- Tables and chairs
- Lights and other mounted fixtures
Pay attention to the meter and slow down when the number starts to get higher or you hear any beeping noises
Do a full sweep of the room before moving on to the next one

Now move on to the second option, “Detect infrared camera”. You’ll use this one for detecting cameras with infrared sensors.

It works by using your phone’s camera to pick up infrared radiation and show it as white light. Here’s what you need to do:

Select the option
Turn the light in room one and look around
Now, turn off the light and look around the room again
Pay attention to any white lights that show up on the camera, but that you can’t see with your naked eye
This is your phone’s camera detecting the infrared output of a hidden camera
Go and inspect the area with the white light very thoroughly to find the camera

The third option “Tips and Tricks” will teach you a little about where to look for these hidden devices, and what to look for. It’s quite basic, but pretty handy if you’re just getting started.

How to Do an NMap Scan for Hidden Cameras

NMap is software that’s used for scanning Wi-Fi networks and their open ports, known devices, and much more. This is one of the best-hidden camera detector applications and can give you practical and accurate information.

Luckily, it’s not too technical to use and while it’s mainly used by IT professionals, you can use it to do a basic scan of your home Wi-Fi (if you have access).

Here are the steps you need to follow:

Visit NMap’s website and download the software to your PC
Open the installer and follow the instructions to install Nmap
Once it’s installed, find the shortcut on your desktop and run the application
If this isn’t your Wi-Fi network at your home, you might need permission from the rental or landowner as some ISP’s block port scanning

Once you’ve reached this point, you’ll be ready to move on to the slightly more technical parts of the scan. Follow these instructions:

First, you’ll need your IP address
If you don’t know it, head over to WhatIsMyIP.com and write down your public IP address
With Zenmap (the application we just downloaded) open, carefully type your IP address into the “Target” field
We suggest you go with a full scan of your network (intense scan)
Click “Scan”

NMap will carry out the scan and you just need to wait until it’s done. Don’t get freaked out by the lines of complex codes, you don’t need to remember anything.

At the top of the window with all the lines of codes, you’ll see a few tabs. Next to the currently selected “NMap Output” tab, you’ll see a “Ports/Hosts” tab. Click on it.

This will be the quickest and easiest way to see if there’s any kind of IP security or hidden camera connected to your network (or rental network).

Browse through the list of connected devices while paying attention to the “Version” column. Look for any words that relate to “Camera”, “IP Camera”, “Cam”, and so forth.

If you find anything, record its information and contact your ISP provider, rental owner, etc. You need to deal with it as soon as possible.

How to Detect Hidden Cameras and Listening Devices Manually

You need to remember that manually searching is time-consuming when you do it right. You’ll need to thoroughly search each room methodically and accurately.

Here are some general tips to get you started:

Learn about the different types of listening devices, hidden cameras, bugs, etc. Learn how they look and where they’re commonly hidden
Get a good flashlight that lights and can illuminate hard-to-reach spots
Make a mental note of all the possible hiding spots for cameras and listening devices

When you’re making a manual sweep, be slow and thorough. It’s better to gradually move through your house one room at a time.

Find a starting point in the room and start sweeping through it in a clockwise direction. Be sure to look high and low (basically everywhere).

If you’re doubtful of a spot, mark it and come back with the detection tools we’ve looked at in this guide.

It’s always a good idea to start with a manual sweep and then move on to other methods.

Final Thoughts

You should feel comfortable doing a thorough sweep of your house and scanning the networks. We’ve given you practical and useful steps to follow.

All that’s left is to put what you’ve learned on how to scan Wi-Fi networks for hidden cameras and get some practice – you’ll get better with a little experience! Good luck!

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Alex Parker

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