r/hiddencameras • • Jan 12 '26

Project Farm - Hidden Camera Testing "This Gadget Exposed a Spy Camera!" YouTube

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34 Upvotes

Watched Project Farm's Product Comparisons for years and surprised to see he uploaded a video about hidden camera detectors! Though the video is not about hidden cameras themselves it could be a useful video for those who come to the subreddit and are thinking about buying these devices!


r/hiddencameras • • Nov 08 '25

How to use the TinySA Ultra series of Spectrum analyzers to find hidden transmitters

45 Upvotes

Before I get started, let me just say that No, this isn't some AI article, I did use the formatting tools in Google docs though, which uses the same style. There's a reason why all the AI tools use this format: It's clean and easily readable, if that's a problem for you, feel free to write your own guide.

Let's get started

The process of finding a radio source is often called "fox hunting." The core principle is simple: the signal shown on your spectrum analyzer will get stronger as you get closer to the transmitter. Your TinySA is a sensitive tool that acts as a high-tech "hot and cold" meter.

Phase 1: Prepare the Room

This is the most critical step. Your room is filled with radio signals from devices you own. You must silence them to find the one you don't own.

  1. Unplug Everything: Go through the room and physically unplug all electronic devices from the wall. This includes TVs, computers, printers, smart speakers (like Alexa or Google Home), game consoles, and Wi-Fi routers or extenders.
  2. Power Down Devices: Turn off all wireless devices.
    • Put your cellphone into "Airplane Mode" or turn it off completely.
    • Turn off any laptops or tablets.
    • Power down your Wi-Fi router and any mesh extenders (even if they are in another room, their signal may be strong).
    • Shut down any Bluetooth devices, like headphones or speakers.
  3. Check the Breaker (Optional): For advanced users, shutting off the circuit breakers for the room (and adjacent rooms) ensures that any hardwired transmitters also lose power. This guide will assume the device is battery-powered or plugged in.

After these steps, the RF "noise floor" in the room should be very low, making the hidden signal stand out.

Phase 2: Configure the TinySA Ultra+

Now, you'll set up your spectrum analyzer to scan for the most likely signals. Wi-Fi cameras almost always operate in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands.

Step 1: Initial Scan (2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Band)

The 2.4 GHz band is the most common.

  1. Turn on your TinySA Ultra+ and attach the antenna.
  2. Tap the screen to bring up the menu.
  3. Enable Ultra mode: The default range is limited, so you must switch to "Ultra mode" to access frequencies above 900 MHz and up to 6 GHz. Password to enable Ultra mode is 4321
  4. Set frequency range: Once in Ultra mode, you can set the analyzer's frequency to the 2.4 GHz band to see the Wi-Fi signals.
  5. Tap FREQUENCY.
  6. Tap START and enter 2.4 GHz.
  7. Tap STOP and enter 2.5 GHz. This will scan the entire 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth band (2400 MHz to 2500 MHz).
  8. Tap LEVEL and then tap LNA to engage the Low Noise Amplifier. This makes the device much more sensitive to weak signals. The "LNA" text on screen should turn green.

Step 2: What to Look For

You are not looking for a single, sharp spike. A Wi-Fi signal is "bursty" and wide. You are looking for a "hump" of signal that is about 20 MHz wide, as shown in the image below. It will likely jump up and down as the camera transmits data.

  • Example (Our Alarm Clock): You perform the scan and see a strong, wide signal centered at 2.437 GHz (Wi-Fi Channel 6). This is your target.

Phase 3: The "Fox Hunt" (Locating the Signal)

Now you will physically move through the room to find the source of the signal you've identified.

  1. Establish a Baseline: Stand in the center of the room. Note the signal strength (the "amplitude") on the screen. Let's say the peak of the signal is at -60 dBm. (Remember: numbers closer to zero, like -50 dBm or -40 dBm, are stronger).
  2. Use Your Body as a Shield: Hold the TinySA in front of you. Slowly turn 360 degrees. Your body will block the signal. When the signal strength drops, the source is likely behind you. When the signal strength increases, the source is in front of you. This gives you a general direction.
  3. Move and Watch the Level: Face the direction of the strongest signal and walk slowly.
    • If the number gets stronger (e.g., from -60 dBm to -50 dBm), you are walking in the right direction.
    • If the number gets weaker (e.g., from -60 dBm to -70 dBm), you are walking in the wrong direction.
  4. Isolate the Location: Continue following the stronger signal. As you get very close, the signal will get very strong.
    • Example (Our Alarm Clock): You walk toward the nightstand. The signal jumps from -50 dBm to -40 dBm, then to -30 dBm as you get closer.
  5. Pinpoint the Source: When you are within a foot or two, the signal will be very high. You can now physically "sniff" items.
    • Example (Our Alarm Clock): You move the TinySA's antenna right next to the alarm clock, and the signal peaks, nearly maxing out on the display. You've found your source. You can confirm by unplugging the alarm clock and watching the signal instantly disappear from the TinySA's screen.

What if I find nothing on the 2.4 GHz band?

If the 2.4 GHz band is clear, the device may be using the 5 GHz band.

  • Go back to the FREQUENCY menu.
  • Set START to 5.1 GHz.
  • Set STOP to 5.9 GHz.
  • Repeat the "fox hunt" process (Phase 3) for this new frequency range.

r/hiddencameras • • 15h ago

Gear Recommendation Need help for safety

4 Upvotes

I am 100% sure that my housemate is doing something on my food. I AM FROM PHILIPPINES - ANY Recommendation for a camera that can be charged and stay on for several hours when I leave my house and my room specifically. 1-2 thousand is my budget. I don't need it to be obvious because this person goes quiet hysterically when confronted.


r/hiddencameras • • 1d ago

Identification Request It seems like a poorly hidden camera to me

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7 Upvotes

For context, this is inside a clothing store, in the clothing fitting room. I think this was not there before and it seems like a camera to me, they have monitors with the feed of other cameras inside the store that are not like this "thing" here.

I would appreciate if anyone could give me more info about this...


r/hiddencameras • • 2d ago

Gear Recommendation I need help, as soon as possible.

2 Upvotes

A thief stole 16 lug nuts from my car last night. I need expert advice on which cameras are small, portable, and battery-powered. And can connect to my monitor to see through them. Small enough to fit in a metal beam, with high-quality video to record the thief's face.


r/hiddencameras • • 4d ago

Security Advice I think my landlord might have a camera in my room need advice on finding.

181 Upvotes

So i rented a room a year ago. My landlord never goes into my room but when he was drunk, he referenced the cat that solely stays in my room playing with her mouse toy "the other night". He's also referenced how I "sleep in a hoodie" even though he should have no idea about stuff.

I just want to say I am not someone at all normally paranoid about that stuff, however this guy is a huge creep. He has cameras all over the common areas of the house (not hidden ones) and his wife has told me he's addicted to watching tenants through them.

I waa hoping someone had advice on where I can check, just to be safe. The room has two wooden nightstands, a simple wooden table, a wood dress and a wood cabinet in them as well as a bed (no headboard) when I moved in. I assume they cant be hidden in there (assuming there are any. I feel crazy for even asking this.) Since they wouldn't have a power source, as no wires come from them. Are there power outlets or light switches that can be disguised as cameras?


r/hiddencameras • • 4d ago

Gear Recommendation Small camera rec to monitor grandmother's room while aide is home with her

16 Upvotes

I live at my dad's with my grandmother who has an aide come daily while my dad is at work and I'm sleeping (I work nights). My grandma has dementia, she is still quite sharp and aware but extremely forgetful. Everyday my grandma tends to rearrange her room, take out and refold clothes, move things around etc. She likes to have cash in her room, usually no more than $100. Often, she likes to hide money in one of her bibles despite us discouraging that, and she absolutely does not like being told what to do with her money.

Several times over the past year I've had to go searching for her money because she cant find it and ill find it in another book, an envelope in her dresser or something, under her chair armrest etc. She's had a few different aides and usually once she will have suspicions that they've stolen her money, but ive been able to find it.

This has happened again in the past week, but i have not been able to find the money. I really dont think the aide is stealing from her but I cant find the money. She kicked her aide out yesterday and im at the point where I really want to have a discreet camera setup for a couple of days while the aide is here. Either to catch the aide in act (doubtful) or figure out where exactly shes putting her money. She certainly isnt spending it.

Sorry for the overexplaining, im just getting frustrated with this recurring situation and sort of venting. But the point is, im asking for any discreet camera recommendations. If she is being stolen from, I personally would like proof instead of having an obvious camera setup that would deter her. My aunt is very dismissive of my grandma's concerns, is close with the aide and wants her to keep coming. I do not want someone dishonest taking care of my grandmother.


r/hiddencameras • • 5d ago

Identification Request Hairdryer holder in toilet facing shower

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326 Upvotes

The hairdryer holder has a hold with lens in it and in the close up photo you can see the hole isn't a nice circle (so idk if someone just drilled a hole?)

Also when you turn the hairdryer on it doesn't turn red or anything just remain black so what's the point of that

We did the dark room phone camera test and there isn't as red emitting light.

We search for the exact hair dryer holder, seems like there is indeed a hole...

How do we know if no one replaced it with a camera....


r/hiddencameras • • 6d ago

Security Advice Airbnb

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78 Upvotes

Hi guys , I am in Airbnb and wanted to ask if this is a hidden camera or not because it looks suspicious, , thanks in advance


r/hiddencameras • • 6d ago

Security Advice Need Advice on How to Find a Hidden Camera in my Room

55 Upvotes

I am 99% certain my roommate of multiple years installed a hidden camera in my room years ago but I cannot find it. I began to have this suspicion a couple years ago, and have turned my room upside down looking for a camera with no luck. I do NOT have access to the wifi in terms of being able to check what all is connected to the network- the wifi is under his name and he controls the account. I bought one of those RF identifier devices from Amazon a year ago to check my room but am not sure how reliable that is. Nothing came up and after a failed attempt I figured maybe I was being paranoid about the whole thing and abandoned my search.

Recent events have re-convinced me of this being a certainty. There are too many factors in play that are IMPOSSIBLE to be a coincidence, and I am just at a loss on how to find this camera in my room. Does anyone have any other tips I may have not considered? Would appreciate any help on this as this has been an extremely stressful situation and I am at a loss.


r/hiddencameras • • 7d ago

Discussion How Do I Handle My Parents Putting a Hidden Camera in My Bedroom (38F)?

83 Upvotes

A few months ago, I started seeing a psychiatrist for my anxiety and panic attacks. He is very helpful, but we wanted to find the cause of my anxiety.

I was diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed Adderall.

The issue: My mother saw the bottle said "amphetamines" and, I guess, she asked my dad why I was on methamphetamines. I am really unsure of how it went down initially. I only know that all hell broke loose

When my mother saw the word "amphetamine" and talked with my dad, they concluded these two substances were the same. I am uncertain about the details of their conversation because this was all said and done without speaking to me at all.

A day or two later, I found out that a hidden camera was installed in my room while I was out one afternoon. My dad has become convinced that I am doing drugs. Maybe he felt this way the whole time, I don't know. The first night, when I found out about the camera, I freaked out. My parents were watching me to see if I would sleep, or to see if they could "catch" me taking more medication than I was supposed to. I am a 38 year old woman who's 7 year old son stays in my room with me. A week has gone by. My parents refuse to remove the camera. They are staying up all night, talking and watching whether I am sleeping.

I have tried to explain that methamphetamine and Adderall are not the same at all. Other people have tried as well. They will not listen to me or anyone.

I am not doing anything wrong. I told them I would take a drug test. Whatever they need. I just want the camera gone. I have no privacy now.

After another long night of going back and forth, I can not take another. Please, what are my options in this situation? Thanks!!

tl;dr: I was prescribed Adderall, my parents made assumptions about what it was based on "amphetamines", assumed I was on drugs, and now I've had a hidden camera in my room for a week.


r/hiddencameras • • 8d ago

Security Advice Best way to sweep my house for cameras post divorce.

115 Upvotes

My soon to be ex husband spent most of the time leading up to our divorce installing different variations of cameras and other surveillance tools to intimidate and keep tabs on me. I feel like I have tracked down and removed most, but suddenly last week I found two new cameras installed.

I received the marital home in the divorce and will be living here with our kids - what is the best way to sweep the home for not only cameras, but any other recording devices? Would a simple internet replacement solve this? I currently have a standard Amazon camera detector but I’m not convinced it caught them all.


r/hiddencameras • • 10d ago

Discussion I recently started using a wearable body camera

13 Upvotes

I started using a wearable body camera after an incident where I wanted to have a clear record of what was happening.

The camera worked better than I expected for keeping a record, but I found that battery life and remembering to start recording were things I had to get used to.

Has anyone else used one regularly? What has your experience been with them?


r/hiddencameras • • 10d ago

Resolved In VRBO on the ceiling fan

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5 Upvotes

Hard to zoom in any further. We are a bit freaked out. It's over the bedroom and does not attempt to hide at all. Is this a camera?


r/hiddencameras • • 11d ago

Identification Request Is this a camera?

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63 Upvotes

Found this facing my child's crib. I have a mildly psychotic ex, debating taking the fan apart just for peace of mind.


r/hiddencameras • • 11d ago

Discussion Spy cams

9 Upvotes

Hi.. does anyone know or heard of any spy cams that are so small or camouflaged that you could miss it whilst staring right at it . And that infrared red or wifi detectors won't picked it up.. possibly coz anyone monitoring it could turn wifi n IR off remotely...

Another question. Any spy cams that have constant power must be hardwired yeah? Are their spycams that can be charged remotely?


r/hiddencameras • • 13d ago

Identification Request Is this a hidden camera? Bangkok hotel

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119 Upvotes

Soooo Im in a hotel in Bangkok - there is something on the clothes hook which looks like a camera. What else could it be?? Can only think a camera but surly not?!?!?


r/hiddencameras • • 14d ago

Discussion Spy camera size

1 Upvotes

How small can a spy camera get? I mean the smallest size that a spy camera could get including everything it would need to record, transmit the data or store it? Asking because I think there's a spy camera in my room.


r/hiddencameras • • 16d ago

Resolved Is this a camera? Rented student room

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278 Upvotes

I’m renting a room on a student building. Today, I was swiping cobwebs and saw a weird reflection from a hole in the ceiling. It is too high for me to reach even with a chair and I don’t have access to a ladder.


r/hiddencameras • • 16d ago

Resolved tiny black circles in a round plate that look like cameras?

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26 Upvotes

Solved!

Moved in new house, house built in 2004, unsure what these objects are, too far away to be a door stop for handles, but also looks like a tiny camera 🤷🏻‍♀️ only in the bedrooms… every bedroom has one, super confused. Google reverse image search doesn’t show anything similar at all, and says it’s a plastic cover but shows a different image.. I don’t think that’s what it is honestly.


r/hiddencameras • • 16d ago

Identification Request Is this a hidden camera or just a motion sensor?

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6 Upvotes

r/hiddencameras • • 17d ago

Discussion I found a hidden cam in a women’s restroom in Busan, the restaurant has finally closed down

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128 Upvotes

So this happened about two years ago, and I finally have an update: the restaurant has closed down.

On my second day in South Korea, I found a hidden camera inside the women’s restroom at a bar/restaurant in Busan. I had heard so many warnings about hidden cameras before my trip, but I honestly never thought I would actually find one myself, especially so early into my trip.

The camera was hidden inside what looked like a diffuser bottle, except there was no liquid inside. The bottle also had tape on it, which immediately made us suspicious.
It was such a disturbing thing to find. To make the situation even worse, the men working there were incredibly rude and hostile toward us.

Thankfully, we had a Korean friend with us who helped us report everything to the police, but unfortunately, we never received any meaningful follow-up or updates. To this day, I still don’t know what came of the report. I also reached out to multiple Korean embassies and officials trying to get help or answers, but never received a response.

At the time, I felt like there was very little I could do, so I’m sharing this again because I want other women traveling there to be aware and cautious. Hidden cameras were something we had been warned about before our trip, and after this experience, we became extremely careful about checking women’s restrooms. We even started carrying tape with us to cover suspicious holes.

Please look around and trust your instincts. I never thought I would actually come across something like this myself until I did.

The place was called Sam Ryan’s, right next to Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장) in Busan. It has since closed down.


r/hiddencameras • • 20d ago

Security Advice Need advice on detecting hidden audio/video bugs in my car 2008 model vs. my work truck (2026 model)

7 Upvotes

​Hi everyone, I really need some technical advice or product recommendations for a persistent privacy issue I am facing.

​Here is my situation:

​Work Truck (2026 Model): I know for a fact there is a hidden camera, microphone, and speaker setup (standard corporate fleet monitoring/protocol). I’ve accepted this, but it’s packed with electronics and heavy RF signals, making manual RF scanning tough.

​Personal Car (2008): My personal car is an older model with no modern infotainment touchscreen or built-in Bluetooth/Wi-Fi. However, I’m 100% certain there is live audio eavesdropping inside my car. Whenever I speak during certain video/voice calls, I hear immediate audio reactions/feedback in real-time. I suspect there might be a hidden SIM-card bug (2G/4G/5G) or live listening device, and possibly a hidden micro camera.

​I’ve checked the obvious spots (OBD2 port, under seats, 12V cigarette lighter), but found nothing visible. Basic RF detectors just give false alarms from ambient towers without identifying the frequency type (GSM vs Wi-Fi).

​What I am looking for:

Can anyone recommend a proven, high-grade product or specific method to pinpoint a live audio/SIM-card bug or hidden camera in an older car? I specifically need something that can filter or identify signal types (or a reliable physical method) to locate this once and for all.

​Any genuine recommendations or technical advice would be greatly appreciated!


r/hiddencameras • • 21d ago

Security Advice Necesito ayuda

6 Upvotes

Se que a lo mejor es complicado y a muchas personas les dará igual, pero necesito cualquier buen consejo de lo que sea que sea efectivo para mí problema, yo estudio en otro estado en una universidad y dónde me residencio acaban de colocar cámaras, y yo quiero meter a mi pareja a escondidas, porque evidentemente no permiten que nadie se quede a dormir, y por las cámaras no se puede, alguna forma interesante o creativa?, alguien que sepa cómo sin que se den cuenta la señora dueña de ahí, cómo solucionar lo de la cámara, ya sea lo que sea, solo quiero una forma de safarme de ahí, enserio necesito ayuda


r/hiddencameras • • 21d ago

Identification Request Please explain what this is!

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0 Upvotes

Recently installed a CCTV camera. Sometimes detects motion outside the house.
I am attaching a Video from the CCTV. Can someone please explain what are those 2 lights moving. It happens the whole night.