Creepy spy cameras hidden in your Airbnb are unfortunately not an urban myth. from couples from texas and California finding voyeur camera networks at international incidents in destinations in Ireland towards Malasiatourists looking for a quiet getaway they discovered illegal cameras.

But you don’t have to let hidden cameras like these ruin your vacation vibes. Airbnb rooms like these are easy to report to the company to get an easy refund and move to a nearby stay — if you can find them. Using our tips below, all you need is a few minutes with your smartphone when you first arrive. Here’s what needs to be done.

1. Check your local Wi-Fi network

Most Airbnbs offer some sort of Wi-Fi for guests. Connect to it and go into your settings to view your Wi-Fi network and see if you can find all connected devices. Use the provided passwords or the built-in login and router app to search for a section about connected or attached devices. Or if these options aren’t available, you can try a third-party app like Wireless Network Watcher. (Note to technicians, the arp – a the command line won’t work here because it only displays your computer’s cache of connected device information, and the Airbnb owner probably didn’t leave his laptop behind.)

Now look for any unexpected online device that doesn’t match any technology in your home. You might think that voyeurs would avoid connecting their hidden cameras to local Wi-Fi networks, but that’s giving them too much credit. Watch for surprise devices online and see if you can find them or say what they are.

2. Show Bluetooth

If the cameras are not connected to Wi-Fi, you can still pick them up with Bluetooth. Simply set your Bluetooth to pairing mode and see what devices it can pick up. Ignore TVs and smart home technology and focus on mystery devices you can’t otherwise identify.

If these devices have strange names, look them up to see if they are a camera product number or similar identifier. Give Bluetooth a few minutes to pick up all available devices and go from room to room with your phone to see if there are any surprises.

3. Make a pass with a flashlight

Even the fiercest camera needs a lens to view from, and where there’s a lens there can be a reflection (as well as LED indicator lights). So, one of the most effective ways to search for hidden cameras is to turn off all the lights in a room, turn on the flashlight mode on your phone, and do a careful sweep. Watch for any unexpected sparkles or flashes of light in odd places that could be a small camera lens. It sounds a little strange, but this old-fashioned method of spotting cameras is still one of the most effective.

To save a lot of time and patience on this step, focus on the rooms where there are more likely to be spy cameras, basically any room where you would take your clothes off. Look for points and angles that provide a high and wide field of view – there’s a reason smoke detectors are such a popular hiding place. Other popular places include plants, books and lamps.

4. Scan for infrared eyes

Many cameras use infrared/IR connections for simple controls, especially if they are not on a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. It’s the same type of connection that old-fashioned TV remotes use. Human eyes can’t see infrared light, but the front camera on many smartphones doesn’t have an infrared filter, or at least it’s not perfect.

That means you can use your phone’s camera in a dark room to scan the area, then review the footage to see if you can spot unexpected spots of whitish light that could mean a device is hiding somewhere.

5. Use a camera watch app

Lots of apps can help you with the above steps. They’re far from perfect, but they might save you some time if you’re serious about scanning your Airbnb. It tries to detect unexpected magnetic fields nearby. This and This try to detect reflections automatically when scanning a camera. It combines several options.

These apps are usually free or cheap, but we suggest you don’t rely entirely on them when your own unaided eye can do so well.

6. Inspect the vents

People have found hidden cameras in all sorts of places, but we suggest getting close to any wall vents. Vents can often hide the signs of an infrared light or reflection unless you are at the right angle. So, along with smoke detectors, put these vents at the top of your list if you’re concerned.

7. Take out an infrared scanner

If you’re particularly concerned about hidden cameras and don’t mind investing a few dollars, an infrared or thermal scanner is one of the best options. These scanners work by detecting heat signatures at close range, and more affordable, consumer-friendly versions cost between $150 and $200.

These sensors can detect the small signs of heat produced by hidden cameras. You can use them close to walls, mirrors, shelves, and anywhere you want a close scan to track down unexpected electronics. It’s more time-consuming than our other methods, but nothing else offers such a complete look.

Bonus tip: Be careful about connecting your devices

Finally, watch out for chargers, ports, or charging stations included with Airbnb. They are usually harmless and included for convenience, but sometimes they can host malware that could infiltrate your phone or laptop. The last thing you want is a virus taking over your camera or holding your files hostage.

When using an Airbnb, stay with own travel chargers whenever possible and plug directly into sockets when available.

OK, what about security cameras outside of Airbnb?

Currently, Airbnb only bans indoor cameras on participating properties. So having an outdoor security camera or video doorbell is still entirely legal and a common choice for Airbnb owners concerned about illegal house parties or uninvited strangers. There is nothing you can do about the presence of these external cameras. You can complain that they make you uncomfortable, but they probably aren’t going anywhere. However, be careful if any exterior cameras are pointed at windows so they can see inside, which is a legal issue, just like an indoor spy camera.

Since you’re done, now is the perfect time to review the places to never install your own home security cameraTHE the best places to put a security cameraand whether it is legal to record video or audio in your own home.