FAQ

SpySense combines three independent detection methods in a single tool. AI camera scan uses computer vision to analyse surfaces in your phone’s camera feed in real time, flagging reflective characteristics and pinhole geometry typical of hidden camera lenses. Infrared detection uses your phone’s front-facing camera to detect the near-infrared emission produced by night-vision cameras in low-light mode. Magnetic field sweep uses the magnetometer to detect electromagnetic signatures of recording devices, microphones, and trackers hidden in walls, furniture, or vehicles.

No single method catches every camera type — that’s why SpySense layers all three.

A camera recording to an SD card emits no Wi-Fi signal, no radio frequency, and no infrared light during daylight operation. No scanning app that relies only on electronic signal detection can find it. SpySense’s AI camera scan can still detect the physical lens if it has line-of-sight to the surface, and the magnetic field sweep may detect the device’s electronics.

For cameras completely hidden behind a surface with no visible lens, SpySense’s in-app guide covers the flashlight sweep technique and physical inspection sequence that real-world cases show is required.

Your phone’s front-facing camera typically lacks the IR-cut filter installed on the rear camera. SpySense uses this to detect near-infrared emission from night-vision cameras operating in low-light mode. IR sources appear as bright white or purple-white points on the screen that do not correspond to any visible light in the room.

For best results, darken the room as much as possible before running an IR sweep. The feature works on most iPhone models — the app will tell you if your device is not compatible.

We’re transparent about limits. SpySense cannot detect a pinhole lens fully embedded behind a partition with no surface hardware and no electronic emission. It also cannot guarantee detection of cameras that are powered off, have no wireless connection, and have no line-of-sight lens access.

Every detection mode in SpySense comes with plain-language documentation of what it catches and what it misses. We never let a clean scan result imply a clean room if the scan method wouldn’t catch the most common camera format in documented cases.

SpySense is tested against actual consumer hidden cameras in a dedicated lab — not simulated signals. In independent lab testing (May 2026), SpySense achieved an IR detection accuracy of 9.2 out of 10. Our accuracy numbers, with full methodology, are published on the Review page so you can assess them independently.

Yes — this is one of the most common use cases. In short-term rentals and hotels the threat range extends to smoke detectors, alarm clocks, USB chargers, and picture frames at a distance. SpySense’s RF scanning and wider AI sweep are specifically tuned for these environments, alongside physical inspection guidance.

In fitting rooms and public bathrooms the highest-risk placements are hook-style cameras, items left in the cubicle, and pinhole lenses in partition gaps. The 30-second IR sweep and flashlight lens technique address these directly. SpySense’s in-app guide includes a step-by-step check sequence for these environments.

Yes. In vehicles the primary concern is magnetic trackers and AirTags rather than optical cameras. SpySense’s magnetometer sweep and Bluetooth tracker scan are designed for this scenario and will flag these devices.

No. SpySense is 100% offline-first. No data leaves your phone — AI lens detection, IR analysis, magnetometer sweep, all of it runs entirely on-device. No account required, no upload, no telemetry. We believe a privacy tool that requires a data connection to function is making a poor argument for itself.

No. You can download and start scanning immediately — no account, no sign-up, no credit card. This applies to the free plan in full.

Core scanning — AI camera detection, infrared sweep, and Bluetooth tracker scan — is completely free, with no account required. The free plan includes five full scans per day across all detection modes.

SpySense Premium costs $29.99/year and includes a 3-day free trial. It removes the daily scan limit, adds full Wi-Fi network auditing, unlocks scan history, and improves detection accuracy thresholds. A weekly option is also available at $4.99/week for users who want access without an annual commitment.

All subscriptions renew automatically and can be cancelled at any time through your App Store account settings. Go to Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions on your iPhone, find SpySense, and tap Cancel Subscription. You’ll retain Premium access until the end of your current billing period.

SpySense is a hidden camera detector built for iPhone. It requires access to the device camera, front-facing camera (for IR detection), and magnetometer. The app will indicate if any specific detection mode is not available on your device model.

SpySense is currently available for iPhone only. For updates on Android availability, follow us on our blog or contact hello@hiddencameradetector.org.

Use the feedback option inside the SpySense app — it routes directly to the product team. For general enquiries, partnership requests, or press, contact us at hello@hiddencameradetector.org.

Our detection accuracy methodology is published on the Review page and updated with each new version of the app. If you have questions about the figures, you can also reach us at hello@hiddencameradetector.org.