Airbnb Privacy Sweep

Scan any Airbnb
in seconds.

Before you unpack, run a full privacy sweep. Bluewex finds hidden cameras, unknown trackers, and unfamiliar devices on the network.

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iOS  ·  Android  ·  Free to download

Your check-in routine

Four scans.
One minute of peace of mind.

Lens-glint camera check

Walk the room with your phone. Bluewex highlights reflections from hidden lenses tucked into smoke detectors, clocks, vents, or décor.

Optical · IR

WiFi network scan

Connect to guest WiFi, then list every device on it. Unfamiliar IP cameras or hubs stand out immediately.

mDNS · Bonjour

BLE tracker scan

Find AirTags or generic Bluetooth trackers left behind — common in short-term rentals.

BLE · RSSI

Magnetic spike detector

Sweep walls, mirrors, and furniture for powered electronics behind surfaces. Visual and haptic alerts on anomalies.

Magnetometer
Where to look

Common hiding spots

Where to point Bluewex first.

Smoke detectors

The most common placement. A pinhole lens is invisible to the naked eye from across the room. Sweep the lens-glint scanner at ceiling level.

USB wall chargers

Adapters with a lens built into the front face. Plugged into the wall, they look completely ordinary. Check any charger that isn't yours.

Clock radios and alarm clocks

Typically angled toward the bed. Common in short-term rentals worldwide. The BLE scan often picks these up before the optical scan does.

Air purifiers and fans

Large enough to hide a camera and a battery pack. Often placed near the main seating area. Sweep with the magnetic scanner.

Picture frames and décor

A lens the size of a pinhead sits flush with the frame. WiFi or Bluetooth transmits continuously.

TV boxes and cable equipment

Positioned for a natural view of the living area. Rarely questioned by guests and easy to miss during a manual check.

Know your rights

What Airbnb's rules say

Since April 30, 2024, Airbnb prohibits all indoor security cameras in any listing — disclosed or not. Outdoor cameras are allowed only if disclosed before booking, and never pointed at private or enclosed spaces.

Finding an undisclosed camera is grounds for a full refund, a rebooking at Airbnb's expense, and permanent removal of the host from the platform. Document what you find (photo + Bluewex screenshot), then contact Airbnb's Trust & Safety team and local authorities.

New to this? Our step-by-step guides cover how to find hidden cameras in an Airbnb or hotel and how to find an AirTag tracking you.

FAQ

Travel privacy, answered.

What should I scan when I arrive at an Airbnb?

Run all four scans in order: lens-glint (visual sweep with phone camera), WiFi network list, BLE tracker scan, and magnetic check on suspicious surfaces. Takes about a minute total.

Will my host see that I scanned?

No. All scans are passive and run locally on your device. The host has no way to know you ran Bluewex.

How long does a full scan take?

Roughly 30–60 seconds for the WiFi, BLE, and magnetic scans combined. The lens-glint check takes as long as you spend walking the room.

What if I find something suspicious?

Document it (photo + screenshot of Bluewex results), then contact Airbnb support and local authorities if appropriate. Listing a suspected hidden camera is a violation of Airbnb policy.

Does it need the WiFi password?

The WiFi network scan requires you to join the local network. The other three scans (lens-glint, BLE, magnetic) work offline.

What's the most common place for a hidden camera in an Airbnb?

Smoke detectors and USB wall chargers account for most reported cases. Both are inconspicuous and provide a clear sightline across a room. Start your lens-glint scan there.

Are hidden cameras in Airbnbs illegal?

In most countries, yes — particularly in bedrooms and bathrooms. Even where recording guests might be technically permissible under disclosure rules, placing a camera in a bathroom or bedroom is a criminal offense almost everywhere.

How do I report a hidden camera found in an Airbnb?

Document it without moving it (photo + Bluewex screenshot). Contact Airbnb's Trust & Safety team directly through the app and file a report with local police — camera evidence is time-sensitive.

Trust the room.
Verify first.

Free to download. Sweep any stay in under a minute.

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iOS  ·  Android