Smart People Unplug the TV When Checking into a Hotel – Here’s Why You Should Too

When traveling for business or leisure, staying in a hotel or guesthouse is a common practice. However, being in an unfamiliar place requires extra caution to ensure safety and privacy.

To protect yourself, it is recommended that you unplug the TV immediately upon checking into a hotel and thoroughly inspect the room and its devices.

Why Should You Unplug the TV?

Most reputable hotels do not intentionally install hidden cameras in guest rooms. However, criminals may rent rooms and secretly install hidden recording devices to spy on other guests for illicit purposes.

Therefore, performing a thorough room inspection upon arrival is essential.

TVs Are a Common Hiding Spot for Spy Cameras

Most people check around the room for anything suspicious, but the TV is often overlooked—even though it is one of the easiest places to conceal a hidden camera.

Cameras can be mounted on the edges of the TV or hidden inside the set-top box. Since both the TV and the set-top box use infrared signals to connect with remote controls, criminals can exploit this by disguising a hidden camera in these areas.

Additionally, TVs are usually positioned in the center of the room, facing the bed, making them an ideal location for hidden cameras to record a guest’s activities.

What Should You Do?

When you check into your room:
✅ Unplug the TV and inspect the surrounding area for anything unusual.
✅ Look closely at the edges of the TV and the set-top box for any small holes, tiny lenses, or suspicious wires.
✅ Check other areas of the room as well—cameras can be hidden anywhere, not just in the TV.

How to Detect Hidden Cameras in a Hotel Room

Since spy cameras are usually small and discreet, you should inspect other objects in the room besides the TV, such as:
-  Air conditioners
-  Lamps and alarm clocks
-  Power outlets
-  Mirrors and picture frames

To easily detect hidden cameras, follow these steps:

1. Use Your Phone’s Flashlight

-  Turn off all the lights and close the curtains to make the room as dark as possible.
-  Use your phone’s flashlight and shine it around the room, focusing on TVs, furniture, and suspicious objects.
-  If you see a tiny red dot or reflective light, it may indicate the presence of a hidden camera.

2. Use Your Phone’s Camera

-  Turn off the lights and open your phone’s camera in video recording mode.
-  Slowly move your phone around the room, pointing at potential hiding spots.
-  If a hidden camera is present, your phone may detect infrared light, appearing as a bright dot on the screen.

Final Thoughts

Unplugging the TV and checking your hotel room for hidden cameras is a simple but crucial step in ensuring your privacy and security. Stay alert and cautious whenever you check into a new place to avoid potential risks.