How to Hide a Security Camera: Best Outdoor & Indoor Ideas 2024

Want to hide security cameras in plain sight creatively without anyone’s notice? Today you will learn how to hide a camera outdoors, indoors, in a window, etc. (with pictures and videos), get bonus tips on hiding security camera wires and the DVR/NVR, and find the best hidden security cameras for outdoors and home.

Note: If you want to hide security cameras in outdoor spaces like gardens, please check out our comprehensive guide on Garden Camera Solutions for more details.

Reasons to Hide Security Cameras

Hiding security cameras has a lot of benefits, and here are top 3 of them you may consider:

• Hidden security cameras are less likely to be spotted and disabled by burglars;
• Wireless hidden outdoor security cameras will never destroy the aesthetics of your house, and the guests will be more comfortable;
• WiFi hidden security cameras for home are more effective in finding out what your nanny is really doing and gathering clues to confirm your suspicions.

And many households are using both obvious and hidden security cameras. The security cameras in plain sight are used as deterrent, and the spy security cameras are hidden nearby to capture the whole thing if the obvious ones are spotted and disabled. Moreover, you will have no legal issues with hidden security cameras in the neighborhood.

How to Hide a Camera for Home Outdoors & Indoors

So are there any diy hidden camera ideas without anyone’s suspicion? Following are several indoor and outdoor hidden camera ideas. (Check the example pictures first and get the detailed explanation later):

1. Get a Hidden Security Camera or Mini Camera

Actually, one of the best diy hidden camera ideas is to get a spy or small security camera directly. It’s definitely much easier to hide a security camera if it is small with no wire at all.

And the mini battery-powered security camera is an ideal model to hide. They are highly portable so you are free to hide the security camera anywhere outdoors and indoors to watch your front door, driveway, garage, porch or garden.

For example, a user of Reolink battery security cameras shows us how to hide the camera with a PVC pipe to watch the front door for him. This tiny wireless hidden camera with audio and night vision just blends in with the material seamlessly.

Some are inspired and creatively build a wireless hidden security camera for outdoors with the Reolink Argus 2E and solar panel:

Note: Whatever you do, try not to waste your best positioning for good images. In my opinion, hiding security camera isn't worth having to give up resolution of your car/front door/etc.

You may find many hidden security cameras out there designed into exterior lamps, alarm clocks or charge adapters, which needs you no extra effort to hide them. But attention, those CCTV cameras may disappoint you in their images and features. For example, some models mostly provide blurry 720p images with limited night vision, which is impossible to figure out the facial details or plate number when needed.

So if you are expecting hidden security cameras with higher resolution (1080p and above) night vision, Wi-Fi connection, audio, app, etc., a battery-powered security camera is the way to go.

2. Hide a Camera Under Eaves/Ceiling/Soffits

Most mini cameras are practically invisible if they are mounted under the eaves. Since the camera is small and the body cover is white, unless you really look for it, you will not see it. The hidden camera on a house from the street, like the Reolink Argus 2E, is pretty small, really. No one looks that closely. The smaller size of the security cameras, the easier it is to hide.

Here the Reolink Argus 2E user just leave it under the eaves and hardly anyone could notice from a distance. You may also dress the camera with a black skin to make it more inconspicuous.

Note: Install the security camera on a weekday if you can, when everyone else is at work. That way they aren't watching you hide the security camera like they would if it was a weekend. If you can get them in place without attracting too much attention, no one will really know.

3. Disguise Outdoor Cameras in Birdhouse

The traditional bird house is a good place to hide a security camera. The enclosed style with just a small hole in the front allows the camera to capture videos outside and offers a level of security for vandalism at the same time. Here is a custom-made Reolink Argus 2E birdhouse shared by a creative user:

Have you noticed the tiny Reolink Argus 2E in the birdhouse? Being completely wire-free, this hidden security camera fits in well with the traditional birdhouse. Or if you are interested, just build one as one of the Reolink users did. Let's also take a look at the views from this birdhouse hidden security camera:

Note: This image has been cropped and the viewing angle of this hidden security camera could reach 120° diagonally in fact. Make sure there are no obstacles blocking the cameras’ view so that the exterior hidden security camera could capture what you want.

4. Hide Security Cameras near Trees/Bushes

The branches and leaves are the one of the best outdoor hidden camera ideas.

To make the camera more hidden in plain view, you may even paint the camera to blend it into the surroundings. But please note, by doing this, you will lose the camera warranty. Let's see how our creative user Bradley do with his Reolink Argus 2E:

Could hardly spot the camera and solar panel (it is disguised as the top cover!) at the first sight, right?

Here is a video of Reolink user showing you how to hide security cameras in the wild in steps to watch animals:

Video Content:

What are the good outdoor hidden camera ideas? The video shows us how to build and hide the trail surveillance with Reolink cameras, how to run the wires, and how to monitor them through software. A good idea is to paint the mini white camera brown to make the camera more fit in with the environment.

(Jump to 2:20 to check out how the mini spy camera looks like in brown in the wild. I bet you could hardly find it at the first sight.)

Note: Reolink has released the black color version of several camera models. If you want your security camera to blend into the environment more naturally, you can buy a black camera from the beginning, as painting white Reolink cameras and changing them to other colors will make the camera warranty void.

5. Put Security Cameras Behind Glass Window

This windowsill is rather covert to hide a home security camera. Even if the camera is spotted by burglars, it is hard to be disabled – at least it takes time to do so. When burglars finally get the camera, the footage and images will have been sent to your devices already.

Attention that using a hidden security camera for home to record through windows may affect the night vision and motion detection.

6. Disguise Security Cameras Within Everyday Objects

Not a DIY enthusiastic and want to hide a home security camera with things you already have? Try these common items in your house that could help to hide a security camera inside and outside easily:

• Book shelves
• Smoke detectors
• Desk plants
• Tissue boxes
• Stuffed teddy bears
• Fake rocks
• Fake hanging potted plant

Note: It is advised to have more than one camera in place and set up a hidden security camera system.

7. Hide Security Cameras with Camouflage Skins

How to hide a camera in plain sight? Camouflage skins are the best tool to help you hide security cameras even in plain sight. You can dress your cameras with a suitable skin to make it blend in its surroundings.

For example, when you want a wireless hidden security camera for front door, just dress the camera with the white skin and place it under the eaves or ceilings. You are also free to change its skin with the black or camouflage one to make it blend into the environment. Only a really discerning eye would recognize it.

Bonus Tips for Hide A Security Camera

Sometimes hidden cameras are illegal if not installed and used properly. Here are some bonus tips on how to hide a camera creatively.

Where to Place DIY Hidden Security Camera

The latest home burglary statistics 2023 shows that over 34% of burglars enter through the front door, and other notable locations include first-floor window (23%), back doors (22%), and garages (9%). And therefore you should consider placing your hidden security cameras in these spots for enhanced security and peace of mind.

Legality of Using Hidden Camera

It is legal to hide security cameras or use a hidden security camera if you do not use them to record in areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy, like the bathroom.

Before you hide a security camera, it’s advised to speak to an attorney about the specific ways you plan to use the camera and the locations you’d like it to be installed.

Best Security Camera to Hide Outdoors & Indoors

If you want to choose a security camera that is easy to hide, you can take the following models into consideration.

Best 4K Wireless Camera to Hide Indoors

If you want to hide security cameras in indoor spaces, you can consider the Reolink Argus 3 Ultra. This compact camera can be placed in a surface without any extra installation requirements. It is totally wire-free and can be blended into any environment due to its sleek and unobtrusive design.

Whether nestled among décor or tucked away in an inconspicuous spot, this camera provides reliable 4K monitoring without drawing attention.

Best HD Security Camera to Hide Outdoors & Indoors

A right security camera will save you tons of trouble when you want to hide it. And Reolink Argus 2E is a good try if you want high quality surveillance as well as flexibility in making it invisible.

With white, black and camouflage skins, the mini spy security camera Reolink Argus 2E could easily blend in with various surroundings like your front door, backyard and indoor environment. Hard to spot the camera on the back door at the first sight, right? (It could be more convert with the black security camera skins.)

FAQs

How can I hide security camera wires outside?

Extra wires and cables can make it difficult to hide security cameras. The best way for hidden security camera wires arrangement is to get a wire-free hidden camera, which has no cables at all. And that will save your time. If your spy security camera has wires, hide the wires (BNC/power/Ethernet cables) behind objects such as trees, bushes, or furniture; or put them together in a junction box.

Is it possible to hide a security camera in a window?

The answer is yes, but you will have to compromise in its motion detection (for cameras with PIR motion sensor) and night vision function. To solve these problems, you need to get a security camera with software-based motion detection for accurate alerts and install external infrared illuminators or visible light for night vision.

Do I need to hide the DVR/NVR of my hidden camera?

Yes, if you use several PoE or analog security cameras with the DVR/NVR, you will have to hide them. There are several sneaky places to hide a security camera DVR/NVR including the attic, inside the walls, the closet, the bookshelf, the possible crawlspace, etc. You may also use a DVR/NVR locker if necessary.

And remember, most of the NVRs or DVRs on the market are not waterproof so you need to avoid the rain or other pouring water when you hide them outside.

How can you spot a hidden camera?

First, scan the room for anything out of the ordinary, especially objects that seem unnecessary or oddly placed. Look closely for small holes or lenses that might indicate a hidden camera's presence. Using a flashlight can reveal reflective surfaces that betray a camera's location. Additionally, listen for unusual sounds or check for wireless signals that could indicate a hidden camera transmitting data.

How do you block a camera from seeing you?

To dodge surveillance, try physical obstruction by hiding behind objects or structures to block the camera's view. Alternatively, use clothing or accessories to cover your face partially, and consider wearing sunglasses to obscure your identity.

Employing infrared lights to overwhelm night vision cameras or anti-surveillance clothing designed to disrupt infrared and thermal imaging can also be effective. Reflective materials can confuse cameras by bouncing light back, and privacy filters on camera lenses can distort or block captured images.

Finally, consider electronic countermeasures to interfere with camera operation or data transmission. However, always ensure compliance with legal regulations regarding surveillance evasion.
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Conclusion

Hiding security cameras is a great way to keep your home and property safe without sacrificing aesthetics. By above diy hidden camera ideas and using the right equipment, you can easily create a hidden security system that is both effective and inconspicuous. If you have other questions about how to hide a camera, share your ideas with us in the comment section below! Let's discuss them together!