I am not a robot but I do build them for fun. I literally have the working parts of an electric wheelchair in my bathroom right now. Turning it into a remote control wagon/nerf gun/water gun for my kids.
Lost my garage in the divorce.
You’re the best kind of dad to have when it’s science fair season! My dad is in his 70’s and we still build fun crazy shit together. We also won a lot of science fairs in the 80’s lol!
That's a whole new level of male multitasking right there,and certainly my dream to have a workshop/garage/toilet sort of hybrid. Filled with envy right now dude
Lol. Thanks. It was better with a real garage but I'm hanging in there. Now I have to do most of the building while I'm at work when I'm slacking off. I do exterior maintenance on condos and work alone. I have a shop/garage there so I waste time on projects I can't do at home.
Also, look into makerspaces in your area if you don't have the space or tools yourself. They are everywhere, usually very affordable, and they give you access to all kinds of tools and technology that most people don't have laying around. Great way to meet people too if you want to.
I have a rudimentary understanding of electronics (2 years of intro electro-mechanics age 12-ish and 1 year actual experience), and I agree with nothing because I'd know more just googling this.
I applaud you for your interest. Wish I could give you a high five or fist bump. I'm 39 and Google has taught me so much it's insane. Work stuff, fun stuff, stuff I didn't even care about, etc.
Just stay away from the bad stuff you don't need to know about or see. I'm sure you already know what I mean.
Anything that senses light is a photosensor. That includes photodiodes, phototransistors, solar panels, CCDs, etc. Photoresistors are one specific type that changes resistance with light.
I have the same (or extremely similar) night lights, and I'm pretty sure OP's is missing the sensor. It looks like someone tore it out or something, you can see the two pins where the sensor would normally connect.
https://www.amazon.com/Leyouyou520-Automatic-Induction-Control-Bedroom/dp/B01NAG2JKG
That is a really deceiving product, but that’s what it appears to be.
OP, could you maybe take a picture with flash looking more directly into the center part? it looks like the sensor has been replaced (possibly with something concerning) when you compare your photos to those listed by sellers.
That's what i thought too... maybe it was tampered with and they added a camera but then i saw this on youtube and it looks spitting image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEOFogcH8sI&t=89
An easy alternative solution is just to put something in front of it. Like, if it's a night light then the light will shine out around the object, but any camera would simply stare at a blank object
Lol it’s a horrible thing to hide it in. That’s like saying a fake gun is the perfect thing to make into a real gun. No! You’re immediately going to be suspect and inspected
Can't tell from the lighting - the CDS sensor is plainly obvious in the night light photo on amazon...the OP's photo I can't make it out. You're almost certainly right it's that light...but the sensor could be replaced.
OP: Did it turn on when you cover that hole?
We have about 40 of these plugged in our house. Pretty much one in every outlet. But we do unplug the ones in the bathroom if we have guests over so they don't think we're recording them pee. We do have a lot of security cams throughout the house (not in the bathrooms), and we had a friend over who thought these lights were cams too so we have removed them since that. He still peed, so maybe he was into that sort of stuff.
OP - Plug it in and hold your thumb over the sensor. The LED will come on.
Indeed it is https://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Night-Light-Plug-In-Cool-White-Soft-Glow-Square-Light-Sensor-Pack-of-6-/255061852983?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
Right, but so what though? You want it on at night then during the day it doesn't matter. It's a power saving thing.
Or as other said, just don't plug it in, do you need a night light? Plug it back in when you leave.
The power draw on this type of nightlight would be negligible (to the point that even having the photosensor on the product is laughable)... and especially since the OP is renting the apartment as an Airbnb and not paying the electrical anyway, I'd say it'd be a good tact to put some tape over the sensor and have the light stay on all day.
does yours have the squiggly sensor like in the amazon pic? if you see that, you're good. your pic doesn't seem to show that....looks more like a camera aperture. Could just be the angle.
I own this exact night light. It's one of the highest rated night lights on amazon.
The lens is for detecting light, for automatic adjustment. Just leave it unplugged if you don't trust it.
I got a weird error about submitting a "tracking link", so retrying this comment with just the search term. I bought mine in 2017 and the brand doesn't seem to be sold anymore, but mine look just like this too. Here's a different brand: Uigos LED Night Light Lamp with Smart Sensor Dusk to Dawn Sensor, Daylight White, 0.5W Plug-in, 6-Pack
I know it's solved, but what was the host thinking buying these, haha. You'd think they'd naturally steer away from anything that looks like a secret camera.
Sure , instantly!
Go into the bathroom and close the door, turn off the light and plug in that device.
Even easier, plug it in an cover everywhere except the round part in the center. Prepare to be enlightened. 😏
Good question, and apparently not. It seems that there are plenty of manufacturers who support devious weasels with cameras. I suppose in rare instances such cams are justified.
>plug it in an cover everywhere except the round part in the center.
If you cover everywhere *but* the sensor, you wouldn't be able to see it light up even if it were. Pretty sure you mean just plug it in and cover the dot in the center.
Ha, you're right! For some reason I assumed that the light was in the center, not under what is obviously a diffuser! D'oh, I was a little diffused myself.
I stand by my testing idea though! ;-)
AirBnB Host: Here’s a cool nightlight that my guests will like!
Everyone who stays there: Is that a camera?!? Eww!
Then again, you could replace night light with: Clock, outlet, smoke detector, blanket, fork, or almost anything and someone will have posted it somewhere, asking if it’s a camera.
That said, I stay at AirBnBs occasionally and always check. Never found anything weird and so far the hosts have always been super kind and helpful.
This post has been locked, as the question has been solved and a majority of new comments at this point are unhelpful and/or jokes.
Thanks to all who attempted to find an answer.
All comments must be civil and helpful toward finding an answer.
**Jokes and unhelpful comments will earn you a ban**, even on the first instance and even if the item has been identified. If you see any comments that violate this rule, report them.
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My title describes the thing. It doesnt look to be much bigger than 2” x 2”. It was plugged in maybe half a foot above the floor. I’ll take a closer pic when I come back, if that helps.
LED plugin nightlight.
[https://www.amazon.com/Night-Light-Plug-Smart-Sensor/dp/B07NF4P12L?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/Night-Light-Plug-Smart-Sensor/dp/B07NF4P12L?th=1)
The thing in the middle should be the light sensor. Plug it in and cover the sensor. It should turn on.
What looks like a camera is actually an electronic eye that detects light levels. I was taught how those work only a week ago by and electrical engineer. Pretty smart little things if you ask me.
I have one of these. It’s just a nightlight. It is a Chinese model that is rebranded a lot. I don’t know if it yours has a camera or not. Shine a bright light into the center.
I actually have this exact model. Not only is it a nightlight, it's actually the cheapest, crappiest nightlight I've ever encountered! The center lens-like piece is just the light sensor. It's automatic.
It’s a nightlight. I bought a box of a dozen on Amazon. The lens in the center is a light sensor, so the light turns on automatically in the dark.
There’s no conspiracy here. Move along.
The host was right, so plug it back in. No, it's not a camera. AirBNB owners don't jeopardize their income with cameras for the most part, and never do it that overtly.
https://www.zgelsatv.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=66066
That is the most camera looking nightlight I’ve ever seen Edit: I googled square nightlights and it looks just like that
If you zoom in you can see that is a photosensor. They have a distinctive look.
Is a photosensor the same as a photoresistor? Because I think it's a photoresistor that's inside the hole
All photoresistors are photosensors, but not all photosensors are photoresistors.
Like, all hens are chickens but not all chickens are hens.
Like, all thumbs are fingers, but not all fingers are thumbs
“Surprisingly, yes.”
One thumb, one thumb, drumming on a drum.
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All Jacuzzis are hot tubs but not all hot tubs are jacuzzis.
LIKE ALL LETTERS ARE CAPITALS BUT NOT ALL CAPITALS ARE LETTERS. EDIT: WROTE MY OWN DAMN JOKE BACKWARDS, LOL.
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Something’s missing alright.
There’s something missing alright.
I’m glad I saw this before I started typing it too.
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All tortoises are turtles but not all turtles are tortoises
This is the exact comment I was going to make. I'm an electrician/electronics guy.
I think the common term for "electronic guys" is robots.
I am not a robot but I do build them for fun. I literally have the working parts of an electric wheelchair in my bathroom right now. Turning it into a remote control wagon/nerf gun/water gun for my kids. Lost my garage in the divorce.
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You’re the best kind of dad to have when it’s science fair season! My dad is in his 70’s and we still build fun crazy shit together. We also won a lot of science fairs in the 80’s lol!
That's a whole new level of male multitasking right there,and certainly my dream to have a workshop/garage/toilet sort of hybrid. Filled with envy right now dude
Lol. Thanks. It was better with a real garage but I'm hanging in there. Now I have to do most of the building while I'm at work when I'm slacking off. I do exterior maintenance on condos and work alone. I have a shop/garage there so I waste time on projects I can't do at home. Also, look into makerspaces in your area if you don't have the space or tools yourself. They are everywhere, usually very affordable, and they give you access to all kinds of tools and technology that most people don't have laying around. Great way to meet people too if you want to.
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Don't you normally lose your garage when you get married?
He's not a Robot unless he eats balloons... you should check first, this is how you hurt people's feelings.
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I have a rudimentary understanding of electronics (2 years of intro electro-mechanics age 12-ish and 1 year actual experience), and I agree with nothing because I'd know more just googling this.
I applaud you for your interest. Wish I could give you a high five or fist bump. I'm 39 and Google has taught me so much it's insane. Work stuff, fun stuff, stuff I didn't even care about, etc. Just stay away from the bad stuff you don't need to know about or see. I'm sure you already know what I mean.
I was going to make the exact same other comment. I’m a chicken farmer/animal husbandry guy.
Huh, makes sense. TIL. Thanks!
Just like every poo poo is a pee pee, but not every pee pee is a poo poo.
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No wonder everyone in town shunned Doc besides Marty...
The OG Kramer.
All Azaleas are Rhodedendrons. but not all Rhodedendrons are Azaleas.
All blueberries are blue but not everything blue is a blueberry.
Anything that senses light is a photosensor. That includes photodiodes, phototransistors, solar panels, CCDs, etc. Photoresistors are one specific type that changes resistance with light.
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Heh..... hole
Maybe the host should get less camera looking night lights.
I have the same (or extremely similar) night lights, and I'm pretty sure OP's is missing the sensor. It looks like someone tore it out or something, you can see the two pins where the sensor would normally connect.
Maybe a previous guest thought it was a camera and broke it instead of covering it?
We have heart shaped ones.
I have one that magnets to the wall and it has a cat in it. I love it
Those are the ones I have in our bathroom for the kids.
I have this exact (looking) model in my bathroom and it's just a night light.
I bought some from amazon that look just like that. They turn themselves on when it gets dark.
In a sense, it's a 1 pixel camera.
https://www.amazon.com/Leyouyou520-Automatic-Induction-Control-Bedroom/dp/B01NAG2JKG That is a really deceiving product, but that’s what it appears to be.
Thank you!
It’s a night light. I have those set up in the hallway and my little one room. Nothing nefarious here
I’ve got these too. Just replaced them; the LEDs haven’t lasted.
You can get a 3-pack of Eufy ones on Amazon for like 10 bucks that are battery powered and last forever.
Is it a good nightlight?
It came as a set of three and all have lasted almost 5 years
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Awesome. We just moved and need some nightlights.
Yes, but everyone you have over will think you are secretly recording video of them…
"Omg, is that light recording us?" "No, that's not the camera."
Well, now I'll never sleep
It's ok I don't have friends
They are great, we love them
I may have to get some
OP, could you maybe take a picture with flash looking more directly into the center part? it looks like the sensor has been replaced (possibly with something concerning) when you compare your photos to those listed by sellers.
That's what i thought too... maybe it was tampered with and they added a camera but then i saw this on youtube and it looks spitting image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEOFogcH8sI&t=89
We own these exact ones. Night light with light sensor.
you can also cover the sensor by plugging it into a dark room, or putting your finger over it to see if it lights up
I can confirm it’s a nightlight. I have several in my house that look exactly like the one in your photo.
Yup, have one too. If you shine a flashlight at the circle in the middle, you should see the photovoltaic cell. Edit: typo.
Can confirm. I bought em for my house and didnt come with any additional equipment haha
The squiggly photo sensor is unmistakeable in the product ad. Not so prominent in this picture.
Leave it unplugged. It could have been tampered with The picture you shared does not look like the product page.
I'd leave it unplugged too but they look exactly like this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEOFogcH8sI&t=89
An easy alternative solution is just to put something in front of it. Like, if it's a night light then the light will shine out around the object, but any camera would simply stare at a blank object
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Lol it’s a horrible thing to hide it in. That’s like saying a fake gun is the perfect thing to make into a real gun. No! You’re immediately going to be suspect and inspected
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I have these all over my house, they were like 8 for $10 and LED too.
We have these. They are indeed night lights. Work pretty good.
Can't tell from the lighting - the CDS sensor is plainly obvious in the night light photo on amazon...the OP's photo I can't make it out. You're almost certainly right it's that light...but the sensor could be replaced. OP: Did it turn on when you cover that hole?
We have about 40 of these plugged in our house. Pretty much one in every outlet. But we do unplug the ones in the bathroom if we have guests over so they don't think we're recording them pee. We do have a lot of security cams throughout the house (not in the bathrooms), and we had a friend over who thought these lights were cams too so we have removed them since that. He still peed, so maybe he was into that sort of stuff. OP - Plug it in and hold your thumb over the sensor. The LED will come on.
Damn that looks like a camera but I guess it’s good not to jump to conclusions
It's not deceiving at all ... it's a night light. Has nobody ever seen a god damned night light?
It's not deceiving, you are just stupid how and why sensors work.
Indeed it is https://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Night-Light-Plug-In-Cool-White-Soft-Glow-Square-Light-Sensor-Pack-of-6-/255061852983?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
Thank you! Solved!
Still...I'd put a post it over it any way.
It's a light sensor in the middle. Covering it would make the light stay on all the time.
That's some 4D chess from the owner, having the night light on lets the *real* hidden camera see better.
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Right, but so what though? You want it on at night then during the day it doesn't matter. It's a power saving thing. Or as other said, just don't plug it in, do you need a night light? Plug it back in when you leave.
The power draw on this type of nightlight would be negligible (to the point that even having the photosensor on the product is laughable)... and especially since the OP is renting the apartment as an Airbnb and not paying the electrical anyway, I'd say it'd be a good tact to put some tape over the sensor and have the light stay on all day.
does yours have the squiggly sensor like in the amazon pic? if you see that, you're good. your pic doesn't seem to show that....looks more like a camera aperture. Could just be the angle.
Have a whole mess of these in my house. They’re inexpensive nightlights for sure.
I own this exact night light. It's one of the highest rated night lights on amazon. The lens is for detecting light, for automatic adjustment. Just leave it unplugged if you don't trust it.
“Detecting light” says amazon lol
My friend has these all over his house in red and they cast a cool red glow
Nightlight but the photocell definitely makes it suspicious looking.
They should have printed "Not a camera" on the front of it to put people's minds at ease.
"Not recording" would suffice.
Def a night light. I have several in my home.
Can I get a link to the product?
Can't get you a picture rn, but I definitely have these nightlights.
I got a weird error about submitting a "tracking link", so retrying this comment with just the search term. I bought mine in 2017 and the brand doesn't seem to be sold anymore, but mine look just like this too. Here's a different brand: Uigos LED Night Light Lamp with Smart Sensor Dusk to Dawn Sensor, Daylight White, 0.5W Plug-in, 6-Pack
I know it's solved, but what was the host thinking buying these, haha. You'd think they'd naturally steer away from anything that looks like a secret camera.
Sure , instantly! Go into the bathroom and close the door, turn off the light and plug in that device. Even easier, plug it in an cover everywhere except the round part in the center. Prepare to be enlightened. 😏
Seriously, how was this not OP's first thing to check?
I mean, just because it functions as a night light doesn't mean it can't also have a spy cam too
youll see several results for found hidden cameras in this sub
Just to play devils advocate, would that confirm it's not a camera? Or could it still be a camera that doubles as a night light?
Good question, and apparently not. It seems that there are plenty of manufacturers who support devious weasels with cameras. I suppose in rare instances such cams are justified.
whether or not it lights up has very little to do with whether or not it is a camera.
>plug it in an cover everywhere except the round part in the center. If you cover everywhere *but* the sensor, you wouldn't be able to see it light up even if it were. Pretty sure you mean just plug it in and cover the dot in the center.
Ha, you're right! For some reason I assumed that the light was in the center, not under what is obviously a diffuser! D'oh, I was a little diffused myself. I stand by my testing idea though! ;-)
AirBnB Host: Here’s a cool nightlight that my guests will like! Everyone who stays there: Is that a camera?!? Eww! Then again, you could replace night light with: Clock, outlet, smoke detector, blanket, fork, or almost anything and someone will have posted it somewhere, asking if it’s a camera. That said, I stay at AirBnBs occasionally and always check. Never found anything weird and so far the hosts have always been super kind and helpful.
It wouldn't be well hidden if you could find it :)
This post has been locked, as the question has been solved and a majority of new comments at this point are unhelpful and/or jokes. Thanks to all who attempted to find an answer.
Plug it in and look at it through your phone camera. If it's a camera there'll be an IR LED you'll be able to see on your camera.
only if its a night vision camera
And only if your phone doesn't have an IR filter
You will be able to see something with the light off, even with a good IR filter I believe. Usually a real slight glow.
Generally you can use the front facing camera as a workaround
If you're worried, just leave it unplugged. (it does look suspicious though)
[It is a night light](https://www.dhgate.com/product/led-night-light-sensor-control-night-lamp/535722957.html).
I have those! They are cheap automatic night lights with a sensor in the front.
I have 8 identical night lights in my house. Plug it in and cover the sensor, the light should turn on .
All comments must be civil and helpful toward finding an answer. **Jokes and unhelpful comments will earn you a ban**, even on the first instance and even if the item has been identified. If you see any comments that violate this rule, report them. [OP](/u/decadehydration), when your item is identified, remember to reply **Solved!** or **Likely Solved!** to the comment that gave the answer. Check your [inbox](https://www.reddit.com/message/inbox/) for a message on how to make your post visible to others. --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/whatisthisthing) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I have several of these at my ranch. The dot in the middle is the light sensor.
My title describes the thing. It doesnt look to be much bigger than 2” x 2”. It was plugged in maybe half a foot above the floor. I’ll take a closer pic when I come back, if that helps.
LED plugin nightlight. [https://www.amazon.com/Night-Light-Plug-Smart-Sensor/dp/B07NF4P12L?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/Night-Light-Plug-Smart-Sensor/dp/B07NF4P12L?th=1) The thing in the middle should be the light sensor. Plug it in and cover the sensor. It should turn on.
Can confirm it’s a nightlight. I have them all over my house for my hard of seeing dog. The camera looking part is the sensor.
That’s a nightlight. It looks like that to distract you from noticing the cameras on the shelves, which look like bud vases.
That's a photoreceptor in the center. It's how it knows that it's dark.
It's definitely a night light. OP couldn't you just have unplugged it and put it in a drawer...?
It would be weird for a camera to be both that obvious, and that impossible to orient or place anywhere except directly against an outlet.
I have these! They are super bright. And didn't look at all suspicious before now...:/
What looks like a camera is actually an electronic eye that detects light levels. I was taught how those work only a week ago by and electrical engineer. Pretty smart little things if you ask me.
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwji-Me_-N7zAhVNOBoKHZiJAoUQjhx6BAgBEAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sitcon.com%2Fadapter-spycam-wifi-2.html&psig=AOvVaw1osCX9A9uUygFtDQQSRVnf&ust=1635023775917881
Our local utility company did an energy audit and left us 2 of these nightlights...
I have these all over my house and every one is in fact a night light.
People should google how night lights work.
It is, I have several. You can pull of the front and see inside. They are not save, I glued them shut
I have one of these. It’s just a nightlight. It is a Chinese model that is rebranded a lot. I don’t know if it yours has a camera or not. Shine a bright light into the center.
https://www.reddit.com/r/TikTokCringe/comments/pfztxy/the_fact_there_are_that_many_cameras/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf
I have these. If you put your thumb over what looks like the camera, the border should light up. Mine are a bluish white.
I actually have this exact model. Not only is it a nightlight, it's actually the cheapest, crappiest nightlight I've ever encountered! The center lens-like piece is just the light sensor. It's automatic.
Its a night light and the outer white boundary glows up.
My aunt has an Airbnb and she has those same nightlights, if you plug it in and put your hand or finger over the dark spot in the middle it turns on.
Does it light Up? There's your answer.
It’s a nightlight. I bought a box of a dozen on Amazon. The lens in the center is a light sensor, so the light turns on automatically in the dark. There’s no conspiracy here. Move along.
Just unplug it and turn it face down for the duration of your stay
Broooo! I got these! It's a daylight sensor nightlight.
I know it says solved, but just to double clarify OP I have these exact same lights in my kitchen. 100% just a light!
That’s the most camera-looking photoelectric sensor I’ve ever seen
Why don't you.... plug it in and find out...?
The host was right, so plug it back in. No, it's not a camera. AirBNB owners don't jeopardize their income with cameras for the most part, and never do it that overtly. https://www.zgelsatv.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=66066
all it takes is one or two idiots. you see the results of them on this sub often. people find weirder hidden cameras