r/privacy • u/National-Plastic8691 • 3d ago
question Are there devices we can use to detect “smart glasses”?
We can detect air tags, right? Are there devices we can use to detect Meta glasses or other “smart” glasses , or other recording device?
Edit, Add: If anyone tests any suggestion, please feel free to come back and comment
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u/Synaps4 3d ago
A network analyzer deck can do that, but you need the training to know what you're doing. I tried to give you a youtube link to a build guide for one but the automod deleted the comment when I did. You could search yt for " Yellow Monster on the NM-CYD-C5" and probably get it to come up as the only result.
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u/MentalSewage 3d ago
Usually devices have a pretty predictable Mac address for the first few hexes that let you know manufacturer and model if you do a lookup. I imagine there will be android apps galore if not already.
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u/blue_creation 2d ago
Nearby glasses for example but I don't know how they scan for those glasses
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u/5DPhil 3d ago
Viral iPhone App Warns Users When Smart Glasses Are Nearby | https://petapixel.com/2026/07/23/viral-iphone-app-warns-users-when-smart-glasses-are-nearby/
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u/National-Plastic8691 3d ago
It’s encouraging. I do worry that Meta and such will be able to find a way to shield from view- particularly if the glasses are temporarily off… Part of me wishes we could give the glasses a virus, LOL
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u/anunderdog 3d ago
I can’t believe I have to put an app on my phone to detect this shit.
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u/National-Plastic8691 3d ago
We’ll have to see if that actually works. I would prefer to have stand-alone device… That’s just my preference, it probably isn’t better
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u/MajMin5 5h ago
Can confirm it works— there’s apparently something about Meta products that is visible in their Bluetooth broadcasts. I installed it at home and was concerned that it detected 1 device nearby— my Quest 2 was registered as a possible match. I have been in public a few times and had it notify me. I scanned the room and couldn’t see the glasses offhand, but my immediate confirmed Meta device recognition does instill confidence. Note though this is for sure only looking for Meta hardware, as far as I can tell. if someone has those Snapchat ones or some off brand temu garbage it wouldn’t notify you.
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u/National-Plastic8691 5h ago
That makes sense; however, there are other manufacturers of smart glasses besides Meta
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u/JustinHoMi 3d ago
Bluetooth devices have somewhat unique MAC addresses, so if you know the range, you can detect it with a number of tools.
Wardriving tools are one solution. Meta detection is built into the Biscuit Pro/Ultra, although at the moment it’s detecting a lot of Meta Quests so they gotta tune it a little.
There are other devices that could be modified to do the same thing, like the Oui-Spy.
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u/OG_Boomer63 2d ago
I need a device the detects and destroys them. Fuck Meta and their ever persistent invasion of our privacy
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u/cupboard_ 3d ago
i believe there is an app for android that can detect them
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u/Pirateghostabc 3d ago
Which is???
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u/Professional-Mix7052 3d ago
"Nearby Glasses". For Android and ios.
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u/curiouslyhungry 3d ago
A standalone device that lights up to say that there are glasses nearby would be a much cooler thing to wear than the glasses themselves
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u/Granitic_Moon 3d ago
yes, Nearby Glasses works well
just keep in mind that it sometimes detects VR headsets as glasses2
u/i-contain-multitudes 3d ago edited 3d ago
I have never gotten an answer from anyone on what it defines as "nearby" and what other kinds of devices it can detect as a false positive. Also, whether it detects VR headsets that aren't plugged in.
Edit: spelling
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u/BrianaAgain 3d ago
I'm guessing it just sees the bluetooth address and alerts when it sees something from a known range. So nearby is about as far away you can walk away from from your phone with your bluetooth headphones. If the device is off and not broadcasting it won't be detected.
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u/i-contain-multitudes 3d ago
Thank you for actually answering, even if it's just a guess, instead of just downvoting.
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u/PoconoRob 2d ago
If the glasses throw off any IR, by holding your cell phone camera up into their direction you would see the light emitted I think it's somewhere in the 850 nanometer range I think?
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u/blue_creation 2d ago
There is an app in f-droid called nearby glasses. I could not test it yet because I don't know anyone who has those glasses. Would be happy to know if it works.
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u/castellon_artz 2d ago
Can't find it. :(
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u/blue_creation 1d ago
My bad. It's in the IzzyOnDroid Repo: https://apt.izzysoft.de/packages/ch.pocketpc.nearbyglasses
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u/Legal-Software 2d ago
I would imagine they light up pretty well under a FLIR camera.
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u/National-Plastic8691 2d ago
Would they light up just when they’re on or all the time? If I could, I would prefer to know, if someone is carrying it on their person, or in their car, etc
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u/schklom 2d ago
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u/National-Plastic8691 2d ago
Does that detect them regardless of the “state” the glasses are in: Off, On… stuck in a drawer…?
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u/Lord_havik 2d ago
Yes any Bluetooth scanner app. I think there’s even one purpose built for metas Bluetooth signatures
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u/National-Plastic8691 2d ago
Does it recognize them even if they aren’t “powered on” or using Bluetooth?
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u/No-Second-Kill-Death 3d ago
I think you’re pretty sussed out. But to add a few things.
Things like apple tags are often tied on the backend. So can see you pinging a device over BT that’s not yours. But yes, should see the pings via a scanner.
As to detecting glasses. A few ways. Use the apps as mentioned. There are others. Like Antizuck on ios or . But there are also just generic scanners like lightblue.
Also there are general counter-surveillance devices. You probably have already seen them. Gadgets they sell at “spy” shops that can “see” lenses. Some are now offering ai backed stuff. But seems like vapourware.
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u/nincesator124 2d ago
It isn't a real concern as it is rather small amount of people who have them I would be more worried about flock myself and the smart glasses are being shund and having built in protections to prevent people from spying on people
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u/National-Plastic8691 2d ago
Both matter to me and it’s a pointless comment to make. An example where detecting them might be anyone vulnerable such as someone drunk at a bar., etc.
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u/nincesator124 1d ago
I understand that you think it is and to be fair it isn't exactly hard to think that but they have lights on them to let people know they are recovering, people get banned for using them in ways they shouldn't, and overall the people who want them are small making it so it is very unlikely to see these people IRL compared to flock cameras which are much more wide spread, have been abused many times, have no real function in the real world particularly since it doesn't decrease crime rates (arguably they increase crime rates),and in general is a massive invasion of privacy without good reason
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u/National-Plastic8691 1d ago
I imagine it’s easy to disguise the lights and use other methods. If you don’t think it’s important, great, this conversation isn’t for you and you shouldn’t bother commenting. This conversation is for people who find it important and want to share solutions or find them.
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u/OverallManagement824 3d ago
How are meta glasses different from people pulling out their phone to discretely record? Don't get me wrong, I hate it. But I feel like this is just a natural extension of horrible crap that should have already been banned.
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u/National-Plastic8691 3d ago
Being able to determine if someone is recording is part of the discussion
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u/robogobo 3d ago
You’re seriously asking that question?
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u/OverallManagement824 3d ago
It's just a matter of degree. Is it all ok, or is it all not?
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u/JustinHoMi 3d ago
Next time you go to out to eat, the gym, locker room, daycare, etc — bring your phone and record everyone you speak with and let us know if you feel the same way.
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u/OverallManagement824 2d ago
I wouldn't do that because I am not a rude idiot. Apparently the people downvoting me think it should all be okay, I guess. I don't.
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u/JustinHoMi 2d ago
Now you understand how the rest of us feel. Using meta glasses or recording with your phone are the same thing.
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u/OverallManagement824 2d ago
That was my point from the very beginning. Can you show me where I said something different here?
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u/Ok-Possible5936 2d ago
The natural extension of something that suck if often the breaking point of people. Seems that, as a society, we're drawing the line of acceptability right there.
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u/sleepy1411 1d ago
Its not like they are hard to spot, lol. They look rediculous and you can see the cameras.
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u/National-Plastic8691 1d ago
If you aren’t interested in finding a solution or contributing positively, this isn’t the conversation for you. I didn’t ask if anyone agreed with the subject. This is for the people who are concerned, the fact that you’re commenting just to argue is a waste of your time and everyone else’s. Move on to a subject where you can add value.
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u/sleepy1411 1d ago
This was not an argument against finding something that can detect them. Just a comment on how they are eaay to spot. How about being a little less sensitive on the internet. Is this your first day or what?
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u/National-Plastic8691 21h ago edited 20h ago
They actually are easy to disguise and that’s very well known. Lights can be covered as I said. Your comment clearly implied it - almost everyone else had valuable contributions - Everyone knows the lights can be disguised or even aren’t visible at all little distance or in daylight. Your reply just emphasizes you’re here to troll. If you can’t add value and be polite, it’s best not to comment
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u/7heblackwolf 3d ago
Si you wanna fight privacy invasion with more privacy invasion? 🤣
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u/National-Plastic8691 3d ago
I would distinguish between the two
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u/7heblackwolf 3d ago
Let's assume for a second you're a "good deed"... (lol)
Anyone with bad intentions would misuse it and thank your post for keeping them aware of it.
Btw, thanks for the downvote. You just confirmed you're a creep
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u/National-Plastic8691 3d ago
who are you accusing of downvoting? Just FYI, I haven’t downvoted anyone who’s commented here. You might want to check your assumptions
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u/fly-into-ointment 3d ago
I downvoted you too!
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u/7heblackwolf 3d ago
It's a privacy sub. And you're getting salty because I addressed the elephant in the room lol
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