Android App Detects Hidden Smart Glasses Recording You

Nearby Glasses app scans for Bluetooth signals from Meta, Snap, and Luxottica smart glasses to warn users of potential surveillance.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A new Android app called Nearby Glasses can detect the presence of smart glasses made by companies like Meta, Snap, and Luxottica that may be secretly recording users. The app works by scanning for Bluetooth signals from these devices and alerting the user if any are found nearby. This provides a way for people to be aware of potential surveillance in public spaces, though the app has some limitations in terms of false positives and the ability of smart glass wearers to disable Bluetooth.

Why it matters

The rise of smart glasses that are difficult to distinguish from regular eyewear has raised concerns about covert recording and surveillance in private spaces like massage parlors. This app aims to give users more awareness and control over their privacy in the face of these emerging technologies.

The details

The Nearby Glasses app was created by Swiss sociologist and coder Yves Jeanrenaud as a "tiny part of resistance against surveillance tech." It works by scanning for Bluetooth Low Energy advertising frames that smart glasses use to connect with other devices. When the app detects a manufacturer ID associated with smart glasses from companies like Meta, Snap, and Luxottica, it sends a push notification to the user's phone warning them that smart glasses are likely nearby.

  • The Nearby Glasses app was released in February 2026.

The players

Yves Jeanrenaud

A Swiss sociologist and hobbyist coder who created the Nearby Glasses app as a "tiny part of resistance against surveillance tech."

Meta

A technology company that produces the Ray-Ban smart glasses, which can record video and audio without obvious indicators.

Snap

A technology company that produces smart glasses with recording capabilities.

Luxottica

An eyewear company that has partnered with tech firms to produce smart glasses.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't Google Glass déjà vu from 2014. Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses look indistinguishable from regular eyewear and feature LED recording indicators that can be disabled.”

— Annemarije de Boer, Los Angeles-based director and visual storyteller (gadgetreview.com)

“Sometimes resistance starts with a simple notification on your phone.”

— Annemarije de Boer, Los Angeles-based director and visual storyteller (gadgetreview.com)

What’s next

The Nearby Glasses app remains Android-only, leaving iPhone users without a similar defense option. The app also has limitations in terms of false positives and the ability of smart glass wearers to disable Bluetooth to avoid detection.

The takeaway

The rise of smart glasses that are difficult to distinguish from regular eyewear has raised legitimate concerns about covert recording and surveillance in private spaces. The Nearby Glasses app provides a grassroots tool for Android users to be more aware of potential smart glass surveillance, but the privacy-versus-convenience battle continues as technology companies push the boundaries of what consumers are willing to accept.