Baby Monitor Hacked: The Real Signs and What to Do Right Now?

It’s 2 a.m., the house is finally quiet, and you’re doing that half-awake stare at the screen just to make sure your baby is fine. Then the monitor crackles, and you hear something that is not your baby at all. Maybe it’s strange voices, maybe it’s a stranger talking, maybe it’s just a weird sound. Either way, it hits the same nerve: your children and your family’s privacy are your top priority.

In this guide, we’ll explain how a baby monitor hacked situation usually happens, what counts as a real red flag, and what to change in your security settings today. We’ll also show how VeePN can add protection when your Wi-Fi network is the weak link.

Oliver Bennett

Jan 29, 2026

11 min read

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How a Wi-Fi baby monitor gets exposed in the first place

Most modern smart baby monitors are basically a small camera plus an app, connected to the Internet through your home Wi-Fi network. That technology gives you remote access and extra convenience. It can also create risk if the basics are messy.

The most common doorway: weak or default passwords

A lot of real-world hacks are not movie hacking. They’re “someone guessed it” hacking.

Weak or default passwords are the big one. Many people never change default passwords, or they reuse the same password they used on an old phone app years ago. That makes it easier for a hacker to gain access to the device.
Some monitors still ship with simple logins, or owners set something easy because they’re exhausted. We get it. But that one shortcut can be the difference between peace of mind and a mess.
If your account was ever in a leak, attackers may try the same login on your monitor app. This is why strong passwords matter more than people think.

Passwords are only one piece. Even a great password can be undermined if the network itself is shaky.

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks and an outdated home router

Your monitor is only as safe as the network it sits on.

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks (or routers using outdated encryption) make it easier for attackers nearby to watch traffic and probe connected gadgets. If someone can get onto your home network, they can start testing other weak spots.
A monitor that is always connected becomes an easy target if the router is old, never updated, or still using default admin credentials.
If your Wi-Fi connected gadgets are all on the same network (TVs, speakers, cameras), a weak device can become a stepping stone into the rest of your network and other devices.

But even with a solid network, some monitor features can increase exposure.

Remote access and “always on” features

A Wi-Fi enabled monitor that allows viewing from anywhere is convenient, but it also expands the attack surface.

If remote access is enabled by default, the system may rely heavily on app settings and cloud accounts. That is where small mistakes turn into big problems.
Some systems expose more than parents realize, like two way audio or two way communication that can be triggered if someone compromises the account.
If the app has outdated permissions or poor defaults, it can create security vulnerabilities that attackers look for.

Signs your baby monitor hacked might be more than a glitch

Sometimes a monitor acts weird because of interference. Sometimes it’s a real intrusion. The goal is to spot unusual behavior early, while keeping a cool head.

Stranger talking, strange voices, and two way audio surprises

This is the one that freaks people out, and honestly, it should.

If you ever hear a stranger talking through two way audio, treat it as a real incident, not a “maybe.” Even if it stops quickly, it’s a signal that someone may have access.
Parents often describe hearing random phrases, music, or a voice that doesn’t match anyone in the house. If you’re not actively using two way communication, there’s no good reason it should activate on its own.
One of the most unsettling parts is psychological. You start doubting your senses. A tired mom might think, “Did I imagine that?” Even if it feels like this, it’s crucial to check.

Audio is scary, but video can also show clues.

Red flags in the video feed

Your video feed is supposed to be boring. Boring is good.

Watch for sudden changes in angle, zoom, or night vision switching when nobody touched anything. That can signal someone else is controlling the view.
If you see loading events at odd times or repeated reconnects, it might be a sign the device is being accessed or probed.
Pay attention to any “new login” emails from the app provider, or alerts that your account was opened from a new place. That can indicate someone is trying to gain access.

Even if the feed looks normal, your network can still show hints.

Unusual behavior on your router and other devices

A monitor is just one node on a bigger web.

If your router shows unknown clients, or you see repeated connection attempts, it’s a signal your home network might be under pressure.
Sometimes the first clue is a spike in traffic or the router rebooting. People often blame the ISP, but it can also happen when devices are being scanned.
If other smart devices start acting odd at the same time, treat it as a system problem, not a single camera problem.

Wi-Fi monitors vs non Wi-Fi baby monitors: what’s actually safer

Not everyone needs a cloud-connected monitor. Some families prefer simplicity, and that preference can reduce exposure.

Non Wi-Fi baby monitors and local video monitor setups

A local video monitor usually sends video directly to a parent unit instead of routing everything through the Internet.

This category includes many non Wi-Fi baby monitors and monitors that work without an app login. That means there’s no online account for attackers to guess.
Many of these use short-range connections, which limits who can reach them. It doesn’t make them invincible, but it often cuts out the biggest Internet-based risks.
If your main goal is nursery monitoring and not remote viewing, this can be the simplest path to more peace at night.

Some non-Wi-Fi models still use radio signals, so let’s talk about that.

Radio frequency and frequency hopping spread spectrum

A lot of local monitors use radio frequency tech.

Better models use frequency hopping spread spectrum, which constantly changes channels to reduce interference and make eavesdropping harder.
That doesn’t mean “impossible to hack.” It means the casual “listen in” problem is much less likely than with an open or misconfigured Wi-Fi setup.
It’s still smart to review settings and keep devices updated when updates exist, because older gear can still have weak points.

Safety is about tradeoffs, not perfection.

The real tradeoff: convenience, control, and risk

Choosing between Wi-Fi and local monitors is basically choosing a lifestyle fit.

A Wi-Fi model gives remote viewing, clips, alerts, and smart features. That’s helpful if you travel, work late, or need access from a different room without carrying another screen.
A local setup often reduces the “online doorways,” which can lower risk, but you may lose some features that feel modern.
Whatever you choose, the goal is the same: keep your little ones safe and your privacy intact.

First-aid checklist if you think your monitor is hacked

If something feels off, don’t freeze. Do a few practical steps in order. These steps help you regain control fast, and they also reduce damage if an attacker really did get in

Switch it off and disconnect it from the network. This sounds basic, but it works. If you suspect someone has access, cutting connection immediately stops live viewing and two way audio abuse. It also buys time so you can think clearly.
Reset the device and the account. Factory reset the monitor, then rebuild the account from scratch if possible. This matters because some intrusions persist through simple reboots. It may feel annoying, but it’s often the cleanest fix.
Change every related login, starting with the app and email. Create a new, unique password for the monitor app and your email. If you reuse passwords anywhere else, change those too. One compromised login can spread across services fast.
Lock down the router. Update router admin credentials, enable modern encryption, and remove unknown devices. This step protects not only the monitor but also your data and other connected gadgets.
Install updates before reconnecting. Run software updates and check for regular firmware updates inside the app or the vendor site. Updates are not just new features, they often patch security vulnerabilities.

Once the immediate danger is handled, we can prevent the same thing from happening again.

Baby monitor security setup that actually works

Good security is mostly boring habits. The win has fewer surprises.

Tighten security settings on the Wi-Fi baby monitor and router

Start with the basics that most people skip.

Review your security settings inside the app. Turn off features you don’t use, especially anything that enables public sharing or overly broad device permissions. The fewer doors, the fewer doors to lock.
Separate smart gadgets if you can. If your router supports a guest network, put smart devices there. This helps limit what happens if one device gets compromised.
Check what’s exposed. If the app offers remote viewing toggles, use them intentionally instead of leaving everything “on.”

Keep firmware and software updated

Updates feel like a chore, but they’re a big deal.

Vendors patch known issues over time. When you delay updates, you keep old flaws alive. That’s exactly what attackers hope for.
Set a reminder to check monthly. It’s quick, and it’s a habit that protects your whole setup.
If a brand stops supporting a device, consider replacing it. Unsupported devices can become permanent weak points.

Add an additional layer for logins

This is where you make life harder for attackers.

Use two-factor authentication when the app supports it. This adds a second step even if someone guesses a password. It’s the simplest “extra lock” you can add.
Avoid predictable passwords like baby names, birthdays, or address-related words. Attackers try those first.
If your provider supports it, consider a dedicated email alias for smart home accounts. It reduces exposure if your main email is in a leak.

Real incidents that show this problem is not imaginary

This topic feels scary because it’s real.

In Spokane, a family reported a stranger speaking through their Nanit monitor after they noticed odd behavior. The case made the rounds because it hit the nightmare scenario parents think about but hope never happens.
In early 2024, Wyze disclosed a security issue where some users could briefly see thumbnails or video feeds from other customers’ cameras after an incident involving caching. It’s a reminder that cloud-connected camera systems can fail in ways that look like “hacking” from the user side.
In December 2025, South Korean reporting highlighted illegal sites streaming hacked camera feeds, with law enforcement action tied to the problem. Even when your own device is safe, the broader ecosystem shows why “online cameras” are heavily targeted.

News stories can feel distant, but the fixes are usually close and practical.

How VeePN helps protect your home Wi-Fi network

A VPN won’t magically “secure the camera” if the account password is weak. But it can reduce exposure and protect your traffic when your Wi-Fi connection is the soft spot, especially if you check feeds while traveling or using shared networks. Here’s what VeePN adds as a practical extra layer:

AES-256 encryption. VeePN encrypts your traffic so it’s harder for anyone on the same network to snoop on what your device is doing. This is useful when you check a camera feed on hotel Wi-Fi or other shared networks where attackers like to lurk.
Changing IP address. VeePN masks your real IP, which reduces the amount of network info exposed to random trackers and opportunistic scans. It’s not a cure for weak passwords, but it adds friction and privacy.
Kill Switch. If your VPN connection drops, Kill Switch blocks traffic until protection is back. That helps avoid accidental exposure when you’re switching networks or dealing with unstable connections.
NetGuard blocker. NetGuard helps block known malicious domains and trackers. It’s especially helpful when you’re tired, scrolling fast, and one bad click could lead to account compromise.
Breach Alert monitoring. If your email appears in a leaked database, Breach Alert can notify you faster so you can change passwords before attackers reuse them on smart home accounts.
Strict No Logs policy. Privacy tools only matter if the provider doesn’t store your activity as a product. A No Logs approach helps keep your browsing and app usage more private.
Ten-device coverage. One plan can protect multiple devices, which is handy because families often check the monitor from several phones and tablets. Fewer unprotected devices means fewer weak links.

Protect your traffic on risky networks and add an extra privacy level with VeePN. We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

FAQ

So, it is true that a baby monitor can be hacked, in particular, in case it is Wi-Fi connected and has vulnerable passwords. Default passwords or reused credentials are the most frequently used access ways that allow one to gain access.Start by changing passwords, reviewing security settings, and updating firmware. Discover more in this article.

Look for a sudden red flag like stranger talking, odd camera movement, or new logins you don’t recognize. Also watch for a changed video feed, unexplained reconnects, or strange app alerts. If you see signs, disconnect the device and reset accounts first. Then check your router for unknown devices.

No device is “never hackable,” but non Wi-Fi baby monitors and a local video monitor setup usually reduce online exposure a lot. Many use closed connections rather than Internet accounts, so remote attackers have fewer options. Still, keep whatever you buy updated and avoid sloppy passwords where accounts exist.

A device may be hacked on any connected device, in case of accounts compromise or in case there are unpatched vulnerabilities. The more reasonable course of action is to handle it as any other smart camera: 2-factors authentication should be enabled when available, unique passwords should be used, and software updates should remain on. In case something is wrong, reformat the device and your account.

Written by Oliver Bennett Oliver Bennett is a dedicated cyber security content writer with a knack for breaking down intricate cyber topics into accessible and actionable insights.