Can I use my phone to see through walls?

No, you cannot use a smartphone to see through walls. Smartphones lack the necessary technology, such as advanced radar or X-ray capabilities, that would allow them to penetrate walls or other solid objects to provide visibility through them.

However, there are some technologies that can offer similar functions in certain conditions, though they are not part of a smartphone:

Technologies That Can "See Through Walls" (Not Available on Smartphones)

1. Radar-Based Devices:

   • Some specialized radar systems, like those used by law enforcement or military personnel, can detect movement or objects through walls. These systems use radio waves to "see" objects hidden behind solid surfaces. However, these devices are not commonly available to the general public and are large, expensive, and complex.

2. Thermal Imaging:

   • Thermal cameras can sometimes detect heat signatures through walls, though only to a limited extent. For example, thermal imaging can detect the heat from electrical wires or the temperature differences caused by people or animals behind a wall. While you can't directly see through the wall, the device might give you a heat signature that can suggest something is there. Some thermal cameras can be connected to smartphones through accessories, but the resolution is not high enough to see detailed shapes through walls.

3. X-ray Machines:

   • X-ray imaging can pass through materials, revealing objects or structures behind them. However, X-ray technology requires very specific equipment, and it is not portable in the form of a smartphone. It also raises significant health and safety concerns due to the potential harm of radiation exposure.

4. Acoustic Sensors:

   • Some acoustic sensors or systems can detect vibrations through walls, such as sounds made by movement or machinery. While they don’t allow you to “see” through walls, they may help in certain applications like detecting movement or hidden objects. These types of systems are typically used for security or surveillance and are not available as apps or attachments for smartphones.

Can Smartphones See Through Walls?

In short, no, smartphones cannot see through walls. The sensors on smartphones, such as cameras, infrared sensors, and motion detectors, are not designed for this purpose. Any claims of apps or phones being able to see through walls are either misleading or involve using secondary technology, such as thermal or radar systems, which are not typically integrated into regular smartphones.

What Can You Do Instead?

• If you're interested in detecting objects behind walls, consider using specialized tools like stud finders, which are designed to locate studs, pipes, or wires behind walls.
• For thermal or infrared vision, you can attach a thermal camera accessory (like FLIR One) to your phone, which can give you heat signatures but not provide full visibility through walls.