Abstract In this manuscript, we introduce a semi-blind spectrum sensing technique based on cepstral analysis for interweave cognitive systems. The misdetection problem of spread spectrum signals leads to erroneous sensing results, which affect the quality-of-service of a legitimate user. The simplicity and accuracy of cepstral analysis approaches make them reliable for signals detection. Therefore, we formulate the averaged autocepstrum detection technique that utilizes the strength of the autocepstral features of spread spectrum signals. The proposed technique is compared with the energy detection and eigenvalue-based detection techniques and shows reliability and efficacy in terms of detection accuracy.