Ensuring the safety of your home can be challenging, and setting up a security system can provide you with reassurance. Nonetheless, numerous security systems can be quite expensive, making them less viable for those on a limited budget. If you’re searching for an economical security camera, consider repurposing that stack of old smartphones lying in a drawer. By installing an application, you can convert your unused phones into indoor security cameras without incurring any costs.
Using a dedicated phone mount allows you to position your repurposed device wherever you require it. Whether you choose to use it as a video monitor to watch over the kids or as an additional lookout for the entryway, there are many possibilities available. With just three simple steps, you can give that old iPhone a new purpose as a home security camera.
Step 1: Download a security camera app on your old smartphone
First, you need to select a security camera app. Most apps provide several similar features, including local streaming, cloud streaming, recording and storing footage both locally and remotely, along with motion detection and notifications. Once you’ve set it up, you’ll be able to oversee your living area and manage your security camera from anywhere, directly from your new phone.
A top app choice for transforming your phone into a security camera is Alfred. It works across platforms, meaning it doesn’t matter whether your old phone was an Android or iPhone, and the same applies to your new phone.
Alfred is free to use and offers a remote view of your live feed, motion detection with alerts, free cloud storage, two-way audio capability, and functionality for both front and rear cameras. To access extra features, such as higher-resolution viewing and recording, zoom options, ad removal, and 30-day cloud storage, you can upgrade to Alfred Premium.
1. Download Alfred (Android, iOS) on both your old and new smartphones. You don’t have to utilize a phone as a monitoring device—it’s also possible to install Alfred on a tablet or PC if you prefer to monitor from those devices. Just ensure the app is installed on both gadgets.
2. On the new phone, navigate through the introduction and press Start. Choose Viewer and tap Next.
3. When you reach the sign-in page, click Sign in with Google (a Google account is necessary) and log in using your Google account credentials.
4. On the old phone, follow the same steps, but instead of picking Viewer, select Camera. Also, ensure you sign in with the identical Google account.
Once both phones are logged into Alfred, you’ve almost finished the setup. Alfred has streamlined the camera settings to include only a few options. On iOS, you can merely activate motion detection, select between front and rear cameras, and turn audio on or off. If you’re using an Android device, along with those options, you can also enable continuous focus, have Alfred restart automatically if the phone reboots, adjust resolution, and activate a passcode lock.
From your new phone, you can modify a few additional settings, like toggling notifications on or off, assigning a name to the camera or viewer, adding other individuals to your Trust Circle (which grants them access to your video feeds), removing a camera, checking how many times a camera has lost connection, adjusting motion detection sensitivity, and activating a low-light filter on cameras.
If Alfred doesn’t quite meet your needs, there are other camera app options to consider as well. Other applications that can enhance your old phone into a security camera include:
- Faceter: Faceter is an application designed for surveillance, providing a quick setup process and cloud storage for both Apple and Android smartphones.
- Epoccam: EpocCam is a fast camera application aimed at content creators, though it can be utilized for a variety of other purposes. It is currently only available for iPhones.
- iVCam from E2ESoft: iVCam is a more customizable camera solution suited for those who prefer adjusting camera settings, although, similar to EpocCam, it leans more towards webcam-related functions than security use.
Step 2: Choose a location for your new smartphone security camera
Once your stream is established, you will need to set up and position the camera. Consider directing it at the primary entryway to your home, your backyard, the spot where you keep valuable items, or any area you believe may be particularly susceptible to security issues. If you have several old phones lying around, setting up multiple cameras can provide extensive video surveillance.
Step 3: Install and power your smartphone security camera
To position the camera effectively, a small smartphone tripod or a suction cup car mount can be very helpful in placing the camera discreetly. To enhance the field of view, think about purchasing a wide-angle lens for your phone, which can typically be found online for $5 to $20.
Streaming video consumes a lot of power, and the phone will need to operate continuously. To prevent the phone from depleting its battery quickly, ensure it is near a power outlet. A 10-foot Micro-USB, Lightning cable, or USB-C cable will provide you with more options for positioning.
And that’s all there is to it: You can now utilize the security camera app on your old phone to monitor the feed from its camera, increasing your home’s security without significant expense.
Final note: Old smartphones and security risks
As smartphones age, they may stop receiving security updates, making them more susceptible to breaches. If your old phone remains connected online—like when it’s being used as a security camera—this poses a risk.
To start, we advise removing any personal information from the device before repurposing it as a camera. Secondly, if possible, automate your updates. Lastly, think about setting a final usage deadline for the phone, after which you can recycle it. Nowadays, manufacturers typically provide security updates for five to seven years post-release, with some extending this period even further in recent times. For more in-depth information, we have a comprehensive guide on the security of older smartphones available for you.
Finally, if you’re excited about using your smartphone for home security, remember that you can also download an app like Hidden Camera Detector to automatically look for signs of a camera present in the room. Although Airbnb has prohibited indoor surveillance cameras, we understand if you still wish to check for them while traveling.