Are you considering upgrading your phone to the latest model? Before you trade in or recycle your old device, consider turning it into a home security camera. With the help of a free app, you can easily repurpose your old smartphone into a surveillance device for your home or yard. This can be a cost-effective way to keep an eye on areas such as a baby’s room, a pet, an elderly relative, or even sensitive areas of a business. The process is simple and only requires a free app and a dedicated phone mount if desired.
The first step is to install a security camera app on your old smartphone. There are many apps available that offer features such as local streaming, cloud streaming, motion detection, and alerts. One popular app for this purpose is Alfred, which is cross-platform and offers features like live feed viewing, motion detection, two-way audio, and free cloud storage. By installing Alfred on both your old and new phones, you can easily monitor your space and control your security camera remotely.
Once the app is set up on both devices, you can customize the settings to fit your needs. Alfred simplifies the camera options to include settings like motion detection, camera selection, and audio enable/disable. Additional features like higher-resolution viewing, zoom capabilities, and ad removal are available with Alfred Premium. If Alfred doesn’t suit your preferences, there are other cam app options to explore, such as Faceter, EpocCam, and iVCam. These apps offer quick setup, cloud storage options, and customization settings for different needs.
After setting up the app, the next step is to pick a spot for your smartphone security camera. You can choose locations like the main entry point to your home, backyard, areas with valuables, or as a baby monitor. If you have multiple old phones, you can set them up as multiple cameras for better coverage. Mounting the camera can be done with a small tripod or suction-cup car mount, and a wide-angle lens can be added for a broader field of view. It’s essential to position the camera near a power source to ensure continuous operation.
By repurposing your old smartphone into a security camera, you can enhance the security of your home without spending much money. With the ability to monitor your space remotely and customize settings to fit your needs, this DIY security camera setup can be a practical and cost-effective solution. Additionally, apps like Hidden Camera Detector can help you identify any surveillance cameras in your surroundings, offering an added layer of security. Whether you’re traveling or simply want to keep an eye on your home, turning your old phone into a security camera can be a convenient and affordable choice.
