In this fast-evolving tech landscape, your outdated smartphone collecting dust in a drawer could actually be transformed into a functional security camera for your home. Before you consider recycling or trading in that old phone, recognize its potential as a cost-effective way to enhance your home security system. With minimal effort, a free app, and a suitable mount, you can monitor areas like a baby’s room, entryway, or home office without splurging on new equipment.
1. Download a Security Camera App Onto Your Old Smartphone
To start, you will need to select a security camera app. Most of these apps offer similar features, including local and cloud streaming, recording, storing footage locally or remotely, and motion detection alerts. After setting it up, you can monitor your living space and control your security camera remotely from your new phone. One of the best apps for converting your phone into a security camera is Alfred. This app is cross-platform, meaning it works on both Android and iOS devices, making it irrelevant which operating system your old phone uses.
Alfred provides several features at no cost, such as a remote view of live feeds, motion detection alerts, free cloud storage, a two-way audio feed, and the use of both front and rear cameras. If you want extra features like higher resolution viewing and recording, zoom capabilities, ad removal, and extended cloud storage, you can upgrade to Alfred Premium. To get started, follow these steps:
- Download Alfred from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store on both your old and new phones. You can also download Alfred onto a tablet or PC for monitoring.
- On your new phone, open Alfred, swipe through the introduction, select “Start,” choose “Viewer,” and tap “Next.”
- Sign in with your Google account credentials. A Google account is required for this setup.
- On your old phone, repeat the same steps but select “Camera” instead of “Viewer” and sign in with the same Google account credentials.
Once signed in, the setup is mostly complete. Alfred has simplified the camera settings, offering options such as enabling motion detection, selecting between front and rear cameras, and toggling audio. On Android devices, additional settings include continuous focus, automatic restart upon reboot, resolution options, and passcode protection.
From your new phone, you can customize settings further, such as activating notifications, naming the camera or viewer, adding people to your “Trust Circle” for shared access, removing cameras, checking disconnection logs, adjusting motion detection sensitivity, and enabling low-light filters.
If Alfred doesn’t meet your needs, other app options include Faceter, which offers quick setup and cloud storage, Epoccam, designed for content creators but suitable for various uses, and iVCam from E2ESoft, which provides extensive customization for those who like to tinker with settings.
2. Choose a Location for Your New Smartphone Security Camera
After getting the stream up and running, it’s time to decide where to place your new security camera. The camera’s location is crucial for ensuring maximum coverage and effective monitoring. You might want to position it to focus on the main entry point to your home, like the front door, or in areas where you store valuables. Other strategic spots include the backyard, garage, or any location you believe might be vulnerable to trespassing.
If you have multiple old phones lying around, you can use them to set up a comprehensive security system. Each camera can be stationed to cover different angles, providing a robust video surveillance network around your home. Some users even find it beneficial to set up an IP camera as a baby monitor. The versatility of using old smartphones allows you to repurpose them in ways that can significantly bolster your home security.
When choosing the placement, consider various factors such as lighting conditions, potential obstructions, and the range of the camera. Ensure the camera has a clear, unobstructed view of the area you intend to monitor. This careful placement helps in obtaining high-quality footage and effective motion detection, enhancing the overall security provided by the setup.
Additionally, think about integrating the camera into your existing home security system if you have one. This integration can provide a more seamless monitoring experience, combining traditional security setups with innovative tech solutions. Ultimately, the goal is to maximize the efficiency of your security system using readily available resources, all while minimizing additional expenditure.
3. Mount and Power Your Security Camera Smartphone
To securely mount and position your smartphone as a camera, you can use a small tripod, a wall or ceiling mount, or even a suction-cup car mount. These accessories ensure that the camera stays in place and is positioned inconspicuously. If you want to broaden the field of view, consider investing in a wide-angle lens for your phone. These lenses are quite affordable, typically priced between $5 and $20 online, and can significantly enhance the camera’s coverage area.
To purchase a mount, options include a Joby Gorillapod phone tripod or a phone suction mount, which are available on platforms like Amazon. These mounts ensure your camera is stable and can be positioned at the optimal angle for monitoring. When choosing a mount, consider factors like flexibility, stability, and compatibility with your phone model.
Streaming video continuously is power-intensive, and your phone will be running 24/7. To avoid the phone running out of battery within a short time, place it close to a power source. A 10-foot Micro-USB or Lightning cable will provide the flexibility needed for optimal positioning. This ensures that the phone remains powered and operational, providing consistent security coverage without interruptions.
With your camera securely mounted and powered, you can now use the security camera app on your new phone to view the live feed from your old phone’s camera. This setup enhances your home security without requiring a significant financial investment, utilizing devices you already have at your disposal.
Final Note: Old Smartphones and Security Concerns
In today’s rapidly changing tech world, that old smartphone gathering dust in a drawer can actually be repurposed into a practical security camera for your home. Instead of recycling or trading in that outdated phone, consider its potential to enhance your home security setup without spending a lot of money. With a little effort, a free app, and a proper mount, you can transform your old device into a reliable security camera, effectively monitoring spaces like a baby’s nursery, the front doorway, or your home office.
Imagine the benefits of this setup: you won’t need to invest in expensive new security equipment, and you’ll be giving a second life to a device you already own. Several free apps are available that can turn your smartphone into a security camera with motion detection and alert capabilities. Once you’ve downloaded and installed an app of your choice, all you need to do is find a secure place to mount the phone, ensuring it captures the area you want to monitor. This simple and cost-effective solution allows you to keep an eye on your home, adding an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
