Turn Your Old iPhone or Android Smartphone into an Affordable Home Security Camera

Installing a home security camera can be an affordable way to keep an eye on your home. One option is to repurpose an old iPhone or Android smartphone as a security camera. Here are three steps to set up your old phone as a security camera:

Step 1: Install a security camera app on your old phone. There are many apps available that offer features such as local and cloud streaming, motion detection, and recording. One recommended app is Alfred, which is free to use and works on both Android and iOS devices. Download Alfred on both your old and new phones, sign in with your Google account, and select “Camera” on the old phone and “Viewer” on the new phone.

Step 2: Choose a spot for your phone security camera. Decide where you want to position the camera, such as the main entry point, backyard, or a vulnerable area. If you have multiple old phones, you can set up multiple cameras for better coverage.

Step 3: Mount and power your new security camera. Use a small smartphone tripod or suction-cup car mount to position the camera inconspicuously. Consider purchasing a wide-angle lens for a broader field of view. Since streaming video is power-intensive, keep the phone close to a power source using a 10-foot Micro-USB or Lightning cable.

Once set up, you can use the security cam app on your new phone to view the feed from your old phone’s camera. This allows you to monitor your home and enhance its security without spending much.