If you have an old phone, you can use it as a security camera. It will show the live feed on any viewer device, such as a smartphone or tablet.
In this article, we will discuss things you need to use an old phone as a security camera and how you can do it with a step-by-step process. We will also explain the pros and cons and compare it with a professional security camera.
What You Need to Use an Old Phone as a Security Camera?
For using an old phone as a security camera, you need a few things.
Phone: You need an old phone with a perfectly working camera. It should record clear footage.
Power Source: The phone requires continuous power. You need to recharge it constantly. There should be a wall outlet nearby to connect the adapter. Also, use a long power cable.
Mount: You need a tripod or wall mount to secure the camera. According to the place you want to install the phone, you can buy a suitable mount.
Application: The most important thing is the application that allows you to use the phone as a security camera.
Stable Wi-Fi: The phone should be connected to a stable Wi-Fi. It is necessary to see the live feed on any other device.
How to Use an Old Phone as a Security Camera?
Step 1: Disable Bluetooth, NFC, and other unnecessary features on your old phone. Turn off Auto-lock and Sleep. You can also reset your device to ensure smooth performance.
Step 2: Install any specialised application that can turn your old phone into a security camera. For instance, you can use AlfredCamera. Go to the App Store or the Play Store and install the application. You need to install it on the old phone as well as the viewer device.
Step 3: Open the application and sign up. On the viewer device, tap “Add a Camera” and select Mobile Device. You will have a QR code that you need to scan with the camera device.
Step 4: Check if the live feed is working well. Finally, mount the security camera at the desired location. Now, you can see the live feed on the viewer device from any location.
Pros/Cons and Tips of Using an Old Phone as a Security Camera
Pros
- You can save money by using an old device as a security camera.
- If your old phone has a high resolution, it can even record better than many security cams.
- You can connect to the Wi-Fi and see the live feed from any location.
- It offers incredible flexibility, and you can use it anywhere indoors.
Cons
- Due to continuous charging, the battery of the phone deteriorates quickly.
- There is no night vision, so you will not see anything in low-light conditions.
- It does not have features like smart detection, real-time alerts, and other things that professional security cameras offer.
Tips
- Ensure optimal lighting in the area to capture clear videos
- Avoid pointing the camera directly at the lighting fixtures and prevent glare by adjusting the angle
- Use a smart plug to recharge the phone. Set a timer according to the battery life of the phone. It will prevent battery overheating and overcharging.
- Delete other applications from the old phone and reset it. It will prevent notifications and disturbance during recording.
- Put the device in Aeroplane mode and then turn on Wi-Fi. It will save the battery by not searching for cellular signals.
Best Places to Use an Old Cell Phone as a Security Camera
Entryway: If you want to keep an eye on who enters or leaves your house, you can mount the cell phone in the entryway.
Pet Area: For monitoring pets, an old cell phone is excellent. You can install it in the area and focus on your work. It is also useful for remote monitoring.
Toddler Room: Keeping an eye on toddlers becomes easier using a security camera. Whether you are in other parts of the home or outside, you can monitor their activities and restrain them at the right time.
Garage: You can install the phone in the garage to secure the entrance. It also helps you keep an eye on the valuable items you have in there.
Hallway: The hallway is a joint area from which you can monitor everyone in the house and who is entering or leaving rooms. It’s perfect for security reasons.
Old Phone Security Camera vs Professional Security Camera
You can use an old phone as a security camera temporarily, as it has some limitations, such as
- Battery overheating
- No weatherproofing
- Unstable and unreliable app performance
- No security features
- Outdated applications with security risks
Professional security cameras are meant for security purposes, and that’s why they offer better performance and features.
Real-Time Alerts: The cameras keep the user updated. They send real-time alerts and notifications through the app.
Night Vision: They have dedicated night vision to record clear videos in low light conditions and when the lights are turned off. They work 24/7.
Accurate Motion Detection: They accurately detect the motion of pets and persons. They prevent false alerts and only send important notifications.
Flexible Storage: Users can store the videos in the microSD card, NVR, FTP server, and cloud storage. There are multiple options to save recordings for a long time.
E1 Zoom is a 4K Wi-Fi 6 indoor security camera with night vision. It records everything in high resolution and also offers 3X optical zoom. It is a PTZ camera that can cover 360⁰ and track the motion of objects. It can detect a person, a pet, and crying, and send real-time alerts to the connected devices.
FAQs
Q. Can I use my old phone as a security camera without Wi-Fi?
A. No, you cannot use your old phone as a security camera without Wi-Fi. It needs an internet connection to show the live feed on the viewer’s device. If you don’t have Wi-Fi, you can opt for cellular data.
Q. Can I use my phone as an external camera?
A. Yes, you can use your phone as an external camera or webcam. For this, you will need a special application on your device, such as Camo and DroidCam.
Q. What is the free app to use my old phone as a security camera?
A. You can use AlfredCamera and WardenCam on your iOS or Android device. These are available on the Play Store and App Store for free.
Final Words
An old phone can work as a security camera and show the live feed on the viewer’s device. However, its performance isn’t the same as a professional security camera, and it lacks many features. It could be a temporary measure, but for robust security, you need to go with a professional security camera that is designed to ensure security.