Do you have an old smartphone collecting dust in a drawer? Instead of letting it go to waste, why not repurpose it as a security camera?
With the right app and setup, you can turn your old mobile phone into a cost-effective surveillance system for your home or office.
Keep reading to learn how to set up your old smartphone as a security camera and enhance your home security without breaking the bank.
Repurpose old phone
If you have an old mobile phone lying around, you can easily repurpose it for a new use. Here are some creative ways to give your old phone a new life:
- Turn it into a security camera: Use apps like Alfred or Manything to turn your old phone into a home security camera.
- Use it as a dedicated music player: Load up your old phone with your favorite music and use it as a dedicated music player.
- Turn it into a digital photo frame: Display your favorite photos on your old phone by turning it into a digital photo frame.
- Use it as a backup phone: Keep your old phone charged and ready to use as a backup in case your main phone breaks or runs out of battery.
Download security app
To turn your old mobile phone into a security camera, you will need to download a security app that allows you to monitor the camera feed remotely. There are several security camera apps available for both Android and iOS devices. Some popular options include Alfred, Manything, and Presence. Simply search for these apps in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, download and install the app on your old mobile phone.
Set up camera angle
Once you have positioned your old mobile phone in the desired location, you need to adjust the camera angle for optimal surveillance. Make sure the camera is pointing towards the area you want to monitor, such as a doorway or window. You may need to experiment with different angles to find the best view.
Consider mounting the phone on a stable surface or using a tripod to ensure it stays in place. You can also use a makeshift stand or holder to elevate the phone and get a better vantage point. Remember to test the camera angle by checking the live feed on your monitoring device before finalizing the setup.
Connect to Wi-Fi network
Before you can use your old mobile phone as a security camera, you need to connect it to a Wi-Fi network. Follow these steps to set up the Wi-Fi connection:
Step 1: Open Settings
Go to the Settings app on your old mobile phone. Look for the Wi-Fi option in the settings menu.
Step 2: Select Wi-Fi network
Once in the Wi-Fi settings, you will see a list of available Wi-Fi networks. Select your home or preferred Wi-Fi network from the list.
| Network Name | Password |
|---|---|
| Your Wi-Fi network name | Enter your Wi-Fi password here |
Enter the password for the selected Wi-Fi network and wait for the connection to be established.
Enable motion detection
To enhance the security features of your old mobile phone turned security camera, you can enable motion detection. This feature will allow the camera to detect any movement within its field of vision and trigger recording or alert notifications.
Steps to enable motion detection:
- Open the security camera app on your old mobile phone.
- Go to the settings menu and look for the motion detection option.
- Enable the motion detection feature and adjust the sensitivity level according to your preferences.
- Save the settings and exit the menu.
Once motion detection is enabled, your old mobile phone security camera will be able to detect any movement and alert you in real-time, providing an added layer of security for your home or office.
Access camera remotely
Once you have set up your old mobile phone as a security camera, you can access the camera remotely from another device. Here’s how:
Using a dedicated app
You can use a dedicated app like Manything or Alfred to access your old mobile phone’s camera remotely. Simply download the app on both the old phone and the device you want to use to monitor the camera. Follow the app’s instructions to connect the two devices and start monitoring the camera feed.
Using a web browser
Some security camera apps offer the option to access the camera feed through a web browser. Simply log in to the app’s website on your computer or another device, and you can view the camera feed from your old mobile phone remotely.
| Tip: | Make sure your old mobile phone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network to ensure smooth remote access to the camera. |
Ensure Power Source
One of the most important aspects of using an old mobile phone as a security camera is ensuring a reliable power source. Since the phone will be running continuously to capture footage, it needs to be connected to a power supply at all times. You can use a wall adapter or a power bank to keep the phone charged. Make sure that the power source is stable and won’t be interrupted to ensure uninterrupted surveillance.
