How to Use Old Phone as Security Camera | Best Free Apps
Do you plan on selling off your abandoned smartphone? How about you use your old phone as a security camera? Thanks to innovative developers, there are apps that can do this so well. No need for expensive CCTV installations. You get to boost your home security, reinvent your smartphone and save costs.
Rather than giving away your smartphone at a price much lower than its purchasing cost, give it a new purpose with these genius apps. In this article, we have compiled 12 best free apps to turn old phone into security camera. Let's look at them in detail.
- 1. How Can I Use My Old Phone as a Security Camera
- 2. Top 12 Free Apps to Turn Old Phone into Security Camera
- 3. Compairing the Best Apps to Turn Old Phone into Security Camera
- 4. Best Practices to Use Your Old Phone as the Security Camera
- 5. Ensure Security When Using Old Phone as a Security Camera
- 6. When to Use Old Phone as Security Camera
How Can I Use My Old Phone as a Security Camera
There are a lot of apps that allow you to turn an old phone into a security camera. To do that, you need to install an app that can help you remotely access your old phone’s camera and equip it with various security camera features. This will allow you to view the camera whenever you wish. Different apps offer different functionalities including live streaming, motion detection, recording storage, two-way audio, night vision and more.
What you need to use an old phone as a security camera:
- An old smartphone (Android or iOS device)
- An Internet connection
- A security camera application
- Power supply for the old phone
- A phone stand or mount (this is optional)
Top 12 Free Apps to Turn Old Phone into Security Camera
There are a good number of apps to use old phone as a security camera. Choosing an app out of the numerous options available can be quite tricky and overwhelming. It's important you select a very good app. Here's a list of 12 highly-rated free apps that you can select from.
AirDroid Personal
AirDroid Personal is the best free app to turn old phone into security camera. While the old phone serves as a security camera, a secondary remote device (PC) functions as the viewing device. You can download either AirDroid Personal on your old Android phone. After installing, all you need to do is to orientate the device camera to focus on what you wish to survey. This enables you to do the real-time monitoring from anywhere in the world.
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Key Features of AirDroid Personal:
One-way audio: This feature allows you to hear background noise. Not only are you able to monitor a particular place, but you are also able to listen to the phone surroundings within that location. For instance, you can hear when your baby cries when AirDroid Personal is used as a baby monitor.
Remote screenshotting and recording: This feature enables you to record videos and capture screenshots. For example, if you put your old phone at home, you can use it to record videos and screenshot for your baby or pet remotely and those could be the moments for you to relive later.
Adjustable remote monitoring: AirDroid Personal grants you access to the device's flashlight and camera settings. This enables you to observe in detail the different angles of both the back and rear cameras of the device. In addition, you can switch the flashlight on when the environment gets dim remotely.
AirDroid Personal is also definitely a treasure for mobile device management. It contains a host of other useful features. They include:
- File transfer: This feature allows you to move your files wirelessly and seamlessly across multiple platforms at high speed without loss of data.
- Remote control phone: Once this tool is set up, you can control your Android phone or tablet from your PC in any part of the world.
- SMS & Notification: Using this feature, you can make calls and send and receive texts directly on your computer. In addition, you can receive notifications from apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook on your PC and reply to them instantly.
- Screen mirroring: This tool allows you to remotely access your Android phone camera from your computer, enabling you to view the content on a much larger scale.
Pros of AirDroid Personal
- AirDroid Personal is flexible; can be used on both cellular and Wi-Fi networks.
- Compatible with multiple platforms; Android, desktop and web.
- Allows you to capture special moments.
- One-way audio enables you listen to the phone surroundings clearly.
- Ease of operation.
Cons
- One-way audio is the premium feature.
- It can only help you turn your old Android phone into a security camera.
How to Use Old Phone as Security Camera with AirDroid Personal
Follow these steps to convert your old phone into security camera using AirDroid Personal
Step 1: Click "Download Now" button to download and install AirDroid Personal on your old Android device. Install AirDroid Personal on your computer or use web.airdroid.com on any devices to monitor your home security remotely.
Step 2: On your old phone, go to Security & Remote Features, switch on the Camera button, then select the Grant Permission button.
Step 3: Next, you enable One-Way Audio by turning the option on. Afterwards, allow AirDroid Personal to record audio by tapping the relevant button.
Step 4: On your PC, launch AirDroid Personal. Select your old device as the device you want to monitor remotely, then Click on Remote Control, and tap on Remote Camera. Now your old phone has been completely turned into a security camera.
Alfred
Alfred is a multi-purpose app that can turn your old phone into a home security system. It can also be utilized as a baby or pet monitor. Alfred employs both front and rear cameras to provide a live home feed. You can access this feed remotely. With the help of Alfred, it is much easier to use Android phone as a web cam.
Compatibility: Android and iOS devices.
Streaming quality: High
Remote control feature: Not Available
Features
- 24/7 live streaming: This ensures round-the-clock monitoring hence nothing suspicious gets past you.
- Motion detection: When a suspicious movement is detected, Alfred immediately notifies you.
- Two-Way Audio: Not only are you able to pick up background sounds, but you can also speak in real time from your remote location.
- Low-light filter: When it gets dark, you can adjust the camera's light for continuous visibility.
Pros
- It provides HD video surveillance.
- You can remotely zoom in on an object of interest.
- Large cloud storage.
- Smart motion detection.
Cons
- Installation and setup are time-consuming.
- Low-light filters and motion detection features do not work all the time.
- Doesn't work on some devices.
SeeCiTV
This app also uses both front and rear cameras. A functional Gmail account is required during setup. It offers HD live video streams.
Compatibility: Only on Android.
Streaming quality: High
Remote control feature: Not Available
Features
- HD live video streams
- Remote camera control: You can turn on/off the security cameras remotely.
Pros
- It is free.
- Permits users to record HD live videos.
- Consumes less power.
Cons
- Users can't record for a long period of time.
- There are so many ads which, most times, take over the entire phone screen.
Manything
As one of the best apps to turn old phone into security camera, Manything is a simple app which functions both as a motion detection tool and a surveillance tool. Manything works by detecting movements within a specified zone. It converts your old smartphones into sophisticated security cameras. This app can be used to monitor anything.
Compatibility: Only on iOS devices.
Streaming quality: Medium
Remote control feature: Not Available
Features
- Ease of installation: Manything is simple and easy to set up.
- Live video feeds: You have a real-time view of whoever or whatever you are monitoring. It could be your home, baby or pet.
- Motion detection zones: You only monitor the areas of interest.
- Motion recognition: Instant notification when there are any movements within the detection zone.
- Auto-record: Every movement detected is automatically recorded.
- Stills-on mode: Every movement detected is automatically recorded.
Pros
- Provides real-time monitoring of whoever or whatever you wish to survey.
- The motion sensitivity can be adjusted to capture only significant events.
- Extensive backup cloud storage.
Cons
- Doesn't offer extensive coverage; it only defects movements within a specified zone.
- Not compatible with Android devices.
AtHome
This app contains advanced and professional features, which makes it suited to handle the security of your home. It turns your old phone into a reliable security camera.
Compatibility: Android and iOS devices.
Streaming quality: Medium
Remote control feature: Not Available
Features
- Face recognition: You can set the app to recognize the faces of everyone in your home. It can also be enabled to notify you as each family member arrives home. In addition, you can set it to only alert you when a stranger walks in and not when a family member does.
- High-resolution audio: You can speak through a mic to visitors.
- Improved night vision: AtHome enhanced night vision lets you capture all movements around your home, even at night.
Pros
- Offers two-way communication.
- AtHome group view option permits the viewing of 4 cameras simultaneously.
- Its face recognition feature reduces the occurrence of false alarms; you only get notified when necessary.
Cons
- It's not user-friendly; the advanced features make it quite complex for the average user.
- The app doesn't always run smoothly; it lags from time to time.
BabyCam
It is specifically designed to serve as a baby monitor. The app is replete with features which enable it to serve this function.
Compatibility: Only on Android.
Streaming quality: Medium
Remote control feature: Not Available
Features
- In-built Lullaby songs: You can play a Lullaby song to soothe the baby from the variety available in the app.
- Screen recording and Screenshotting: Baby Cam allows you to screen record or screenshot a memorable baby moment so you can look them over again.
Pros
- You get instant notification when your baby wakes up or begins to cry.
- The app allows you to talk to your baby from a remote device.
- Recorded videos are available for download on the remote device and not the recording device.
Cons
- It requires that the remote device and the camera be linked to the same network for it to function.
- Both the remote device and camera have to be relatively close for Baby Cam to work well.
OWLR
This app has the ability to convert an Android phone into an IP camera. Primarily functions as a monitor. It can be used as a home, baby or pet monitor. It can also serve as an office monitor.
Compatibility: Android and iOS devices.
Streaming quality: Medium
Remote control feature: Not Available
Features
- Motion detection: It uses in-built algorithms to detect movements.
- Synchronized camera control: It allows you to monitor all cameras placed in the home from a single remote device.
Pros
- It serves as a hub that links different IP cameras around the home.
- Passwords are not stored on its server hence protecting the camera from being hacked.
- It is free.
Cons
- It's a new app; hence most features are not fully functional; they are still being developed.
- It is not reliable.
WardenCam
It provides round-the-clock security surveillance. Works over both Wi-Fi and cellular networks. Warden Cam utilizes the audio and video sensors of your old smartphone, essentially making it a security camera.
Compatibility: Android and iOS devices.
Streaming quality: Medium
Remote control feature: Not Available
Features
- Ultra HD Audio and Video: Offers ultra HD video streams. Its audio quality is also top-notch.
- Motion detection: This alerts you of any movements detected via email.
- Cloud Storage: Recorded videos are saved directly to your Google drive.
Pros
- Users can link as many phones as possible.
- Its ability to support multiple phone connections enables it to record and document all activities happening in the home and its surroundings.
- The night vision feature ensures visibility under low light conditions.
Cons
- Consumes a lot of data.
- Doesn't work well over Wi-Fi networks.
Haven
This is an open-source application which functions as a motion, sound and vibration detector. Only records when triggered by motion and sounds.
Compatibility: Android and iOS devices.
Streaming quality: Medium
Remote control feature: Not Available
Features
- Sound & Vibration detection: In addition to motion recognition, Haven also detects vibrations using an inbuilt accelerometer.
- Light detection: It also gets triggered by light inputs.
Pros
- Consumes less data; it only records and stores footage when there are unusual movements and sounds.
- It is reliable; works fine even on the oldest Android devices.
- Works well over Wi-Fi networks.
Cons
- Low-quality videos and pictures.
- Doesn't have cloud storage.
Salient Eye
It is very good free app to turn old phone into security camera. It has an excellent alarm system helping to prevent burglary. Its setup is hassle-free and straightforward.
Compatibility: Only works on Android devices.
Streaming quality: Low
Remote control feature: Not Available
Features
- Motion detection: This feature becomes functional when you position the phone's camera and enable the Arm button of the Salient Eye. This makes all motions within the camera's range to be detected by the app. Salient Eye takes pictures of these movements and then triggers an alarm. Links to photos taken are sent to you via texts or emails; this is optional.
- Theft-deterrence: It has an alarm system which can only be turned off by a unique 4-digit disarm code set by you. You can input this code remotely from a secondary device. The alarm is extremely loud, and movements within the camera's field of view trigger it. This helps to scare off burglars. Enabling Salient Eye to send you photos taken via texts or emails helps you know why the siren was triggered and also notifies you to turn off the siren.
Pros
- Simple and easy to set up.
- Works on almost all Android devices.
- Modifiable motion sensitivity.
Cons
- Only works on Android devices.
- Doesn't provide live video feeds.
IP Webcam
This app allows you to use extra phones as security cameras. It helps to repurpose your old smartphones.
Compatibility: Only on Android.
Streaming quality: Low
Remote control feature: Not Available
Features
- Multiple viewing points: Captures movements from all angles.
- Cloud Backup: All recordings are automatically stored in the cloud storage.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Ability to detect an object and capture all movements across its path.
- Recordings are not lost.
Cons
- Works over a limited distance.
- Requires frequent check-ups; the app constantly requests permission from users.
Compairing the Best Apps to Turn an Old Phone into a Security Camera
There are a number of different factors to consider when choosing an app for converting your old phone into a security camera. These features include things like compatibility, stability, user interface, privacy and security and more. Which app you should use depends on your particular use case. For example, if you’re looking for something simple that helps you access your phone’s camera remotely from anywhere in the world, then we’d highly recommend using Airdroid Personal.
Similarly, if you’d like to use an app that is designed with home security in mind, then you could consider the Alfred app.
Below, we have compared the top free apps for converting an old phone into a security camera.
Apps | Streaming quality | Video recording | Motion detection | Free Trail |
---|---|---|---|---|
AirDroid Personal | High | Yes | No | Free for local network $3.99/month for remote network |
Alfred | High | Yes | Yes | Free for One Viewer $5.99/month |
SeeCiTV | High | Yes | Yes | Free Trial start with $0.99/month |
Manything | Medium | Yes | Yes | Free without video recording $2.99~19.99/month |
AtHome | Medium | Yes | Yes | Free Trial |
BabyCam | Medium | Yes | No | BabyCam $0.99 |
OWLR | Medium | No | Yes | Free |
WardenCam | Medium | Yes | Yes | Free with limited storage $8.99 |
Haven | Medium | Yes (triggered upon motion detection only) | Yes | Free |
Salient Eye | Low | No | Yes | Free |
IP Webcam | Low | Yes | No | Free |
Best Practices to Use Your Old Phone as the Security Camera
What happens after you pick up your best app to turn your old phone into a security camera? Now you can follow these steps:
Choose a Proper Spot for Your Phone Camera
Once you have chosen a device as your security camera, you need to find a spot to place it. At this point, you should keep in mind the main purpose of using your old cell phone as a security camera and place it accordingly.
Keep Charging Your Phone
These apps can drain a device’s battery quite quickly, especially on older phones. You’d want to choose a spot for your phone where you can easily access a charging source. We’d recommend installing a phone mount at that place and keeping the charger close by to quickly charge your phone when needed.
Ensure the Storage Space
If your security camera app saves its recordings in the internal memory of your phone, then it may fill up quickly. Our recommendation is to remove all apps and files from the phone that you wish to use as a security camera so you have maximum internal storage available.
Close Unnecessary Apps and Close Other Notifications
Background apps can slow down a phone’s processor, causing the video recording to get stuck or even disconnect. Close all background apps before connecting your phone with a security camera app. Incoming notifications may hinder the security app’s functioning. Turn off all incoming notifications so your security app can function smoothly.
Access Your Phone Camera on Other Side
Once you have completed the aforementioned steps, just connect to your phone via the security camera app and access its camera to make sure that the connection is properly set up.
Now you should learn how to make CCTV of other Android by following the given steps above.
Ensure Security When Using Old Phone as a Security Camera
Here’s how you can safely use apps that allow you to convert your old phone into a security camera.
Check Encryption Protocols
It’s important that such apps use encryption protocols to make sure that your recordings are not intercepted or viewed by anyone else. Apps that value privacy and security use protocols like SSH, SSL, TLS or AES. You shouldn’t be trusting an app that does not tell you which security protocols it uses.
Update Software
Apps keep releasing software updates to improve their security or to patch any weaknesses in their security protocols. Turn on automatic updates to ensure that your security camera app is running its latest version.
Use Secure WiFi
Always use your private secure WiFi for such apps. If you’re connected to public WiFi, it can allow other people on the network to access your data which can be a potential security risk.
When to Use Old Phone as Security Camera?
There are a number of situations where you may want to use your old phone as a security camera.
Nursery monitoring: these apps help you keep an eye on a sleeping baby while you’re at work.
Pet monitoring: you can use such apps to monitor your pets while you’re not home.
Home security: you can even use these apps for home security. Some of these apps have special home security features like recording when they detect motion and two-way audio.
Elderly or special needs care: using these apps, you can remotely monitor your loved ones and give instant help.
Conclusion
These innovative apps give your old, abandoned phones a whole new purpose and are cost-effective. Of the numerous options discussed in this article, AirDroid Personal is the best app to turn old phone into security camera.
Give your old phone a new life. Get AirDroid Personal today. Download it Now.
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