How to Repurpose Old Phones as Security Cameras
If you have an unused smartphone lying around, you can easily repurpose it into a free home security camera. With the Alfred Camera app, any old Android or iOS device can function as a Wi-Fi or IP camera, allowing you to monitor your space remotely at no cost.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following items:
A viewer phone – Your current phone that will monitor the video feed.
An old phone – The device that will act as your security camera.
A power source – Either a power bank or a charging cable with access to a power outlet.
A Google account – Required to link and sync your devices.
Step 1: Install and Set Up Alfred Camera
Download the Alfred Camera app on both your current phone and the old phone.
On your viewer phone:
Open the app and select “Viewer.”
Tap “Get Started.”
Sign in with your Google account.
You’ll see an empty feed for now—setup on this phone is complete.
On your camera phone:
Repeat the same initial steps.
When prompted, select “Camera.”
Sign in with the same Google account you used on your viewer phone.
Once both devices are connected under the same account, your viewer phone will automatically recognize the camera phone.
Step 2: Position and Power the Camera Phone
Decide where you want to place your camera phone. You can position it discreetly or in a visible spot depending on your needs. For example, placing it near a charging station can make it blend naturally into its surroundings.
Keep the following in mind:
The camera phone must remain plugged into a power source (outlet or power bank) to function continuously.
After opening the app, lock the phone screen and place it in position. Alfred Camera will continue running in the background, streaming live video to your viewer phone.
Step 3: Test and Customize Your Setup
Once your camera is set up, you’re ready to start monitoring. From your viewer phone, open the Alfred Camera app to see the live feed.
You can fine-tune your setup through the app’s settings:
Adjust lighting: Enable Night Vision or the flashlight feature for dark environments.
Motion detection: Alfred Camera includes built-in motion detection that alerts you when activity is detected and records short video clips automatically.
To disable motion alerts, tap the gear icon on the camera feed and toggle off notifications.
Scheduling motion detection requires a premium subscription.
With just a few simple steps, you can transform an unused phone into a fully functional security camera. The Alfred Camera app offers an affordable, efficient, and eco-friendly way to improve your home security without investing in expensive equipment.