How to Turn Your Old Mobile Phone into a CCTV Camera

We’ve all got that old mobile phone lying in a drawer somewhere, gathering dust. What if I told you that instead of letting it sit there unused, you could transform it into something super useful? With just a few tweaks and the right apps, your old phone can become a powerful CCTV camera, keeping your home or office safe without the need to spend money on expensive equipment.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through turning your old phone into a CCTV camera, step by step. By the end of this post, you’ll be watching your front door from your new security camera!

Why Turn Your Old Phone into a CCTV Camera?

– Cost-Effective:You don’t need to buy a new CCTV camera setup.
– Environmentally Friendly: Repurposing old electronics helps reduce electronic waste.
– Mobile and Flexible: Since it’s a phone, you can place it anywhere, move it easily, and even use it as a hidden camera.
– Accessible from Anywhere: You can monitor your CCTV feed remotely from another device, whether it’s your current smartphone, laptop, or tablet.

 What You’ll Need:

1. Old smartphone (Android or iPhone)
2. Wi-Fi connection for the live stream
3. Charging cable or power bank (so the phone doesn’t run out of battery)
4. CCTV app (I’ll recommend some below)
5. A stable surface or a mount to position your phone

 Step-by-Step Guide to Turn Your Old Phone into a CCTV Camera

Step 1: Choose the Right App

There are several apps out there designed specifically to turn your phone into a CCTV camera. Here are a few popular ones:

– AlfredCamera (Available on both Android and iOS): This app is incredibly user-friendly and has features like motion detection and instant notifications.
– IP Webcam (Android): This app can stream videos directly to other devices or cloud services, giving you access from anywhere.
– Manything (iOS and Android): This app allows you to monitor, receive alerts, and even save your footage to the cloud.

For this example, let’s use

AlfredCamera since it’s easy to set up.

Step 2: Download and Install the App

1. On your old phone, head to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, search for AlfredCamera, and install it.
2. Open the app and create a new account, or log in using your Google account for faster setup.
3. Choose the option to use this phone as a Camera.
4. Set up the camera phone: AlfredCamera will ask for permissions to access the phone’s camera, microphone, and storage. Allow these to ensure the app works properly.

Step 3: Set Up Your Camera

1. Positioning: Place your old phone in the location where you want surveillance. You can mount it on a wall, set it on a stable surface, or even use a tripod for a better view.

Pro Tip: Try to position the phone near a power outlet, or use a power bank to ensure it can run continuously without running out of battery.

2. Power Management: Plug your old phone into a charger to keep it powered up, especially if it’s going to be on 24/7.

Step 4: Download the Viewer App on Your Current Phone

1. Now, on your current phone, download and install the AlfredCamera app.
2. Log in with the same account that you used on the old phone.
3. Once logged in, your old phone (the camera phone) should appear on the main screen of the app as a connected camera.

Step 5: Start Monitoring

– Click on the camera feed, and you’ll see a live stream of what’s happening in front of your old phone’s camera!
– You can toggle between options such as motion detection, receive notifications when movement is detected, and even record clips directly to your phone or the cloud.

Advanced Features: Take It to the Next Level

– Two-Way Audio: Some apps like AlfredCamera allow you to talk through the camera. Perfect for scaring off potential intruders or even giving commands to your pets!
– Motion Detection Alerts: Get real-time notifications if anything moves in front of the camera.
– Night Vision: If your old phone has decent camera specs, you can enable night vision to monitor low-light environments.
– Cloud Storage: Store your video footage in the cloud, allowing you to go back and review footage in case you miss something.

Real-Life Example: Setting Up Home Security in 5 Minutes

Let me share a quick story about how I transformed an old Android phone into a CCTV system for my front porch. I had an old Samsung Galaxy S6 that had been gathering dust for months. Using AlfredCamera, I placed it in a corner window facing the front yard. I connected it to a nearby outlet and set up motion detection.

The result? I was able to monitor the delivery of my packages while I was at work. Whenever there was movement, I got an instant alert on my current phone, and I could even speak through the app when my dog was barking at a passerby!

Bonus Tips:

– Hide your phone: If you’re using it for security, you don’t want it to be too obvious. Try placing it behind a plant or inside a decorative box.
– Use an old phone case: If you’re worried about your old phone getting scratched or damaged, use a case to protect it.

Repurposing your old phone into a CCTV camera is not only a smart way to recycle technology but also a cost-effective solution to boost your home security. With just a few apps and the right setup, you can monitor your home, office, or any space, all from the convenience of your current smartphone. So, don’t let that old phone sit idle—give it a new life as a CCTV camera today!