RP Staff·

How To Use An Old Phone As A Security Camera? Easy Setup Guide

If you have an old phone lying on the table, you can use it as a security camera. Yes, it is possible to record videos with it and use it for surveillance purposes.

In this article, we will explain how you can use an old phone as a security camera. We will share the step-by-step guide to do it. We will also highlight the shortcomings of using a phone as a camera and share some excellent alternatives.

Can I Use an Old Phone as a Security Camera?

Yes, you can use an old phone as a security camera. It is possible to turn the built-in camera into a security camera with the help of an application. It won’t require any hardware changes, and you can use a free application for it.

You should understand that a phone is not a security camera. So, it won’t be able to offer all the features. However, it will help you record the videos.

How to Use an Old Phone as a Security Camera?

You need to use an application that will convert your old phone into a security camera. There are dozens of such applications available. Some of the popular ones are:

  • Alfred Home Security Camera
  • AtHome Camera
  • BabyCam
  • SeeCiTV

Let’s see how you can use the AlfredCamera app to turn your old phone into a security camera.

Step 1: Download the application from the Play Store or App Store. You need to download it both on the new and old phones. Your new phone will work as the camera screen, while the old one will become a security camera.

Step 2: On your new phone, open the app. Tap Start.

Step 3: Sign in with Google. Enter the credentials and get it ready. Select it as the Viewer.

Step 4: Do the same on your old phone. But select it as a Camera.

Now, your old phone is ready to work as a security camera. Place it at a suitable place.

How to Properly Place Cell Phone Security Camera?

First, you need to select a suitable position to place the cell phone. You can install it in your living room, study room, kitchen countertop, table, home entrance, or any place you want. You can install it either on the wall/ceiling or place it above the table or any suitable object.

The place should cover a wider area. Avoid obstructions to have a clear view. Secondly, the place should be well-lit to capture clear videos.

Once you have selected the ideal place for the installation, you need a tripod stand, car mount, or similar products to mount the camera properly. These will hold the cell phone properly.

Once you have mounted the camera successfully, connect it to your new phone using an application. After the connection, try different angles by checking the view. Finally, select the one you like.

Cons of Using Old Cell Phone as Security Camera

An old cell phone can work as a security, but it is not meant for this purpose. Therefore, there are some cons of using it.

  • A cell phone does not have the smart features of a security camera. You will not be able to enjoy pan-and-tilt, auto-tracking, two-way audio, etc.
  • You can’t use a simple phone as a security camera at night. It won’t have night vision.
  • The battery won’t last for a long time. You will have to recharge the device more frequently.
  • The video quality of the phone will not be exceptional. Security cameras can have 4K resolution and advanced modes to capture optimal clarity.
  • You will face storage issues. It won’t get connected to an NVR.
  • A phone is not secure enough. It can be hacked easily, and the recording can get stolen.

Alternatives of Old Phone Security Cameras

If you don’t have an old phone, you should go with a security camera. It is a better option because security cameras are specifically made for surveillance and have better features.

Here are some excellent options you can consider.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra

Reolink Altas PT Ultra is a Wi-Fi 6 security camera. You can use it for indoor and outdoor surveillance. It records videos in 4K to ensure optimal clarity and exceptional details. It’s a battery-powered camera with a reliable performance of up to 16 months on motion detection and eight days on continuous recording of 12 hours. Its pan-and-tilt option helps you cover a wider area. The best part is that it brings true colors to life even at night using the Reolink ColorX technology.

Pros:

Long Battery Life: It contains a massive 20,000mAh battery for longer life. It can last up to 16 months on one complete charge.

Smart Detection: The camera can automatically detect animals, persons, and vehicles. It focuses on the object to capture intricate details clearly.

Continuous Recording: It is the industry-leading camera that can do continuous recording on battery power. No need to worry about power outages.

Enough Storage: The camera supports a microSD card up to 512GB, which is more than enough to record videos of several months.

Smart Home: It can be integrated with your existing smart home system and works hands-free. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Cons:

  • Non-removable battery

Reolink CX810

Reolink CX810 is a PoE camera for high reliability. Its 4K resolution and 25fps high frame rate offer exceptionally clear and lag-free videos. You get to see rich details and vivid hues with its HDR technology. It is also equipped with Reolink ColorX technology. So you get to see crystal clear and colorful videos at night and in low light conditions.

Pros:

Weatherproof: The camera is IP67 rated­. It works in all weather conditions, such as snow and heavy rain.

Space–saving: It records videos in the H.265 video format. It saves space to store more videos.

Flexible Storage: It offers multiple storage options, including microSD card (up to 256 GB) and NVR.

Easy to Install: It is Extremely easy to use and install. You just Plug the device to Play it. No need to install any firmware.

Smart Detection: It detects persons, vehicles, and animals and sends accurate real-time alerts to your devices.

Cons:

  • Needs proper Ethernet wiring

Reolink E1 Outdoor Pro

E1 Outdoor Pro is specially made for outdoor surveillance. It’s a pan-and-tilt camera to cover a wider area. It can automatically detect objects and track their motion. You can also zoom up to 3X for intricate details. At night, you can opt for the black-and-white and colored night vision. It’s equipped with Wi-Fi 6 technology to ensure stable and fast performance.

Pros:

Double Warning: It uses built-in spotlights and the siren to deter intruders. It triggers automatically after motion detection.

Two-way Audio: Through the built-in speaker and microphone, you can communicate with the person in front of the camera from any location via the connected device.

Smart Assistant: It works with Alexa and Google Assistant. You can operate the camera hands-free.

Optical Zoom: Its 3X optical zoom offers crystal clear details. Records sharp facial features and license plates.

Cons:

  • Need wiring installation

FAQs

1. Can I turn old android phone into security camera without internet?

No, you cannot turn your Android phone into a security camera without the internet. It’s necessary to have a stable internet connection to complete the process and access the camera. If the phone loses internet, you won’t be able to access it remotely, but it will still record the video.

2. Can I use an old phone as a security camera for free?

Yes, you can use a free application, such as OWLR, IP Webcam, and Haven. However, advanced features are only available in paid applications.

Final Words

Using an old phone as a security camera is pretty easy. All you need is a reliable application, and your device will be converted in a few minutes. You can then place it at a suitable location. However, it is not a professional security camera. It will lack various features and does not offer the performance you need. Therefore, prefer a security camera as it is made for this purpose.

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