Turn Your Old Smartphone Into a Security Camera: 4 Top Apps to Try!
Got an old phone but don't know what to do with it? Check out our list of top apps that can transform your unused smartphone into a home security device.
Learn how to transform your old phone into a security camera with ENBLE.
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably amassed a drawer of unused electronics over the years. Many of these are probably smartphones — after all, carriers offer great promotions nowadays, giving you a chance to upgrade your device every two years without paying hefty fees. However, instead of letting your old smartphones collect dust (or worse, throwing them away), consider turning them into a makeshift security camera.
There are plenty of great iOS and Android apps available that help turn your old smartphone into a security camera. These work by using your old smartphone’s built-in cameras to provide a live stream to your new smartphone. Best of all, many of these are affordable (or free) and work with just about any phone you might have purchased over the last decade. 📱📹
Keep in mind that your smartphone isn’t weatherproof, meaning these apps are designed to create indoor security cameras. Be sure to check out our list of the best outdoor security cameras for options designed for your yard or porch.
📲 The Best Apps to Turn Your Smartphone Into a Security Camera
Below you’ll find a list of the best apps that turn your smartphone into a security camera. Along with downloading these apps, you’ll want to invest in some sort of mounting system. Nothing is stopping you from trying to use these apps while resting your phone against a countertop or propped up on a stack of books — but if you want robust coverage, you’ll want to permanently connect it to an electrical outlet for continuous power and get it mounted in an ideal spot. If you need help, check out our guide on how to place security cameras throughout your home.
🎬 Alfred
If you’re looking for the best security cam app to turn an old phone into a security asset, Alfred is your pick. This excellently designed app is installed on two phones — one for using your phone’s camera as a security cam, and one for controlling all of your settings and viewing footage.
Not only do you get streaming footage on your phone, but Alfred also offers a siren feature, two-way talking, motion detection, and a low-light filter. There’s also a “trust circle,” where friends will be able to access the cam themselves if necessary. It even works for multiple smartphone-turned-cam devices for whole-house monitoring. Paid versions are available for more advanced storage features.
The catch is that you have to have a fairly advanced smartphone to take advantage of all these features, so using a particularly old phone may not be very efficient.
🎬 AtHome Camera
AtHome is another app packed with useful features, including two-way talk options, night vision, and A.I. learning to recognize moving people as opposed to branches swaying in the wind. There’s also a mode that gives you a 24-hour time-lapse of everything the cam saw in the last 24 hours, so you can quickly look for anything suspicious.
If your phone has the right sensors, it can even automatically start filming if it detects vibration. Note that there are two versions of the app, one for the phone that will act as a cam, and one for your own phone for controls, so make sure you download the right options.
🎬 Manything
Manything is a free iOS app that can convert your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad into a Wi-Fi-connected security camera. Then, you can use a second iOS device as your mobile monitor or opt to keep an eye on things from the Manything web app.
This app provides more than just a security camera; it’s also got its own IFTTT channel, so you can link it to a huge range of web services and connected devices. For example, if you’ve got Philips Hue lights in your house, you could set them to turn on automatically whenever Manything detects motion — making your phone act as both a motion-activated smart switch and a handy home security tool that makes it look like someone’s at home.
🎬 Dormi
For $7, Dormi will take any Android phone or tablet running Gingerbread version 3.2 or greater and put its internet connectivity and advanced video and audio sensors to good use.
You plug the device into the wall, and it operates like a regular baby monitor. You can use your primary phone to monitor audio or video at any point in a drop-in style. Another option is to configure the app to send you automatic alerts when your baby wakes up. It continually senses ambient noise in a given room, which is what activates the notifications. As soon as your little bundle of joy wakes up and starts crying, you’ll know.
🎬 Cloud Baby Monitor
The Cloud Baby Monitor app affords you high-quality video and unlimited range through Wi-Fi, 3G, or LTE. It’s incredibly versatile, functioning as either a home security camera or a baby monitor.
Cloud Baby Monitor alerts you to both sound and motion, as well as allows you to talk to your little one remotely. This baby monitor can also play a lullaby or soothing white noise to help your baby get to sleep. Since it’s compatible with the Apple Watch, you can get motion or noise alerts right on your wrist no matter where you are.
Cloud Baby Monitor is also compatible with Mac computers, which includes both baby monitors and security operations. This baby monitor lets you keep an eye on your little one or your home using iOS while you’re out running errands or at work.
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FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions About Smartphone Security Cameras
Q: Can I use these apps for outdoor security purposes? 🏡
A: Unfortunately, most of these apps are designed for indoor use as your smartphone may not be weatherproof. However, you can consult our list of the best outdoor security cameras for outdoor options that suit your needs.
Q: Can I use these apps on any smartphone? 📱
A: Yes, these apps are available for both iOS and Android devices and are compatible with most smartphones. Just make sure to download the appropriate version for your device.
Q: Are there any additional features or benefits of these apps that I should know about? 💡
A: Absolutely! Some of these apps offer unique features like two-way talking, night vision, motion detection, and even integrations with other smart devices in your home. Explore each app’s capabilities to maximize your smartphone security camera experience.
The Future of Smartphone Security Cameras
The idea of repurposing our old smartphones as security cameras is just the beginning. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more features and innovation in the realm of smartphone security. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence and machine learning, these apps can potentially become more intelligent and efficient in detecting threats and providing enhanced security for our homes.
In addition, the integration of voice assistants into these apps could allow for hands-free control and monitoring, making it even more convenient for users. The possibilities are endless, and the future of smartphone security cameras looks promising.
So, don’t let your old smartphones gather dust in a drawer. Give them a new lease on life and turn them into powerful security cameras with these top-notch apps!
✨ Now it’s your turn: Have you repurposed your old smartphones as security cameras? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family on social media. Together, we can transform our old gadgets into valuable assets for home security. ✨
Reference List: 1. Best Outdoor Security Cameras 2. What is IFTTT and how can you use it in your smart home? 3. Wyze Cam Floodlight vs. Wyze Cam Floodlight v2: What’s new about this updated security camera? 4. The best home security cameras for 2024
