Turn Old Phone Into Security Camera Without Internet
Have you ever wondered what to do with an old phone that’s still functional? One option is to turn it into a home security camera. This may come in handy if you need to keep an eye on your home while you're away, monitor your baby’s room, or keep an eye on your pets. The best part is that you can turn your phone into a security camera without the need for an internet connection. Here’s how you can do it.
Why Turn Your Old Phone into a Security Camera?
Turning your old phone into a security camera can save you money, as you won’t need to purchase an expensive new camera or monitoring system. Additionally, there are several benefits to using your old phone as a security camera:
- You can monitor your home while on vacation or at work
- You can check on your pets while you’re away
- You can monitor your baby’s room without having to buy a dedicated baby monitor
- It’s eco-friendly because it repurposes an old phone
How to Turn Your Old Phone into a Security Camera
Before you start, you will need two smartphones or tablets, one for the camera and the other for the viewing device. The camera device should have a camera app installed and a stand to hold the phone in place. The viewing device should have a streaming app installed. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Install a Camera App
The first step is to install a camera app on your old phone. There are several free and paid apps available for both iOS and Android devices. Some popular options include:
- Alfred Camera: A free app for both iOS and Android that allows you to monitor your home remotely.
- IP Camera: A free app for Android that turns your phone into an IP Camera.
- Presence: A free app for iOS and Android that turns your phone into a security camera with live streaming.
- Manything: A free app for iOS that lets you turn your device into a security camera and also works with Android devices.
Step 2: Set Up Your Camera Device
Once you have installed a camera app on your old phone, mount the phone in a stable position pointing towards the area you want to monitor. A stand or tripod is ideal, but you can also use a stack of books to keep the phone steady.
Step 3: Install a Streaming App on Your Viewing Device
To view the live streaming video from your old phone, you will need to install a viewing app on your newer smartphone or tablet. Some popular options include:
- IP Webcam: A free app for Android that streams live video from your old phone to your viewing device.
- AtHome Camera: A free app for both iOS and Android that lets you view the live video from your old phone and set up motion detection alerts.
- iCamViewer: A paid app that streams live video from IP cameras to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
Step 4: Connect Your Devices
Once you have both apps installed on their respective devices, open the camera app on your old phone and the streaming app on your newer device. Follow the app’s instructions to connect the two devices. This may involve using a Wi-Fi hotspot or connecting to the same Wi-Fi network.
Conclusion
Turning your old phone into a security camera is an excellent way to repurpose an old device and save money. With the right apps, you can monitor your home or pets while on vacation, check on your baby while you’re away, or keep an eye on your home while at work. With this guide, you can turn your old phone into a security camera without the need for an internet connection.