Parents seeking reliable baby monitors often overlook a device they already own—their iPhone. Your iPhone can become a dependable baby monitor with a few easy steps. Using your iPhone as a baby monitor offers convenience and saves you the expense of purchasing an additional device.
Let’s break down how to use iPhone as baby monitor so you can watch your little one even if you are in another part of your home. We’ll also look into a few baby monitors that can keep a better eye on your infant child.
How to Use iPhone as a Baby Monitor?
To turn your iPhone into a spy cam, you must learn to customize some basic functions, including video recording and hearing features. Here’s how to do it:
- On your iPhone, go to Settings. Then, go to the Control Center.
- Scroll down until you see the Hearing option and tap it.
- Turn on the Background Sounds by tapping it. You can connect a compatible audio device, like Airpods, to your iPhone using the Live Listen function.
If you want to turn it off, you just have to tap the Live Listen button at the bottom of the screen. If you want to learn more about how to use your phone as a baby monitor, you can use other built-in features in conjunction with some useful apps.
Use Built-in feature
iPhones come with various features that make them suitable for monitoring your baby. FaceTime is a built-in application that can effectively serve the purpose of a baby monitor on phone.
- Start by setting up an iPhone in the baby’s room and positioning it to get a clear view of the crib.
- Open FaceTime on the monitoring iPhone and call another device you’ll use to monitor your baby. This could be another iPhone, iPad, or even a Mac.
- Answer the call and mute the monitoring device to avoid disturbing your baby with sound. This method lets you see and hear your baby clearly from another room.
Another helpful feature is the iOS accessibility option called “Guided Access.” Activate Guided Access to lock the iPhone into a single app and control which features are available. This prevents the device from being accidentally disrupted.
- Set it up by going to Settings, selecting Accessibility, and enabling Guided Access.
- Tap the side button to start a Guided Access session using FaceTime.
Use Third-Party Apps
For more advanced monitoring, including video feeds, you can use third-party apps designed for baby monitoring. One excellent option is the Baby Cam app.
- Download the Baby Cam app on both iOS devices (your old iPhone/iPad and your current iPhone).
- Open the app and create an account using Facebook credentials or manually.
- Assign one device as the Baby Station and the other as the Parent Device.
- Keep the Baby Station plugged in to avoid battery drain.
- Enter the security code displayed on the Baby Station on the Parent Device to authenticate.
- Monitor the live video and audio feed from the Baby Station.
- Enable notifications for loud sounds like crying to receive alerts.
Aside from learning how to use iphone as baby monitor, you must also know of the benefits and drawbacks of such a simple solution. Doing so will help you decide whether you need a more reliable system like a baby monitor or not.
Pros and Cons of iPhone Baby Monitors
Using iPhone as baby monitors might be a good short-term solution to monitor your baby. Let’s look into the advantages and disadvantages when you use phone as baby monitor to look after your infant child:
Pros of iPhone Baby Monitors
- Repurposing an old iPhone saves money that would otherwise be spent on a separate baby monitor.
- iPhones are highly portable, allowing you to monitor your baby from different locations within the house or even while you're outside.
- Many iPhones have high-definition cameras and precise audio capabilities, providing a clear and detailed view of your baby.
- Two-way audio features allow you to hear your baby and talk to them or play soothing sounds remotely.
Cons of iPhone Baby Monitors
- Using an iPhone as a baby monitor means the device must remain stationary in the baby’s room. This can be inconvenient if you need the iPhone for other purposes.
- Continuous video streaming and app usage can drain the iPhone’s battery quickly.
Best Baby Monitors in 2024
If you don’t like the turn phone into baby monitor option, you can always purchase a baby monitor that’s specifically made so you can track your baby’s activities. Below are two of our most recommended products that will give you the best bang for your buck:
1. eufy Baby Monitor E210
Who is it for?
- Parents seeking high-quality monitoring and extended battery life.
Features:
- 720p clarity
- 5-inch monitor display
- 5,200 mAh battery
- 12 hours of continuous monitoring
- Night vision
- 330° pan, 110° tilt
- Two-way audio
Keep a watchful eye on your baby from afar when you install the eufy Baby Monitor E210 near your baby’s crib. Capture magical moments in 720p clarity and watch them on a 5-inch monitor display. Thanks to its 5,200 mAh battery, the display can last up to 12 hours of continuous monitoring.
Moreover, it has a night vision feature that allows you to monitor your child even at night. The baby monitor’s camera pans up to 330° and tilts to 110°, enabling you to view almost every inch of your baby’s room. You can also talk to your baby using a built-in two-way audio.
2. eufy Baby Monitor E110
Who is it for?
- Budget-conscious parents needing essential monitoring features.
Features:
- 5-inch screen
- 720p camera
- 460-600 feet coverage
- Instant alerts via app
- 330° pan, 110° tilt
- Two-way audio
- Lullaby playback
The eufy Baby Monitor E110 is a cheaper option than the E210. This baby monitor offers a large 5-inch screen and a 720p camera. Thanks to these features, it has 10 times more detail than a regular baby monitor with a 240p baby display. Depending on the layout of your home, the coverage area between the monitor and the camera can range from 460 feet to 600 feet.
Using the eufy app, you can receive instant alerts when your baby starts crying. The camera can also tilt to 110° and pan to 330° so you can clearly see your baby’s room corner-to-corner. It also has a two-way audio that lets you talk to your baby and play lullabies.
Conclusion
Knowing how to use iPhone as baby monitor can go a long way, especially if you need a cheap short-term solution for watching over your kids. It’s also easy to set up and doesn’t require other accessories. However, it cannot replace a baby monitor system that offers various features the iPhone doesn’t have.
FAQs
What are the best apps for turning my iPhone into a baby monitor?
Several apps stand out for their features and reliability. The Cloud Baby Monitor app offers high-definition video, clear audio, and additional features like lullabies and night light controls. The Baby Cam app is another excellent option. Parents highly rated and trusted both apps for their effectiveness and ease of use.
How do I ensure the security of my iPhone baby monitor setup?
Start by securing your Wi-Fi network with a strong password. Ensure all devices involved in monitoring are updated with the latest software to protect against vulnerabilities. Use apps with robust security features, and enable two-factor authentication on your Apple ID for added protection. Lastly, regularly check the app's permissions and settings to maintain a secure environment.
Is there a baby mode on iPhone?
While the iPhone does not have a specific "baby mode," several features and apps can be utilized for baby monitoring. The Guided Access feature, found in the Accessibility settings, allows you to lock the iPhone to a single app, preventing accidental exits. This feature can be helpful when using your iPhone as a baby monitor, ensuring the monitoring app remains active.
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