How to Use an Old Phone as a Security Camera: A Simple Guide

As smartphones are constantly evolving with more appealing features and better durability, people tend to upgrade to better devices before their old phones wear out. As a result, old or outdated devices, though still work well, are taking up space and sitting around. Instead of throwing them away, which is a waste, why not put them to good use, say, turning them into simple security cameras?

With an old phone, its built-in cameras, and a third-party app, you can set up a simple security camera in your home and check in on your kids or pets whenever you like. Setting it up isn't hard. With just a few simple steps, you can turn old phone into security camera. Keep reading to find out how this is done.

Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Old Phone into Security Camera

The common way to use an old phone as a security camera is to download a third-party security app on the old phone and start monitoring with your phone. This setup is pretty easy. The following is a detailed guide, with which you can easily turn an old phone into a security camera.

Preparing Your Old Phone

Start with preparing two mobile devices: an old phone that's no longer in use and your current phone. The old one is used as the Camera device monitoring the surroundings, and your current phone that is carried by you acts as the Viewer device.

Installing the Camera App

Download a security camera app from your device's app store. There are many options available for both Android and iOS. And the best app to turn old phone into security camera comes with essential features like remote recording and streaming, local footage storage, two-way audio, and motion detection.

Once you select a security camera app, download it both on the old and current phones and follow the app's setup instructions.

Pairing Your Devices

Now the app is installed on the two phones, open the app and you will be asked to log in to your account. Keep in mind to use the same account for both phones, otherwise, they will not be able to connect. Follow the steps to pair the devices. (Different apps might offer different pairing methods.) Set the old phone as the Camera, and the other as the Viewer.

Choosing the Perfect Placement

Install the camera in the area that you want to monitor, like entrances, stairways, and living room. Place the Camera up high. In this way, it captures the area clearly without being easily knocked down by your kids or pets. Besides, the Camera should be angled appropriately to give you the most visibility for the area.

Besides, the Camera device has to be within range of your Wi-Fi and be constantly charged. If the power cable is not long enough, you can also power your device with a power bank.

Testing Your Setup

Once the setup is complete, test the two devices to make sure they are working as expected. On the Camera device, make sure it is constantly powered and works well. From the Viewer device, tap to view the camera's live feed. You can also change a few more settings, like setting motion detection sensitivity and turning notifications on or off.

Real-time Monitoring

Using this cost-efficient DIY trick, now you can monitor your property without costing a fortune and control the security camera just from your phone.

Besides, if you have a lot of old phones, you can set them up on the same Wi-Fi network and account in different places to get extensive coverage of your home.

Best Alternative: Consider Professional Home Security Cameras

This simple DIY home security system is a cost-efficient and easy-to-install way to keep an eye on your property. For those who want advanced features, however, using an old phone as a security camera may fail to fulfill their needs with limited features and disadvantages. Here are the 4 main disadvantages:

• Limited Battery Lifespan & High Maintenance- Since monitoring can drain your battery significantly, you have to keep the old phone charging. This is not only troublesome but might heat your phone or even shut it off suddenly. Plus, phones require frequent maintenance as they are not as durable as security cameras.
• Low Resolution & Blurry Camera Footage- Old phones with low camera resolution can't capture clear images and important details nor record clear videos at long distances.
• Lack of Advanced features & Limited Mobility- Phones, which even have security camera apps installed, only offer monitoring, communication, and detection. They can't offer night vision and integration with smart home systems like security cameras. Phones are not waterproof, limiting them to indoor use.
• Risk of Being Hacked & Leaking Privacy - When you use old phones for security cameras, hackers might hack your phone, or footage stored in the cloud can be leaked.

While using old phones as security cameras can be a budget-friendly option, it's important to consider these disadvantages and evaluate whether they meet your specific security needs.

For those who look for stable surveillance performance, investing in security cameras with advanced features and high security can be a more suitable solution.

eufy Indoor Cam S350 - Best Alternative to Indoor Surveillance

Choosing the eufy Indoor Camera S350 over an old phone as a security camera is a smart move. The eufy S350 has 4K resolution, which means super clear and detailed video that an old phone can't provide. It also has 360-degree coverage, so it can see all around the room. Plus, it has AI-tracking, the camera can automatically follow and keep a moving target in view. 

eufy SoloCam S340 - Best Alternative to Outdoor Surveillance

Hopefully, no one ever considers using their phone to secure their outdoor space. The eufy SoloCam S340 is a much better option. It offers 360-degree coverage, ensuring you can monitor every angle of your outdoor space. It is also solar-powered, so you don't have to worry about finding a power source or recharging it. Additionally, it comes with a built-in spotlight to deter intruders, providing an extra layer of security. 

Bonus: Best Free App to Turn Old Phone into Security Camera

There are a lot of security camera apps available, and they all claim similar capabilities, making it hard to choose the one that actually works. We are here to help.

AlfredCamera

AlfredCamera is the best free app on our list for using a mobile device as a security camera. While you need to upgrade to the premium version to unlock features like HD footage, the free version can satisfy essential surveillance needs.

Features:

• Works on iOS & Android
• Live stream
• Basic motion detection

Faceter

Much like Alfred, Faceter claims to be a free app but also comes with in-app purchases. It works great for turning your old phone into a security camera or baby monitor.

Features:

• Works on iOS & Android
• Free cloud archive
• Share link to stream on any device

AtHome Camera

Being in the market for over a decade, AtHome is also a solid choice to repurpose your old phone as a home security camera. Its AI-powered face recognition capability largely reduces false alarms. However, it may not work as smoothly as the other two apps, according to user reviews.

Features:

• Works on iOS & Android
• Scheduled recording
• Watch the footage on multiple devices, including TV

Conclusion

Using an old phone as a security camera can be a cost-effective solution to enhance your home security. With two phones, a security camera app, and a few steps, you can easily repurpose your old device and keep an eye on your property right now. However, if you're looking for high-quality footage and 24/7 monitoring, a professional security camera with mobile app might better serve your needs. Start increasing overall safety for your home with these solutions!