This Free Hack Turns Any Old Smartphone Into a Security Camera

Are you tired of throwing away your old smartphone and wondering what to do with it? Do you want to keep an eye on your front door, garage or any spot that matters most without breaking the bank? Look no further! With just a few quick steps, you can repurpose that retired iPhone or Android into a useful security cam, with no pricey hardware required.

The Benefits of Upgrading Your Old Smartphone

Upgrading your phone doesn't have to mean tossing the old one in a drawer. By turning your old smartphone into a security camera, you can enjoy an extra layer of protection for your home without spending a dime. You can start small and scale up as needed.

Step 1: Install a Security Camera App on Your Old Smartphone

To begin, you'll need to choose a security camera app. Most apps offer many of the same features, such as local streaming, cloud streaming, recording and storing footage locally or remotely, and motion detection and alerts. One of the best app options for setting up your phone as a security camera is Alfred. It's cross-platform, so it doesn't matter if your old phone was an Android phone or iPhone.

Features of Alfred Camera

Alfred offers many features that make it an excellent choice for turning your old smartphone into a security camera. Some of its key features include:

* Remote view of live feed * Motion detection with alerts * Free cloud storage * Two-way audio feed using the phone's speakers * Use of both the front and rear cameras

Setting Up Alfred Camera

To set up Alfred, follow these steps:

1. Download Alfred on both your old and new phones. 2. On the new phone, swipe through the introduction and tap Start. Select Viewer and tap Next. 3. Click Sign in with Google (a Google account is required) and sign in with your Google account credentials. 4. On the old phone, repeat the same steps, but instead of selecting Viewer, select Camera. Be sure to sign in to the same Google account.

Step 2: Pick a Spot for Your New Smartphone Security Camera

Once you have the stream up and running, you'll need to set up and position the camera. You can use your new security camera in a variety of ways after the transition. Consider positioning it focused on the main entry point to your home, your backyard, or a spot where you store valuables.

Mounting and Powering Your Security Camera Smartphone

To mount or position the camera, a small smartphone tripod or suction-cup car mount can work wonders. To broaden the field of view, consider buying a wide-angle lens for your phone. Streaming video is power-intensive, so you'll need to position it close to a power source.

Step 3: Unlock Additional Features

If Alfred isn't doing it for you, you can explore other cam app options or upgrade to Alfred Premium to unlock additional features like higher-resolution viewing and recording, zoom capabilities, ad removal, and 30-day cloud storage.

Care and Maintenance Tips

When using your old smartphone as a security camera, keep in mind that:

* Smartphones will eventually age out of security updates, which means they can become vulnerable to attacks. * Wipe any personal data off the phone before transforming it into a camera. * Automate your updates when possible. * Consider giving the phone a final use-by date and recycle it after.

Conclusion

Turning your old smartphone into a security camera is an easy, budget-friendly way to keep an eye on your home without spending a dime. With just a few quick steps, you can enjoy the benefits of a security camera without breaking the bank.