Upgrading to a new smartphone like the iPhone 15, Google Pixel 8, or Galaxy S24 raises the question of what to do with the old phone. Instead of recycling, reselling, or donating it, you can repurpose it into a home security camera, providing cost-effective surveillance for your home, elderly relatives, anxious pets, or parts of your business. This conversion is easy to do in just three steps, using a security camera app like Alfred, which offers features such as live feed monitoring, motion detection with alerts, free cloud storage, two-way audio, and the ability to use both front and rear cameras. Additional features are available through Alfred Premium, such as higher-resolution viewing and recording, zoom capabilities, ad removal, and 30-day cloud storage.
After installing the security camera app on both your old and new phones, setting up the camera involves choosing a spot for placement, such as the main entry point, backyard, valuables storage, or a vulnerable area. Multiple old phones can be used to set up multiple cameras for comprehensive video coverage. Mounting the camera can be done with a small smartphone tripod or suction-cup car mount, along with a wide-angle lens to broaden the field of view. Powering the camera 24/7 requires positioning it near a power source and using a 10-foot Micro-USB or Lightning cable for flexibility.
Exploring other security camera app options beyond Alfred, such as Faceter, EpocCam, and iVCam, can provide additional features for customization and surveillance purposes. Using the security cam app on your new phone to view the feed from the old phone’s camera enhances home security without significant cost. An app like Hidden Camera Detector can also be used to detect hidden cameras in a room, providing additional security measures. For more home security tips, consider checking out six tips for maximizing your home security camera and exploring the best DIY home security systems for comprehensive protection. Overall, repurposing an old phone into a home security camera offers a practical, cost-effective solution for monitoring your living space and ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones.
