Got an old phone lying around in a drawer somewhere?
Instead of letting it collect dust, turn it into a free home security camera. No tools, no stress — just Wi-Fi and a charger.
Here’s how to do it in 3 easy steps.
🧰 What You’ll Need:
-
An old smartphone (Android or iPhone)
-
Wi-Fi access
-
A charger or power bank (to keep it on 24/7)
-
A phone stand or place to set it up (window, shelf, etc.)
📲 Step 1: Choose a Free Security Camera App
Download a security camera app that works on both your old and current phone. These apps let you watch the old phone’s camera feed from your main phone — live.
Great free options:
-
Alfred Camera (iOS + Android) — very beginner-friendly
-
Manything (iOS)
-
IP Webcam (Android)
-
Presence (iOS + Android)
✅ Sign up for a free account
✅ Install the same app on both phones
✅ Set the old phone as the camera and your main phone as the viewer
🎥 Step 2: Set Up the Camera Angle
Place your old phone where you want to monitor — think:
-
Entryway
-
Front door
-
Baby’s room
-
Garage
-
Office or workspace
Make sure it has a clear view, stable surface, and stays plugged in so it won’t die.
Want to mount it? Use:
-
A small tripod
-
Phone clamp
-
Even a cup or sticky pad (get creative!)
🌐 Step 3: Watch the Live Feed From Anywhere
Open the app on your current phone or log in via desktop, and boom — you can now watch your space live, anytime, from anywhere.
Most apps also support:
-
Motion detection alerts
-
Cloud storage (optional)
-
Two-way audio (so you can talk through it)
🔐 Bonus Tips for Security:
-
Use a strong password on the app
-
Keep your old phone on Wi-Fi only
-
Turn on Do Not Disturb so notifications don’t interrupt the feed
-
If the app offers encryption or privacy settings — enable them!
🎉 Final Thought
Your old phone still has value — and now, it’s your personal security cam.
All it took was a quick app install, a solid Wi-Fi connection, and boom — peace of mind on a budget.