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:
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An old smartphone (Android or iPhone)
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Wi-Fi access
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A charger or power bank (to keep it on 24/7)
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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:
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Alfred Camera (iOS + Android) — very beginner-friendly
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Manything (iOS)
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IP Webcam (Android)
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Presence (iOS + Android)
To get started:
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Sign up for a free account
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Install the same app on both phones
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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:
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Entryway
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Front door
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Baby’s room
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Garage
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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:
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A small tripod
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Phone clamp
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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 now you can watch your space live, anytime, from anywhere.
Most apps also support:
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Motion detection alerts
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Cloud storage (optional)
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Two-way audio (so you can talk through it)
Bonus Tips for Security:
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Use a strong password on the app
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Keep your old phone on Wi-Fi only
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Turn on Do Not Disturb so notifications don’t interrupt the feed
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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 now you have peace of mind on a budget.