New smartphones are always rolling out every month. With better cameras, faster processors, smarter features, and upgraded software, it is always tempting to ditch your old phone for a better model.
But what happens to the old devices when you move on to something shinier? Should you sell them off? Give them away? Or, simply toss them in a drawer till there is a random need for them?
How about you use old smartphone as security camera? Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on modern security systems, you could save a few bucks when you use old phone as security cam. However, even if you like this idea, you aren’t exactly sure how to transform your old phone into a camera or if it’s even reliable.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use old smartphone as security camera, the best apps to power your setup, and key precautions to help you make the most of it.
Can I Really Use an Old Phone as a Security Camera?
Yes, absolutely. You can always use an old phone as a security camera. This doesn’t matter if it’s an iPhone or an Android; using an old phone as a security camera will save you the stress and cost of having to purchase advanced home security systems.
With an old phone as security cam, you are certain that your pets are monitored, your kids are babysat, even though you are not there, and you can see who is at the door. However, the side defect is that while it will offer you a fair security advantage, you wouldn’t enjoy all the features that you should with a fully automated home security system.
However, if you finally decide to use old phone as surveillance camera, then you must start by confirming if the phone is good enough to achieve your goal. You need a phone with good cameras that can record clearly, built-in Wi-Fi that can sustain stable connectivity, and reliable batteries, so you don’t need to keep it plugged in all day.
Why Use Old Smartphone as Security Camera?
There are quite a lot of reasons why you may choose to use your old smartphone as a security camera. It isn’t just because you will be pulling one of the smartest budget moves in home security, but also because you are also saving the environment by doing so.
Here are four major reasons why you may use an old phone as a security camera:
1. Saves you money
Instead of going ahead and spending more money on a new security camera, you can turn your old phone into one. This gives you some cash to spare.
2. Easy setup for temporary needs
You've got a new baby in the house, or your neighbor dropped their pet off for you, and you need to rush out to grab some groceries in the store. Instead of bothering so much about home security, you can put that old phone that you stashed in the drawer to good use. In a couple of minutes, you will have a home security camera that will serve for the time being.
3. Good as a secondary camera
Even if you already have a full security system in your smart home, using an old phone helps you fill up blind spots that your camera fails to capture. The attic, the basement, those hidden areas of your home that your smart cameras don't extend to, you can use your old phone camera to monitor what goes on there.
4. Reduces e-waste
Every old phone that you reuse as a security camera keeps one more piece of trash out of the dumpsite. You will be saving the earth between 174 – 221 grams of metallic waste.
What You Need to Use Old Phone as a Security Camera
Here is your DIY checklist, six things you need to set up your old phone as a security camera:
1. A functioning old smartphone
You don’t necessarily need a flagship phone. As long as the camera is clear enough to capture faces or movements, has enough space to save the recordings, fair battery lifespan, and a reliable RAM and processor that will let you run apps for hours without freezing or shutting down, you are good to go. You must also confirm that the phone can hold a Wi-Fi connection for a long time without disconnecting.
2. Continuous power source
This is where it becomes a bit tricky. No matter how good your phone battery is, it can’t stay on with your camera running for the whole day. You need to figure out a way to supply continuous power to the phone without damaging it or causing the battery to swell from staying plugged in for too long.
3. Reliable Wi-Fi
Most phone security cameras require an internet connection, especially if you want real-time monitoring on your secondary device while backing up the feeds on the cloud. You need to choose an internet service provider that guarantees a reliable connection at all times, so you don’t get laggy or missing footage when it matters most.
4. Security camera app
This is the brain of your setup, so you need to be careful with your choice. There are lots of apps out there, both for Android and iPhone devices, paid and free, all promising the same thing: “how to use old phone as surveillance camera.” However, you need to be careful to choose one that offers the most features that you need: remote access, cloud storage options, motion detection alerts, and notifications.
5. Phone stand or wall mount
Unless you want your phone falling from the hidden spot on your shelf, you need to get a stand or mount. Strategically strap it in firmly on the desired spot, so that even if it stays two days untouched, it won’t fall.
6. External lens, wide-angle, or zooming attachments
This is optional, but if you have some money to spend and want broader and clearer coverage, then you can invest in lenses and attachments. This will allow the camera to record more than the phone will normally see.
Step-by-step: How to Turn Your Old Phone into a Security Camera
1. Find a Functional Old Phone
The first step to building a home security system off your old phone is to choose a smartphone that still holds a charge, connects to Wi-Fi, and has a working camera. It doesn’t matter if the phone has a cracked screen; just make sure that it has a good battery. Your old phone will serve as the camera, while your current phone or computer will be the viewing device where you get to stream and receive notifications.
2. Choose and Install a Reliable Security Camera App
Download a reliable security camera onto the old phone. There are AlfredCamera, Manything, Haven, and many others. You need to research and choose one with the preferences and customizable features that you need.
3. Set up your camera
Setting up your camera requires choosing where you want to position the camera and also setting up the app you just installed. The app setup will vary depending on the app that you installed, but the process is the same.
You need to activate your phone’s camera on the app, then pair the ‘camera phone’ with the ‘viewing phone’. Most of these apps include prompts, so it shouldn’t be hard for you to figure out.
4. Connect to a Reliable Power Source
Now you have to figure out how to keep the camera powered at all times. You can position it in a way that the charger is connected to the phone at all times, but you get to plug it into a power supply at intervals. This makes it easier to charge the device without disrupting your setup.
5. Connect the Phone to Stable Wi-Fi
After figuring out power, make sure that both the streaming and capturing devices have access to a reliable network. This will keep the videos recorded and sent at all times.
6. Test your Setup
The final step is to confirm if your setup works. Check the live feed from the viewing device. Confirm if it captures the angles that you want and if the network is as reliable as you want it to be.
Bonus:
While using your old smartphone as a surveillance camera seems like a smart move, you need to opt for something more reliable. You need advanced features like night vision, AI motion tracking, smart home integration, local storage and automation, and even customizable alerts. We understand that the cost is your big fear, but the good news is that some of these devices cost even less than $50.
Devices like the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro or the compact Camera E1 will give you better home security and high-grade performance, and you won’t need to break the bank.
Check out some of the best security cameras that don’t need a subscription.
Turning Old Phone Camera into Security Camera May Not Be The Best Solution
No matter how tempting it sounds or how much money you feel you may save, turning your old phone into a security camera is not the best solution. It could prove effective for some time, but with time, the loopholes start showing holes that may negatively impact your safety.
With an old phone turned security camera:
● You are not getting reliable 24/7 surveillance
● Night vision is limited
● No smart motion tracking
● Capturing, zooming, and viewing angles are limited
● Weak Alerts
● No serious automation
● The phone can even shut down due to overload.
If you are serious about real, long-term security, then you need to step up to something that works.
Four Best Security Cameras for Your Home
Premium True Full-Color Night Vision, 11-in-1 AI Facial and Audio Recognition, Smart Home Integration, Extreme Weather Resistance, Perfect for Outdoor Use.
Local AI-powered recognition, 2K Resolution, 360 Viewing Angle, Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, Smart Home Integration, Gesture Recognition, and Customizable Alerts, Perfect for Homes with Kids.
2-Way Audio Support, IR Night Vision with invisible LEDs, Large Memory space, supports privacy masking zones, Smart Home Integration, Beginner-Friendly Option.
Cloud and Local Storage, Advanced Wi-Fi 6 Connectivity, 360° viewing angle, Smart Home Automation, Privacy Mode, Perfect for sensitive recording.
Explore Other Aqara’s Best Security Cameras that serve better than your old phone
FAQs
Can I Use My Old Phone as a Security Camera Without Internet?
Yes. You can use your old phone as a security camera without the internet, but you won’t have access to real-time monitoring. Without an internet connection, you cannot monitor the camera remotely from another device. However, you can set the old phone to store its recordings on its internal storage or SD card.
Will using my phone as a security camera drain the battery?
Yes. Using your phone as a security camera will significantly drain the battery. Plugging it steadily into a power source may seem like the best solution, but you put the phone at risk of overheating or screen damage.
Is it safe from hackers?
No. Using your old phone as a security camera is less secure than a dedicated security camera, making it vulnerable to hacks and penetration attempts. Because the old phone may be running on an old operating system, it is safe to assume it doesn’t receive security patches anymore. This makes it easier for hackers to get in.
Conclusion
Turning your old phone into a security camera can be a budget-friendly hack for short-term solutions, but if you want something sustainable for the long term, you need to go for dedicated security cameras.
You don’t need to spend too much time figuring out which cameras offer the best security for your home when Aqara produces the best smart cameras on the market. With Aqara, you are getting better reliability, smarter cameras, advanced features, AI integrations, and better connectivity with your smart home ecosystem.
Choose Aqara, and Choose Next-Gen Home Security.
