Transforming Your Old Smartphone into a Handy Security Camera

With all the new smartphones with exciting features and upgrades being released every year, it’s no wonder you have to buy a new one every year or so. Some people even upgrade their phones every six months or so to keep up with the latest trends. Perhaps you’re one of those people who discard old phones and buy new ones each year, so you probably have your old phones in a drawer somewhere gathering dust and just waiting to be rediscovered.

But there are a number of ways to make your old and functional smartphone usable again. You can turn it into a handy universal remote control for your TV, a trackpad for your desktop computer, or even as a backup phone whenever the new one you’re using suddenly dies.

It can also be your car’s GPS device or you can convert it into a dedicated e-reader. If you want a cool digital photo album and desk calendar at home, then bring that old smartphone or tablet out of the drawer, dust it off, and set it atop a console table.

If you’re a fan of do-it-yourself projects and home security, then turning your old and working smartphone or tablet into a security camera for your home is the perfect DIY project for you. Before you begin, gather everything you need to transform that old smartphone into a handy security camera. What you need are:

* An old Android phone/tablet or an iPhone which you will use as your camera. Make sure that it has a functional front and rear camera. This will allow you to stream and record the feed.

* Your new Android smartphone, iPhone, desktop, or laptop which you will use as your viewer.

* Charging cables connected to a reliable power source.

* Access to the internet, whether via Wi-Fi or 3G/4G.

What You Can Do With Security Camera Apps

With security camera apps, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on complicated CCTV systems. Just bring those old smartphones and tablets out of the drawer, connect them to the internet, download an app, set them up, and you’re good.

You can use these devices like a baby monitor and soothe your child when he or she is upset or fussy. These devices can also serve as a pet camera to track your pet’s behavior whenever they’re left alone in the house.

These apps allow you to keep tabs of your older children when they’re all alone at home or whenever they bring friends over. If they have a nanny in charge when you’re at work, you can monitor your kids and ensure that they will not be abused or neglected.

Moreover, you can use the device and the app to ensure that an elderly parent or a child with disabilities will not be mistreated or neglected by their caregivers. Even better, you can deter burglars and other intruders using these devices with their two-way talk function. Get free tips to install the vivint doorbell camera.

Turning Your Old Phone Into a Security Camera

Step 1. Turn your old smartphone or tablet on. If you have an Android phone or tablet, go to the Google Play store and look for security camera apps. Some of the useful security cameras on the Google app store will include:

* IP Webcam

* Home Security Camera WardenCam

* Alfred

* Security Camera CZ

* tinyCam

* AtHome Camera

* Manything

Several apps are also available on iTunes, so if you have an old iPhone or iPad, choose from the apps listed below:

1. Manything
2. Presence
3. Salient Eye
4. Alfred
5. AtHome Camera
6. iCam Viewer

When choosing the best security camera application, check if it has some of the features listed below:

* Live video monitoring

* Motion detection

* Remote access which allows you to view the live video feed wherever you are

* Night vision

* Allows you to communicate with your family or scare intruders away with its two-way talk function

* Wide coverage

* Record function

* Compatibility with your phone or tablet’s operating system

* Easy to install

Step 2. Make sure that your chosen app is compatible with your phone or tablet’s operating system. After choosing a compatible app, download it on your old smartphone or tablet.

Some apps allow you to register using your email and your chosen password, while others allow you to register by linking your Gmail, Facebook, or Twitter accounts with your chosen app. Set the first device as your Camera. Make sure that you are connected to the internet via Wi-Fi to live stream and/or record the feed.