Do you have an old, dusty smartphone sitting in your kitchen drawer? Instead of throwing it away or letting it collect dust, you can easily turn your old phone into a handy home security camera. This quick DIY project takes less than 5 minutes and saves you the cost of buying an expensive home monitoring system.
You do not need any special technical skills to make this happen. All you need is your old device, a working internet connection, and a free app to link everything together. It is a great way to recycle your old tech and keep your home safe at the same time.
How to set up your new camera
To get started, download a free app called AlfredCamera on both your current daily phone and your old spare phone. Open the app on your main phone and select the option to add another mobile device. You can then link your old phone by scanning a QR code or logging into the same account on both screens. Once they are connected, set your current phone as the viewer and place your old phone in the spot you want to watch.
Features and upgrade costs
The basic version of the app is completely free to use. It gives you useful features like a loud siren, low-light viewing for the dark, and two-way talking so you can speak through the speaker. If you want more, you can upgrade to the standard paid plan starting at $5.99 a month. This paid version lets you connect up to 4 cameras, stream in high-definition video, and use smart detection to spot people, pets, or cars.
Tips for the best results
Old phones often have weak battery life, so it is best to keep your new camera plugged into a charger at all times. You can use a long charging cable and a simple phone stand to get the perfect angle. It is also a smart idea to do a factory reset on your old phone before you start. A factory reset is a process that completely wipes all of your personal data and accounts, which keeps your device safe and frees up storage space for video recordings.
Quick Questions Answered
Do I need a specific type of phone for this to work?
A: No, the app works on both Android devices and Apple iPhones, so you can mix and match.
Can I use this setup to watch my home from outside?
A: Yes, but you should place the phone just inside a window or protect it with a waterproof case to shield it from the rain and wind.
How much does the premium version of the app cost?
A: The standard premium plan starts at $5.99 a month, while the premium plus plan with unlimited recording costs $7.99 a month.
