Make a surveillance camera from an old smartphone: It’s that easy

Before buying a new smartphone, are you wondering what you could do with your old one? Then here’s an interesting option for you. You can turn it into a free surveillance camera for your home – like this.

First step: choosing a security camera app

Cnet.com has a guide ready. It says that an app download, a few minutes of setup time and a phone holder are all you need to make your old device serve you well. But first things first.

The first step is to choose a security camera app. Most offer the same repertoire: local streaming, cloud streaming, local or remote recording and storage of footage, as well as motion detection and alarm functions. All of this is then controlled from your new smartphone.

Second step: Set up and position

Cnet recommends an app called “Alfred”. It is cross-platform, so it doesn’t matter if your old phone was an Android device or an iPhone. Alternative apps are Faceter, Epoccam or iVCam from E2ESoft. Once you have decided on an app, install it on your old and new smartphone. Alternatively, you can also download it to your PC or tablet.

Once the app is activated, you need to set up and position your camera – depending on whether you want to keep an eye on your house entrance, your garden or other points. You can also use the camera as a baby monitor. If you have several old smartphones at home, you can “monitor” several points.

Important information on safety

The last steps are to attach the old smartphone and the power supply. Small smartphone tripods or a suction cup holder can make attachment easier. Since video streaming consumes a lot of power, the device should be placed near a power source. Then you can get started.

But cnet has one more important tip. As older smartphones no longer receive security updates over time, there is a risk that they themselves will be spied on. To minimize this risk, the US media company recommends deleting all personal data from the phone before converting it into a camera. It is also a good idea to automate the updates if possible, so that at least none of them are missed while they are still being carried out on the old device.

This retro technology has collector’s value today: