A Practical Guide on Using Old Phones as CCTV Cameras (2023)

We frequently find ourselves using outdated smartphones that have been superseded by more recent versions in a world where technology is continuously developing. But why not give such gadgets a new lease on life rather than letting them collect dust in a drawer? Making use of obsolete phones as affordable CCTV cameras for home protection is a creative approach to recycle them. We'll walk you through the process of using an old phone as a CCTV camera in this blog.

Step 1 - Select the Proper Device

Choose a smartphone that is no longer your primary device before everything else. It should still be useful because it has a good camera and enough storage. For remote access, the phone should ideally have a strong Wi-Fi connection.

Step 2 - Install a Security Camera App

Search for security camera apps in the app store on your previous phone. There are lots of choices, both free and paid. Among the most popular options are IP Webcam, Alfred, and Manything. Install the program that best meets your needs after downloading it.

Step 3 - Setting up the Camera App 

After installing the app, configure the camera according to the instructions in the app. Usually, you'll need to register and give the required permissions. Additionally, you will have the choice to change the camera's video quality, motion detection sensitivity, and storage choices.

Step 4 - Mounting and Positioning

Choose where you want to install your improvised CCTV camera. Entryways, halls, or places with priceless objects are frequent locations. Make sure the phone's camera has a good view and a clean line of sight. To obtain the ideal angle, you might need to play about with where you put the phone.

There are various inventive DIY mounting possibilities. You may utilize brackets that were 3D printed, phone stands, or even phone holders. Just make sure it's secured firmly and won't fall.

Step 5 - Source of Power

Your old phone will serve as a CCTV camera, therefore it will require a trustworthy power source. Either use the phone's original charger to keep it plugged in, or get a long USB cable for flexibility. To avoid needing continual access to an outlet, some people even use battery packs or portable power banks.

Step 6 - Monitoring and Remote Access

Using old phones as CCTV cameras has many benefits, one of which is being able to remotely monitor your property. The majority of camera apps provide users the option to see live streams, get motion-detection alerts, and even record videos. For seamless remote access, make sure the camera phone is joined to a reliable Wi-Fi network.

Step 7 - Data Storage

Different camera applications provide different storage possibilities. Some let you store recordings locally on a microSD card, while others let you save them to the cloud. Select the type of storage that best suits your interests and requirements.

Conclusion

A clever approach to extend the life of your electronics and improve your home security without going over budget is to repurpose old phones into CCTV cameras. You can turn an outdated smartphone into a reliable surveillance device that gives you protection and peace of mind by using these procedures and the appropriate app. Therefore, bear in mind that your old phone still has a critical function to play in keeping your home safe the next time you're ready to change your phone.