How many old phones are lying around your house right now?
Though the lifecycle of smartphones might finally be improving, most people buy a new phone every two or three years. Turns out, those old phones make excellent security cameras in Alfred’s hands.
Follow our simple 5 step guide to turn old phones into security cameras, or check out the top 5 security camera apps of 2024.
AlfredCamera is the most popular app to turn old phones into security cameras on the App Store and Google Play—with good reason.
– Featured in WIRED, Tom’s Guide, USA Today, CNET, and more.
– Free to use, no hardware purchase required.
– Affordable Premium service for superior home security.
– User insights spearhead product development and research.
Head below to find out how to set it up!
Table of Contents
Turn Old Phones Into Free Security Cameras In Just 5 Steps
With more than 70 million downloads, AlfredCamera is the best security camera app for old phones.
It’s also a breeze to set up. Here’s how…
1. Prepare two phones
Charge two devices—phones and tablets are suitable. One device is the ‘Camera’ device that monitors the surroundings, the other is the ‘Viewer’ device, used to view the feed.
Use your current phone as the Viewer device—this is where you’ll receive push notifications when motion is detected.
How many cameras can I add to AlfredCamera?
Add an unlimited number of camera devices to AlfredCamera to get the coverage you need. That includes old phones, tablets, webcams, and AlfredCam hardware security cameras. Create truly affordable home security systems that work for you.
2. Install the app
Download AlfredCamera for free from the App Store or Google Play Store, sign up with an email address, Apple account or Google account.
Signing up simply requires a valid email address and password.
3. Add a Camera
With the app installed on two devices, tap ‘Add a Camera’ on the Viewer device.
4. Pair devices
A QR code appears on the Viewer device, which needs to be held up to the Camera device to scan.
The devices are now paired and Alfred’s ready to go!
5. Test and mount the camera device
On the Viewer device, tap to view the camera’s live feed to make sure it’s working properly. Then, experiment with placement before mounting.
The most important consideration when mounting a cell phone security camera is how close it is to the Wi-Fi network, and whether you want it to charge constantly at an outlet.
Head below for in depth placement tips!
5 Best Apps to Turn Old Phones Into Security Cameras
With a growing number of security camera apps available, it’s hard to tell which is the best free security camera app for Android and iOS phones and tablets.
Discover the top 5 security camera apps of 2024 below to find out which security camera apps are best for you.
1. AlfredCamera
Available on the App Store and Google Play.
With more than 70 million downloads, AlfredCamera is the most popular security camera app worldwide and the best free app to turn old phones into security cameras.
Monitor anywhere with 24/7 live feeds, instant push notifications, and super reliable motion detection. The 5 minute setup makes AlfredCamera a smartphone security camera app that not only packs a punch, but is easy to use.
Just got started with Alfred? Here’s the features to know:
· Motion Detection – records and sends a push notification to the user only when motion occurs, significantly reducing unnecessary footage
· Continuous Recording – records constantly in an 8-hour playback loop, so you never miss a critical moment
· Low-Light Filter – provides greater visibility in low-light by applying software filters, so you can capture every detail even in darkness
· Two-Way Talk – allows users to talk with whoever is on the other side of the camera device
· Siren – produces a loud siren sound to ward off intruders or draw attention
Learn more about the features of AlfredCamera.
Aside from old phones, AlfredCamera turns tablets into security cameras, as well as webcams.
Additional features, like the Low-Light Filter, make monitoring pets and sleeping babies easier than ever, while the built in siren deters intruders.
Download the free number one cell phone security camera app AlfredCamera to get the peace of mind you deserve.
AlfredCamera emphasizes privacy and data protection with the dedicated App Lock function and Trust Circle, a feature that lets users give family and friends access to their security cameras without compromising passwords.
| Rating | Price | Downloads | Reviews | Recently Updated? |
| 4.8 (App Store) 4.7 (Google Play) | Free, with the option for Premium from $2.49 | 70M+ | 701K (Google Play) 93.9K (App Store) | ✔️ |
Get more from AlfredCamera with Premium
Deepen your AlfredCamera experience with advanced features like AI-based person detection, exclusively available for Alfred Premium users. With a Premium subscription, you get:
· Supreme quality footage
· AI-based person detection
· Zoom feature to better focus on the things that catch your eye
· Extended cloud storage enables you to save events for up to 14 days
· Longer clips of motion detection videos
· Ad free
How much is Alfred Premium?
Alfred Premium starts from just $2.49 a month billed annually. Want to try it out first? Pay monthly for just $5.99, no strings attached.
What users are saying…
I use 6 of my old smartphones to keep an eye on my home. One for my disabled wife, one for our exotic birds, one in a window to watch our cars, one in the kitchen to monitor the back door, one in the french doors to monitor our patio and one in the bathroom(it doesn’t see the entire room mostly the ceiling) my wife uses in case she needs help. I’ve used AlfredCamera for over six years. It has worked very well for my needs.
The absolute easiest security app ever to set up super simple super easy. When you’re a single mom it doesn’t get any better than that. Had an old phone laying around downloaded the app on both and Bam ???? that’s it literally that’s it. I can make sure my house is okay as well as my kids are safe.
2. AtHome Camera
Available on the App Store and Google Play.
Building a loyal user base over the last decade, AtHome Camera combines traditional motion sensing with advanced AI deep learning technology.
This helps it to be less prone to false alarms and only send push notifications when necessary.
Users can enjoy cloud storage, 24/7 live streaming, two-way talk, and time-lapse recordings, which cuts 24 hours of footage into a couple of minutes.
| Rating | Price | Downloads | Reviews | Updated? |
| 2.6 (App Store) 4 (Google Play) | Free | 5M+ (Google Play) | 49K (Google Play) >200 (App Store) | ❌ |
3. BabyCam
Available on the App Store and Google Play.
Parents and parents-to-be will appreciate this app, which sets itself apart by emphasizing baby monitoring features.
Set up an old smart device in the baby’s room, and rest assured with 24/7 virtual monitoring.
Aside from your phone, you can keep an eye on babies using a PC by linking it to the assigned recording device. Keep them relaxed by choosing lullabies to play for them, before activating the flash when it’s time to wake up.
Of course, all of the apps on the list are apt for use as baby monitors.
| Rating | Price | Downloads | Review | Updated? |
| 4.1 (Google Play) 4.5 (App Store) | Free, with option for Premium for $9.99 | 1M+ (Google Play) | 25.9K (Google Play) >200 (App Store) | ✔️ |
4. SeeCiTV
Available on Google Play.
SeeCiTV claims to make old phones into free security cameras. The big selling point here is bi-directional streaming.
In other words, it makes use of both front and back cameras as security cameras, which can be useful for monitoring larger spaces or pets that move around a lot. Users can rely on Google Drive for storage.
| Rating | Price | Downloads | Reviews | Updated? |
| 3.7 (Google Play) | Free, with option for Premium from $0.99 | 1M+ (Google Play) | 16.2K (Google Play) | ❌ |
5. WardenCam
Available on the App Store and Google Play.
WardenCam is another app that turns old phones and tablets into security cameras. Expect motion detection, push notifications, and low-light filters.
Uniquely, there’s also cloud storage via Google Drive or Dropbox.
| Rating | Price | Downloads | Reviews | Updated? |
| 3.4 (App Store) 3.5 (Google Play) | Free, with option for Premium from $5.99 | 10M+ (Google Play) | 42 (App Store) 63.5K (Google Play) | ❌ |
Placement Pro Tips: How to Place a Cell Phone Security Camera Properly
To get the most out of security camera devices, placement is everything. The same applies to old phones turned into security cameras.
Here’s how to optimize your phone security camera placement.
- Maximize visibility by using corners and other dark spaces. Light needs to be on the subject, not the camera.
- If using Wi-Fi, maintain a through-line between the camera device and the Wi-Fi router to keep the connection stable. Stay as close to the router as possible.
- Use vertical space to reduce blindspots. Tilt security cameras down toward their subject from several meters high.
- Try recording while charging. While you don’t need to have the phone plugged in constantly to use it as a security camera, it is possible to power it 24/7 while recording via an outlet.
- Experiment with device mounting using sticky tape. An advantage of using phones as security cameras is that there’s great flexibility in where it can go.
Lacking inspiration about how to best place a device? Find out more about how best to position AlfredCamera devices.
When to Use Old Phones Turned Into Security Cameras
While AlfredCamera is a long term DIY security solution for most users, some prefer to use old phones turned into security cameras as a temporary solution. Use old phones as security cameras as a temporary solution when
- Staying in a hotel or unfamiliar place.
- Pet sitting for a friend.
- Experiencing the aftermath of a break in or burglary.
- Suspicions are raised and security is needed, fast.
FAQ
Is there a free security camera app?
AlfredCamera is the most popular security camera app that’s completely free to use. A Premium subscription is available for those seeking additional advanced features. Join millions now and enjoy all the features of home security cameras in a convenient app.
How can I use my Android phone as a CCTV camera?
Use an Android phone as a CCTV camera by downloading AlfredCamera to it and another device. One device will be used to view the feed and receive notifications, the other will be the CCTV camera. Pair them in minutes by downloading AlfredCamera for free from Google Play.
Do I need Wi-Fi to use AlfredCamera?
A Wi-Fi connection isn’t needed to use AlfredCamera on old phones or tablets, meaning you can turn an old phone into a security camera without internet.
AlfredCamera on phones and tablets can use mobile data (4G, 5G) instead of Wi-Fi, providing greater choice in device placement.
AlfredCam hardware security cameras require a Wi-Fi connection so as to provide a stable connection.
To learn more about security cameras that don’t need wifi to function, check out our picks for the best wifi-free security cameras.
Conclusion
While we continue to go through smartphones and tablets at an alarming rate, there are increasingly inventive ways to save them from landfill.
Turn an old phone or tablet into a security camera using AlfredCamera to access a conspicuous, functional alternative to more expensive security systems, and give your old devices new lives outside dusty drawers.
Recommended reading: 8 Interesting Ways AlfredCamera Users Are Using Video Monitoring Revealed