QUICK ANSWER: To use a webcam as a security camera for free, open AlfredCamera WebCamera in any browser, turn the camera on, grant mic/camera access, and monitor everything from the AlfredCamera app on your phone.
Whether that’s because you’ve suddenly found yourself in an unfamiliar place or are leaving belongings unattended during a work break, a webcam security camera app is the fastest way to set up surveillance.
Any webcam (built-in or USB) can work as a fully functional security camera with live streaming and real-time phone alerts. AlfredCamera’s free browser-based tool makes setup possible in under 5 minutes, with no hardware purchases and no app install on the camera side.
Read on to discover how to use a webcam as a free security camera with AlfredCamera, which converts webcams to reliable security cameras in seconds.
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How to set up a webcam as a security camera in 5 steps
AlfredCamera is a security camera app (available for download on Android and iOS devices), that allows users to transform old phones, tablets, and webcams into security camera devices. Recording with your webcam and viewing the footage on the web is simple. Here’s how:
1. Open AlfredCamera WebViewer
Go to AlfredCamera WebViewer and log in or create a free account. This is your central dashboard for managing all connected camera devices (webcams, old phones, and tablets). The WebViewer is used to view any linked camera devices.
2. Click ‘WebCamera’
After logging in or signing up, select “WebCamera” from the navigation in the top right corner to go to the webcam security camera app online. This is the dedicated webcam security camera tool.
What’s the difference between AlfredCamera WebViewer and AlfredCamera WebCamera?
AlfredCamera WebViewer allows AlfredCamera users to view and interact with all their security camera devices via an internet browser. To make a webcam into a security camera, users need to visit AlfredCamera WebCamera.
3. Turn the camera on
Flip the On/Off switch to activate your webcam. Your browser will immediately request permission to access your camera and microphone.
4. Allow access to the camera and microphone
To enable the camera, accept the web browser’s prompt to allow your camera and mic to be used by ‘alfred.camera’.
5. Monitor remotely from your phone
If you already logged in to an existing account in step 1 and have the app downloaded, check AlfredCamera on your phone. You can now view the live feed from anywhere in the world.
If not, download AlfredCamera to your phone, or head toWebViewer in another tab to view your camera feeds on the web.
What is the difference between a webcam and a security camera?
With AlfredCamera, there isn’t a difference! AlfredCamera transforms webcams into fully-functional security cameras, just as it transforms phones and tablets.
Does a webcam work as well as a security camera?
For indoor monitoring, a webcam paired with AlfredCamera is effectively equivalent to a dedicated security camera. It provides live streaming and two-way audio.
The main limitations are that most webcams aren’t weatherproof for outdoor use and lack infrared night vision. For permanent outdoor coverage, a dedicated camera like AlfredCams is the better choice. For everything else, a webcam gets the job done for free.
5 Best situations to use a webcam as a security camera
While webcams might be overlooked as a viable security option, they are really handy in a variety of circumstances. Discover some of the scenarios where using a webcam as a security camera keeps you secure.
1. Working in a public space
Cafes, libraries, and shared office spaces are great for getting work done, but not so great when you need to leave your stuff unattended. When frequenting these spaces alone, even bathroom breaks mean leaving your stuff under the watch of a total stranger or having to pack it away completely. Neither solution is ideal. With AlfredCamera WebCamera you can monitor your things from your laptop for free if you have to step away for a second.
2. Monitoring a hotel room
Webcam security camera software significantly eases the anxiety of leaving your things in unfamiliar accommodations. Let AlfredCamera WebCamera keep an eye on things while you’re out for the day.
Set up your laptop webcam before heading out for the day. Tap in periodically, and find peace of mind monitoring your things whenever you want.
3. Staying in an Airbnb
In our article on Airbnb security, we highlighted some of the potential risks of staying in an Airbnb. While they are generally safe, Airbnb has fewer regulations governing how properties operate than conventional hotels and rentals do.
There are no prohibitions on guests using surveillance while they stay (assuming the host isn’t also present), so webcam security camera software is a useful way to keep an eye on things if you feel suspicious. It’s a practical way to keep an eye on your space and belongings when you are not present.
4. Building a DIY home security system
Mix webcams with old phones and tablets to cover multiple rooms without buying additional hardware. AlfredCamera supports unlimited devices, all managed from one account.
Ready to DIY your home security? Go Premium!
Build a more robust DIY home security system by joining Alfred Premium. Premium users get twice as much event storage, advanced motion detection features, and the ability to access live feeds at the same time as other users.
All this makes for a more effective and convenient DIY home security system that doesn’t sacrifice your wallet. Learn more about Premium to get started.
5. When you don’t have a spare phone
AlfredCamera’s most popular use case is repurposing old smartphones, but a USB webcam on any laptop or desktop works just as well if you don’t have a spare phone available. Simply leave AlfredCamera WebCamera online on a laptop or computer and the webcam security camera software will do its thing.
FAQ
Can I use my laptop webcam as a security camera for free?
Yes. AlfredCamera WebCamera is completely free to use in any browser. It includes live streaming and two-way audio at no cost. A Premium plan adds extended cloud storage and advanced motion detection features.
Do I need to download any software to use a webcam as a security camera?
No download is needed on the webcam side; AlfredCamera WebCamera runs entirely in your browser. However, you’ll want the free AlfredCamera app on your phone to remotely monitor and view the live feed.
What is the difference between AlfredCamera WebViewer and WebCamera?
WebCamera is where you set up and stream from your webcam; it turns the device into a security camera. WebViewer is where you watch all your connected camera feeds. Think of WebCamera as the transmitter and WebViewer as the receiver.
Can I use a USB webcam instead of a built-in laptop webcam?
Yes. Any USB webcam recognized by your operating system will work. External webcams are actually useful because their longer cables let you position the camera further from the computer, covering a wider area.
Make sure your webcam is plugged into your computer via the USB. These are generally inexpensive. Then, head to AlfredCamera WebCamera to begin using it as a security camera.
How many webcams can I connect at once?
With AlfredCamera Premium plans, you can have unlimited devices. You can run multiple webcams alongside old phones and tablets, all from a single account.
Does a webcam security camera work without Wi-Fi?
AlfredCamera requires an internet connection to stream and send notifications. If the connection drops, recording pauses and automatically resumes when connectivity is restored.
Conclusion
A webcam is one of the most underrated tools in home and personal security. Whether you’re covering a hotel room, monitoring your home, or keeping an eye on your laptop at a public space, AlfredCamera WebCamera turns any webcam into a capable security camera in minutes and for free! Pair it with old phones and tablets to build a full DIY security system without spending on dedicated hardware