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How To Use A Webcam As A Security Camera In Just 5 Steps

Sometimes, we need immediate security. 

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.

Turn Your Webcam into a Wireless Camera in 5 Steps

Recording with your webcam and viewing the footage on the web is simple. Here’s how.

1. Visit AlfredCamera WebViewer

Alfred WebViewer interface

2. Click ‘WebCamera’

After logging in or signing up, head to ‘WebCamera’ in the top right corner to go to the webcam security camera app online.

3. Turn camera on

Activate the webcam via the ‘On/Off’ switch.

Alfred WebCamera turn on switch

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’.

camera access
microphone access

Motion Detection also needs to be turned on so that the webcam knows when to record and send notifications. Click in the bottom right corner of the camera feed to activate it.

turn on motion detection

5. Check your phone

If you already logged in to an existing account in step 1 and have the app downloaded, check AlfredCamera on your phone—motion detection notifications should already start appearing.

connect to phone

5 Brilliant Ways 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.

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 use the bathroom.

When frequenting these spaces alone, bathroom breaks mean leaving your stuff under the watch of a total stranger or having to pack it away completely. Neither solution is ideal.

Use Alfred WebCamera to monitor your things from your laptop for free if you have to step away for a second. Motion Detection will notify your phone as soon as something passes by.

2. Staying in a hotel

Webcam security camera software significantly eases the anxiety of leaving your things in unfamiliar accommodation. Let Alfred WebCamera keep an eye on things while you’re out for the day.

Tap in periodically, get motion detection notifications, and keep much needed evidence in the event of a theft

Always check relevant consent laws around recording in your location beforehand.

3. Staying in Airbnb

While they are generally safe, Airbnb has less 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.

4. At home

Building a DIY home security system is troublesome when multiple camera devices are needed to cover all your bases. 

5. If you don’t have an old phone for AlfredCamera

While old phones are excellent security cameras, a webcam works just as well if you don’t have any old phones or tablets lying around.

Simply leave Alfred WebCamera online on a laptop or computer and the webcam security camera software will do its thing.   

External webcams with large USB cables are surprisingly effective alternatives to hardware security cameras, since it’s easy to place them far from the computer.

Can I Use My Webcam as a Motion Detector?

Log in or sign up, then follow the onscreen instructions, ensuring you turn on motion detection when given the option. This transforms your webcam into a free motion detector in seconds.

Anyone that passes by the webcam will trigger a push notification to your phone and record the event.

FAQ

Do I need any special software to use my webcam as a security camera?

How can I connect my webcam to my computer to use it as a security camera?

Can I use my smartphone or tablet as a remote monitor for my webcam security camera?

Can I use my webcam security camera to monitor multiple rooms or areas in my home or office?

There’s no limit to the number of camera devices you can use on AlfredCamera, so any and all webcams, phones, and tablets can monitor multiple rooms. If you have multiple laptops, for example, the webcams on all of them can be allocated as camera devices.

Conclusion

Webcams are a little known secret in your security arsenal that are useful in a number of different circumstances.

Pro Tip: What does a webcam allow you to do?

With a webcam, you can:
1. Skype and Zoom video conference for work
2. Stream video games live
3. Use it as a security camera with Alfred WebCamera
4. Set up Face ID
5. Remotely catch up with family and friends