Sometimes, we need surveillance. Fast.
Whether that’s because you’re staying in an unfamiliar place or leaving belongings unattended during a quick work break, a webcam security camera app is the fastest way to set up surveillance and protect your things using a laptop.
Read on to discover how to use a webcam as a free security camera using AlfredCamera, which can convert a webcam to an IP camera in seconds.
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How to Turn Your Webcam into a Wireless Camera in 5 Steps
AlfredCamera, which aside from letting users transform old phones and tablets into security camera devices, can also be used on the web as a laptop security camera app.
You can view footage from your camera devices on the web and even record using the computer’s webcam.
Using a webcam as a security camera is made possible through AlfredCamera, which can be viewed on a web browser. You can also download Alfred for free on iOS and Android devices to check in on feeds on-the-go and get relevant push notifications.
1. Visit AlfredCamera WebViewer
Log in or sign up to Alfred WebViewer to gain access to the security camera software on the web.
Much like its mobile app counterpart (available for download on Android and iOS devices), WebViewer is used to view all linked camera devices.
2. Click ‘WebCamera’
After logging in or signing up, you can easily allow the webcam of the device you are using to act as a camera. Head to ‘WebCamera’ in the top right corner to be taken to the webcam security camera app online.
What’s the difference between Alfred WebViewer and Alfred WebCamera?
Alfred WebViewer is a website that allows users to view and interact with all their AlfredCamera security camera devices via an internet browser.
To make a webcam into a security camera, users instead need to visit Alfred WebCamera.
WebViewer is especially useful if you lose access to your phone or if you frequently work at a computer. Some users prefer to monitor things at a larger scale on a computer screen rather than a phone or tablet.
Whatever the reason, WebViewer is another useful tool in the Alfred arsenal that provides greater flexibility in how you DIY your home security.
3. Turn camera on
Activate the webcam via the ‘On/Off’ switch.
4. Allow access to the camera and microphone
To enable the camera to be used, accept the web browser’s prompt to allow your camera and mic to be used by AlfredCamera.
Motion Detection also needs to be turned on to make use of the camera. Click in the bottom right corner of the camera feed to activate it.
5. Check your phone
If you already logged in to an existing account in step 1 and have the app downloaded, check AlfredCamera—motion detection notifications should already start appearing.
If not, download AlfredCamera to your phone, or head back to the WebViewer in another tab.
What is the difference between a webcam and a security camera?
With AlfredCamera, there isn’t a difference! AlfredCamera can transform webcams into fully-functional security cameras, just as it can transform cameras on phones and tablets.
All these devices can be used alongside one another and the AlfredCam hardware security camera to create your own DIY security system.
Get started now by heading to Alfred WebViewer, or go straight to Alfred WebCamera.
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 number of circumstances.
Consider the five scenarios below, 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 if 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 is ideal.
Use Alfred WebCamera to monitor your things from your laptop if you have to step away for a second. Motion Detection will notify your phone device as soon as something passes by.
2. Staying in a hotel
Webcam security camera software significantly eases the anxieties 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 before doing this.
3. Staying in Airbnb
In our article on Airbnb security, we highlighted some of the potential risks of staying in an Airbnb.
While they are generally safe, it is also true that 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 can be troublesome when multiple camera devices are needed to cover all your bases.
Cut on costs by adding a variety of phones, tablets, and webcams to the mix using AlfredCamera. With Alfred, there’s no limit to how many camera devices you can add.
Ready to DIY your home security? Go Premium!
Build a more robust DIY home security system by joining Alfred Premium.
From just $2.49 a month, Premium users get twice as much event storage, advanced motion detection features, and the ability to access live feeds at the same time as 2 other users.
All this makes for a more effective and convenient home security system that doesn’t sacrifice the health of your wallet. Learn more about Premium to get started.
5. If you don’t have an old phone for Alfred
While old phones are excellent security cameras thanks to AlfredCamera, 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 can be surprisingly effective alternatives to hardware security cameras.
How Do I Use my Webcam as a Motion Detector?
Visit Alfred WebCam to use your webcam as a motion detecting security camera.
Log in or sign up, then follow the onscreen instructions (detailed above) to transform your webcam into a security camera in seconds.
Receive notifications and view live and recorded footage on your phone or on the WebViewer.
FAQ
Do I need any special software to use my webcam as a security camera?
Webcam security camera software is available for free online thanks to AlfredWebCamera. Enabling the webcam to be used as a camera and viewing the live feed can both be facilitated via your web browser.
How can I connect my webcam to my computer to use it as a security camera?
Make sure your webcam is plugged into your computer via the USB. These are generally inexpensive. Then, head to Alfred WebCamera to begin using it as a security camera.
Can I use my smartphone or tablet as a remote monitor for my webcam security camera?
Smartphones and tablets can be used as remote monitors for webcam security cameras via AlfredCamera.
Once you’ve enabled your webcam to be used as a security camera with Alfred WebCamera, it can be monitored remotely via the AlfredCamera app on Android and iOS devices. Notifications triggered by the webcam are sent to devices with the app installed.
Can I use my webcam security camera to monitor multiple rooms or areas in my home or office?
There’s no limit to how many camera devices can be allocated to an AlfredCamera account, so any and all webcams, phones, and tablets can be used to 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.
Experiment easily using AlfredCamera, to get even more security cameras suitable for use alongside phones, tablets, and the AlfredCam hardware security camera.
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