How many old phones are currently lying around your house?
Though the lifecycle of smartphones might finally be improving, it’s estimated that most people buy a new phone every two or three years.
Revive an old phone as a security camera using AlfredCamera, the best app to turn old phones into security cameras.
Follow our easy step-by-step guide to use old phones as security cameras with AlfredCamera, or check out the top 5 security camera apps of 2024.
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Transform Smartphones into Security Cameras for FREE with AlfredCamera
AlfredCamera sets itself apart as the best all-in-one security solution for old phones.
If you’re looking for the best free app to turn phones into security cameras, AlfredCamera is…
- The most popular cell phone security app on Android and Apple devices.
- Featured in WIRED, Tom’s Guide, USA Today, CNET, and more..
- Free to use, including essential security camera features like motion detection and built-in siren.
- User focused, with user insights spearheading product development.
Here’s how to transform old phones and tablets into security cameras.
1. Prepare two phones
Get started by charging two devices—phones, tablets, and computer webcams are all suitable. One device is the ‘Camera’ device that monitors the surroundings, the other is the ‘Viewer’ device.
We recommend using your current phone as the Viewer device, since this is where you’ll receive push notifications when motion is detected.
How many cameras can I add to AlfredCamera?
You can add an unlimited number of camera devices to AlfredCamera. That includes old phones, tablets, webcams, and AlfredCam hardware security cameras. Because of this, you can 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.
Do I need Wi-Fi to use AlfredCamera?
A Wi-Fi connection is not necessary to use AlfredCamera on old phones or tablets.
So long as the device supports cellular data, AlfredCamera on phones and tablets can use mobile data (4G, 5G) instead of Wi-Fi. This gives you much greater choice in where you decide to place your device compared to regular security cameras.
AlfredCam hardware security cameras require a Wi-Fi connection so as to provide a stable connection.
3. Add a Camera
With the app installed on two devices, tap ‘Add a Camera’ on the Viewer device.
No spare phones? Fret not – AlfredCamera is for everyone
As part of the Alfred team’s efforts to make AlfredCamera as accessible as possible, we’re constantly innovating new ways to get great home security to as many people as possible.
If you don’t have an old phone or tablet lying around to use as a camera, try AlfredCamera using a webcam! Find out how to use your webcam as a security camera in seconds.
Alternatively, AlfredCam and AlfredCam Plus are hardware security cameras purpose-built for the AlfredCamera app. They offer powerful, simple security at a fraction of the cost of regular security cameras. AlfredCam works alongside your old phones to create effective DIY home security systems.
4. Pair devices
A QR code will appear 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 well. Then, experiment with locations to place it 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 be charged constantly at an outlet.
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.
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.
Aside from old phones, AlfredCamera also 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.
Compared to other security camera apps, 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 | Review | Recently Updated? |
| 4.8 (App Store) 4.8 (Google Play) | Free, with the option for Premium from $2.49 | 70M+ | 650K (Google Play) 86.7K (App Store) | ✔️ |
Get more from Alfred 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 is just $29.99 a year, or $2.49 a month. 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 Alfred 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 | Review | Updated? |
| 3.2 (App Store) 3.7 (Google Play) | Free | 5M+ (Google Play) | 49K (Google Play) >200 (App Store) | ❌ |
3. BabyCam
Available on Google Play.
Parents and parents-to-be will adore this app, which sets itself apart by emphasizing features designed specifically with baby monitoring in mind.
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 more than apt for use as baby monitors.
| Rating | Price | Downloads | Review | Updated? |
| 4.4 (Google Play) | Free, with option for Premium for $2 | 1M+ (Google Play) | 21.9K (Google Play) | ✔️ |
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 | Review | Updated? |
| 4.3 (Google Play) | Free, with option for Premium from $0.99 | 1M+ (Google Play) | 15.6K (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, low-light filters, and cloud storage via Google Drive or Dropbox.
| Rating | Price | Downloads | Review | Updated? |
| 3.5 (App Store) 4.1 (Google Play) | Free, with option for Premium from $5.99 | 10M+ (Google Play) | 42 (App Store) 63K (Google Play) | ❌ |
Placement Pro Tips: How to Place a Cell Phone Security Camera?
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, you don’t need to turn it off if you choose to charge periodically, either.
- 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 Alfred paired devices.
When to Use Old Phones Turned Into Security Cameras
While AlfredCamera is used as a long term DIY security solution by most users, some prefer to use old phones turned into security cameras as a temporary solution. These scenarios include:
Use old phones as security cameras temporarily when
- Staying in a hotel or unfamiliar place.
- Pet sitting for a friend.
- Immediately after a break in or burglary.
- When suspicions are raised and security is needed, fast.
Turn old phone into security camera without internet using AlfredCamera
When installed on a phone or tablet, AlfredCamera lets you use mobile data (4G, 5G) as well as Wi-Fi, meaning your options for security camera placement are much greater than regular IP cameras.
Because you can turn your old phone into a security camera without Wi-Fi, awkward spaces on your property with poor Wi-Fi signal are no longer a problem.
To learn more about security cameras that don’t need wifi to function, check out our picks for the best wifi-free security cameras.
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.
Can a cell phone detect a hidden camera?
Phones can detect hidden cameras and other devices using dedicated apps, most of which utilize the phone’s camera to check for lights. Check out our rundown of hidden camera detector apps to discover the best.
Do hidden camera detector apps work?
Hidden camera detector apps are beneficial in sweeping an area to see if it’s bugged. However, it’s important to be aware of other methods for finding hidden cameras and microphones. Familiarize yourself with the essential ways to uncover spy 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.
By turning an old phone or tablet into a security camera using AlfredCamera, you get access to a conspicuous, functional alternative to more expensive systems.
Recommended reading: 8 Interesting Ways AlfredCamera Users Are Using Video Monitoring Revealed