It’s so easy to turn your old smartphone into a surveillance camera

Before you buy a new smartphone, do you ask yourself what you could do with your old one? Then an interesting variant awaits you here. You can convert it into a free surveillance camera for your home – like this.

Step One: Choosing a Security Camera App

Cnet.com has instructions. It says that an app download, a few minutes of setup time and a phone holder are enough to ensure that your old device still provides valuable services. But first things first.

The first step is to choose a security camera app. Most offer the same repertoire: local streaming, cloud streaming, local or remote recording and storage of footage, as well as motion detection and alarm functions. Everything is then controlled by your new smartphone.

Second step: set up and position

Cnet recommends an app called Alfred. This is cross-platform, so it doesn’t matter whether your old phone was an Android device or an iPhone. Alternative apps are Faceter, Epoccam or iVCam from E2ESoft. Once you have decided on an app, install it on your old and new smartphone. Alternatively, you can download it to your PC or tablet.

After the app is activated, you need to set up and position your camera – depending on whether you want to keep an eye on your house entrance, your garden or other points. You can also use the camera as a baby monitor. If you have several old smartphones at home, you can “monitor” several points.

Important information about safety

The final steps are attaching the old smartphone and connecting it to the power supply. Small smartphone tripods or a holder with a suction cup can make attachment easier. Since video streaming consumes a lot of power, the device should be placed near a power source. Then you can get started.

But cnet still has an important tip. Since older smartphones no longer receive security updates over time, there is a risk that they themselves may be spied on. To minimize this risk, the US media company recommends deleting all personal data from the phone before turning it into a camera. It is also a good idea to automate the updates if possible, so that at least nothing is missed while they are still running on the old device.

This retro technology is now collectible: