Using Old iPhone as Security Camera
Just because your iPhone is a couple of generations old doesn’t mean you can’t put it to good use.
When you really think about it, even the most outdated iPhones, such as the iPhone 3G and 4, are still palm-sized computers packed with image sensors.
So rather than throwing that iPhone or selling it for less than what you paid for it, why not repurpose it and turn it into a home security camera?
But how is this possible? There are numerous apps in the iOS App store that can transform your iPhone into a useful smart home device, particularly a smart home camera.
Below, we have a quick round-up of the best apps for turning an old iPhone into a home security camera. These apps include Alfred and AtHome Video Streamer. Keep in mind that your old phone can be a great indoor security camera but not ideal for the outdoors.
Alfred
One of the best applications for turning your old iPhone into a security camera is Alfred. Alfred is cross-platform, so you can connect your old iPhone to an Android phone and still be able to use it as a security camera with no issues whatsoever.
Alfred is free, and it offers you free cloud storage, motion detection with notifications, remote live feed, two-way audio, and the ability to use both the front and rear camera.
To unlock extra features such as 30-day cloud storage, ad removal, high-res recording and viewing, and zooming capabilities, you can subscribe to Alfred Premium. The setup process is relatively easy; just follow these steps:
- Start by downloading the Alfred app on both your old iPhone and current phone.
- On your current phone, skip the intro and click on ‘Start.’
- Then click on ‘Viewer and click ‘Next.’
- When you reach the sign-in page, click on ‘Sign in with Google.’ We’re assuming you have an active Google account, so enter your credentials.
- On the old iPhone, repeat the three steps illustrated above, but rather than clicking on ‘Viewer,’ click on ‘Camera’ to allow it to record.
- Ensure you log in with the same Google account.
- Once you have successfully signed in on both phones and you scan the QR code on the old iPhone with your new iPhone, you’re virtually done with the configuration process. Alfred has made things easy with just a few settings.
Keep in mind that on iOS, you can activate motion detection, activate or deactivate audio recording, and decide which camera between the front and rear you want to record.
You can change several settings on your current phone, such as adding outsiders to your’ Trust Circle’ (give them access to your live video feed), configuring a camera, setting a viewer name, turning notifications on or off, etc.
You can also activate low-light filters on cameras, check if the camera has disconnected, delete a camera, and set motion detection sensitivity.
AtHome Streamer
Old iPhone
- Download the ‘AtHome Video Streamer’ application from the App store.
- Next, launch the app.
- Then skip the intro screens and click on the ‘Start Now’ icon.
- Next, click on the ‘Menu’ icon in the upper-left corner of your screen.
- Then click on ‘Change Password.’
- Come up with a new username and passcode, then click ‘Save.’
- Once again, click on the ‘Menu’ icon and select ‘Homepage.’
- Next, write down the ‘CID’ number, which will appear on the upper-right corner of your screen. You’ll need this code to access the live feed from your current phone.
- Finally, place your old iPhone in an area you’d like to monitor.
New iPhone
- On your current or new iPhone, download the ‘AtHome Camera Free’ app.
- Next, click on ‘Register’ to create an account.
- Then enter your email and passcode.
- Next, click on the ‘Add’ icon in the upper-right corner of your screen
- Then select the ‘CID’ option
- Enter the CID code you wrote down as well as your username and passcode.
- Next, select your old iPhone from the main menu. Keep in mind that the ‘AtHome Camera’ free version only supports one camera; you need to upgrade to get more.
- Finally, you can view your live feed. From this screen, you can switch between your old iPhone’s front and rear camera, switch the flash on and off, and take a photo.
Final Thought
As you can see, all you need is to download one app, and you can repurpose your old iPhone by turning it into a compact home security camera. No need to spend a lot of cash to keep your home protected unless you want an outdoor camera.
See Also
How to Setup Swann Camera on iPhone
How Do People Spy on Phone Cameras
