Tech Tips 2025: New smartphones are consistently being released, and many users tend to upgrade their devices every couple of years to stay updated with the latest technology. As a result, older smartphones often end up gathering dust in a drawer or sitting unused. But did you know that your old phone can be repurposed for a useful function, like surveillance? Instead of investing in an expensive CCTV camera system, you can turn your old smartphone into a fully functional security camera with a few simple steps. The best part? You don’t need to purchase any additional equipment. Your phone’s camera, combined with the right app, can let you monitor live footage and even save video recordings. Here’s how you can do it.
Several third-party applications are available that can transform old smartphones into CCTV cameras, but one of the most popular and reliable options is the Alfred Home Security Camera app. This app offers various features, including cloud streaming and motion detection alerts, making it an excellent choice for converting your old phone into a home security camera. Let’s walk through the steps to set it up.
Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Your Old Smartphone into a CCTV Camera (Tech Tips 2025)
Download the App: Start by downloading the Alfred Home Security Camera app on both your old smartphone and the phone you currently use (the one you want to view the CCTV footage from). The app is available for free on both Android and iOS devices.
Set Up the App: Open the app on both phones. On your current phone (the one you’ll use to view the footage), select the ‘Viewer’ option. On your old phone, select the ‘Camera’ option. This setup designates the old phone as the CCTV camera, while the current phone will act as the viewer.
Sign In: You will be prompted to log in using your Google account. It’s important to log in with the same Google account on both phones to ensure they are properly connected. This step syncs the two devices.
Adjust Settings: Once logged in, you can adjust the settings on both phones. On the old phone (now functioning as a camera), you can customize the camera’s settings, such as motion detection, video recording preferences, and whether you want cloud storage for your footage. You can control all of these settings remotely from the current phone.
Place the Old Phone: Set up the old phone in a location that offers a good view of the area you want to monitor. This could be by a front door, in the living room, or anywhere you feel needs surveillance.
Ensure Power Supply: Since you’ll be using the old phone for long periods, it’s essential to keep it powered. Plug the old phone into a charger or connect it to a power bank to prevent it from turning off due to a drained battery.
Connect to WiFi: For smooth streaming, both phones need to be connected to WiFi or mobile data. This ensures the live footage is transmitted without interruptions.
Once everything is set up, your old phone will work as a functional CCTV camera, and you can easily monitor live footage or view recorded videos from your current phone. This solution is an efficient and cost-effective way to add a security camera to your home without breaking the bank. Plus, the Alfred app provides added features like motion detection alerts, so you’ll be notified if anything unusual is happening.
With these simple steps, you can easily repurpose your old smartphone into a useful surveillance tool, saving both money and space.
