Turn Your Unused Smartphone into a Low-Cost Home Security Camera
A simple guide shows how to repurpose an old iOS or Android phone as a functional security camera using the free AlfredCamera app.
The article outlines a step-by-step process for converting a discarded smartphone into a surveillance camera. After downloading AlfredCamera on the main phone and the old device, users either log into the same account or scan a QR code to link them, then designate one as the viewer and the other as the camera. The free version offers live video, two-way talk, low-light mode and a siren, while the Standard and Premium Plus subscriptions, costing $5.99 and $7.99 per month respectively, provide additional cameras, HD quality, extended cloud storage and AI-based detection.
To ensure reliable performance, the guide recommends keeping the device plugged in, using a stand, performing a factory reset, and disabling battery-optimization settings. For outdoor placement, a waterproof case or an interior window mount is suggested.
Why it matters
It lets consumers boost home security without buying new hardware, saving money and reducing electronic waste.
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