How to use old phones to set up a free security system!

Posted Sep 7, 2019 04:13 PM

Disclaimer:
This is not a tutorial on how you are going to get a $500 CCTV system in your home. In this tutorial, I will simply show you how to set up old phones to use them as security cameras for free. Feel free to ask whatever questions you have in the comments below.

This method was tested on an android system. However, it does support Apple phones as well. It might be a bit different than the android system, but I am sure that you will be able to figure it out.

How to use old phones to set up a free security system!
So, this method revolves around a free app that you can download called Alfred Camera.

This app basically allows you to turn an old phone into a free WiFi/IP camera.

To get started here is what you need:
- a 'viewer' phone (Your current phone)
- the old phone
- Powerbank/Charging cable that is long enough
- Google account (This links the phones together)

Step 1:
Download the app on all the phones that you want to link. In this tutorial, I will just use 1 'viewer' phone and 1 'Camera' phone.
Google playstore link
Apple Appstore link

On the 'viewer' phone:
Click on the 'Viewer' icon, then click 'get started'.
[Image: aslQHMV.jpg]

Once you get into the next page, sign in to your Google account.
You will reach an empty screen, for now, you are done with your 'viewer' phone.

Now open up your 'camera' phone and do the same steps as mentioned above, but now just click on the 'camera' option when setting up the app.
[Image: Kgjy7rf.jpg]

Step 2:
Now that we are basically done setting up the phones on both sides, it's time to set up the camera phone. You can hang it up very obviously or make it look like you are just charging your phone. I placed mine near a charging station so it's not as suspicious.

Something to keep in mind: The phone needs to be connected to a power outlet or a large power bank to stay alive.

Open up the app, lock the phone and place the phone where you need it. The app should stay alive and you should be able to use the phone as a camera.

Step 3:
You are done! that's all you need to do. It's super easy and a great use of an old phone. Make sure to play around with the settings. Depending on the lighting in your room, you will need to see if night vision works properly or if you need to enable your flash when you want to see something when it's dark. (Yes you can enable the flashlight).

Extra info:
The app has a motion detection system which works GREAT! it notifies you whenever it detects motion and records a short clip for the duration that it captures motion. If you want to disable it, click on the small gear icon in the top left of a camera and disable the notification option. If you want to disable it on a time schedule, you need the paid version of the app.

----

I hope this small tutorial was useful for some of you! It was for sure helpful for me when I found out about this app!
Once again, if you have any questions feel free to PM me or add a comment below!