Nowadays, not many people know that with their old cell phone and this article, you can learn how to give it a second life by turning it into a home monitoring device. AlfredCamera, AtHome Video Streamer, Manything, and Presence are apps that allow you to turn your Android or iOS device into a great security camera. The apps can be linked to Google or Apple ID accounts, thanks to the use of a good Wi-Fi network. Keep reading to learn more about giving your cell phone a second life.

The key to reusing electronic devices

Reusing electronic devices has become a practical and economical trend. One of the most popular and trending uses involves an old cell phone, or one you no longer use, which can be turned into a surveillance camera. To achieve this, you need to use specialized apps, with AlfredCamera being one of the most talked about. Its ease of use and compatibility with Android and iOS have made it one of the most downloaded apps for this purpose.

Steps to turn your smartphone into a camera with AlfredCamera

With this app, you can give your phone a second life. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Download the app: install AlfredCamera on both your old smartphone and the device you will use for monitoring (another phone or tablet).
2. Log in with the same account: open the app on both devices using the same Google account or Apple ID.
3. Assign roles: set up your old cell phone as the “Camera” and your current one as the “Viewer.”
4. Connect to the internet: make sure both devices have a stable Wi-Fi connection for real-time streaming.
5. Position the phone: place the device in a strategic location in your home, preferably connected to a power source to prevent it from running out of battery.
6. Activate additional features: AlfredCamera offers motion detection, automatic recording, and alerts, making it a versatile option for home monitoring.

Important update to WebCamera characteristics

Starting February 5, 2025, we will be discontinuing the Detection and Recording features to improve overall service stability.

• Notifications for Events from WebCamera will no longer be sent.
• Event recordings from WebCamera will no longer be available.

However, you will still have access to Live, allowing you to continue monitoring in real-time as usual. We believe these adjustments will contribute to a more stable and efficient WebCamera service moving forward.

Other useful apps for home surveillance

Although AlfredCamera is one of the most popular, it is not the only alternative available. AtHome Video Streamer is another widely used option: it transforms your cell phone into an IP camera and allows you to view the stream from a browser or app on another device. It also offers features such as cloud recording and suspicious activity notifications.

On the other hand, Manything and Presence also allow you to reuse old smartphones as security cameras. These apps include motion detection, real-time recording, and remote storage options. The variety of alternatives makes it possible for each user to choose the tool that best suits their needs and budget.

Limitations to consider before using a cell phone as a camera

While these solutions are practical and accessible, they are not without drawbacks. One of the main ones is that smartphones were not designed to function continuously as surveillance cameras. Overheating, constant battery consumption, and the need to keep them plugged in can affect the device’s lifespan.

Another aspect to consider is the stability and security of the system. Free apps often rely on a Wi-Fi connection, which means that a network outage will interrupt surveillance. In addition, they do not offer the same level of durability or certifications as a professional security camera, so their use should be seen as a temporary or complementary solution, not a definitive replacement.