Using Your Smartphone as a Home Security Camera

Do you have an old smartphone or tablet lying around the house without any purpose? As long as its camera still works, you can turn it into a home security camera for your family.

Essential Items

To create a family home security camera, you'll need the following:

• A Camera: In this scenario, it's simply your old smartphone/tablet, so make the most of it.
• A Control Device: You'll need something to monitor what the camera captures, and a recommended option is your current smartphone.

Installing the Alfred Home Security Camera App

To begin, install the Alfred Home Security Camera app on your old smartphone or tablet. Alfred is a multi-platform application, so you can install it on any compatible Android or iOS device:

1. Download the Alfred app (Android | iOS) on the device you want to use as a Camera.
2. Open the Alfred app, and proceed to log in with existing allowed accounts or register for a new one.

1. Once you've logged into your account, click on the “Viewer” section in the toolbar and switch to “Camera”.

1. When prompted with “Switch to Camera
   ”, select OK.

1. Continue granting the app necessary permissions by tapping OK.

Congratulations, your old phone or tablet has now become a security camera.

Setting Up Your Home Security Camera

Now is the time to place your camera in the desired observation position, follow these tips for optimal results:

• Position your device about one to two meters away from the object you want to monitor.
• Avoid pointing the camera at reflective surfaces such as windows, mirrors, as it can lead to false motion detection.
• Avoid pointing the camera at moving objects like fans, TVs, and so on.

Once your device is in place, refrain from pressing the power button or returning to the home screen. Doing so may put the device to sleep or close the app entirely. Instead, keep it idle and let the screen naturally turn off.

Remote Camera Monitoring

Next, install Alfred on the smartphone or tablet you're using as the monitoring screen:

1. Install and launch the Alfred mobile app on your Viewer device.
2. Log in with the same account you used for the camera.

On the main screen, you'll immediately see your camera listed along with the live feed. You can tap on it to view in full screen.

Enable Motion Detection Feature

By activating this feature, you'll receive notifications whenever motion is detected passing by the camera.

1. On the Viewer device, open the Alfred app.
2. From the main interface, locate the camera you want to enable motion detection for.
3. Tap on the gear icon at the top left corner of the power source.

1. Find the line “Motion Detection” and toggle the switch On.

1. You can also adjust the sensitivity of motion detection by tapping on Sensitivity, with options including High, Medium, and Low.

Now, whenever the camera detects motion, you'll receive a notification on your Viewer device. Then, open the Alfred app and see exactly what's happening.

Record Video

Whenever the camera detects motion, Alfred will automatically record everything happening and upload the clip to the cloud for safekeeping. Or if you want to capture any moment:

1. Open the app on your Viewer device, access the camera you want to capture images from.
2. Tap on the camera icon.

To review recordings from the Camera, click on Events next to the security camera you wish to view.

A list of recorded clips will appear, click on a clip to view. While viewing, you can save the video (download icon on the left) or delete (trash icon).

Conclusion

Thus, these are the steps to turn your old phone into a security camera. Hopefully, this method will provide you and your family with the utmost safety!