AlfredCamera<\/a> turns an old iPhone or Android smartphone into a live-streaming security camera.<\/p>\nYou’ll need two devices: an old smartphone that serves as the camera and your current phone or tablet that you’ll use to watch the video.<\/p>\n
Here’s how to get started:<\/p>\n
Download the AlfredCamera app on both devices.<\/p>\n
Follow the instructions to connect the devices to the same AlfredCamera account.<\/p>\n
Set the old smartphone as the camera and your primary device as the viewer.<\/p>\n
Position the old phone where you want to monitor activity.<\/p>\n
Open the app on your primary phone to watch the live video feed.<\/p>\n
Once everything is connected, you can check the camera from virtually anywhere with an internet connection.<\/p>\n
You can also access your camera from a computer by logging into AlfredCamera’s website.<\/p>\n
More Than Just Live Video<\/p>\n
AlfredCamera does more than let you watch what’s happening at home.<\/p>\n
The app can detect movement and send notifications to your smartphone when something moves in front of the camera.<\/p>\n
That means you don’t have to watch the live feed all day. You can check in when the app alerts you to activity.<\/p>\n
It’s particularly useful for monitoring an entryway, checking on pets, or keeping an eye on an area where you don’t already have a security camera.<\/p>\n
And because AlfredCamera works with both iPhones and Android devices, you don’t have to use two phones from the same manufacturer.<\/p>\n
A Few Things to Know Before Using It<\/p>\n
There are some important considerations when using an old smartphone as a security camera.<\/p>\n
Keep it plugged in. Streaming video continuously can drain a phone’s battery quickly. You’ll want to connect it to a charger if you plan to leave it running.<\/p>\n
Make sure it’s secure. Position the phone on a stable surface or use a smartphone stand. Aim the camera at the area you want to monitor.<\/p>\n
Watch for overheating. Older phones, particularly those with damaged or aging batteries, can become hot when operating continuously while charging. Place the phone on a hard, nonflammable surface and test it before leaving it unattended. Don’t use a device that becomes unusually hot or has a swollen battery.<\/p>\n
You’ll also need a reliable Wi-Fi connection at home for the camera to work properly.<\/p>\n
Is AlfredCamera Really Free?<\/p>\n
Yes. AlfredCamera offers a free version that includes live video viewing and motion detection.<\/p>\n
There are some trade-offs, though.<\/p>\n
The free version includes advertisements and restrictions on certain features, including camera usage and video options.<\/p>\n
AlfredCamera also offers a premium subscription that removes ads and adds more advanced features.<\/p>\n
For someone who wants to build a more extensive home monitoring system, the paid version may be worth considering.<\/p>\n
But if you simply want to keep an eye on a door, check on a pet, or add another camera without spending money on new equipment, the free version may be all you need.<\/p>\n
The Bottom Line<\/p>\n
An old smartphone might not be worth much as a trade-in, but it could still be useful around the house.<\/p>\n
AlfredCamera gives that unused phone a second life and offers an inexpensive way to add another layer of home monitoring.<\/p>\n
It won’t necessarily replace a dedicated home security system, but for occasional monitoring, it’s a practical solution that costs little or nothing to try.<\/p>\n
Learn more: AlfredCamera official website<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Before you spend money on another home security camera, check that drawer where you keep your old smartphones.…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":880205,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[369859,260267,165,25279,109921,5093,74],"class_list":["post-880204","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-mobile","tag-alfredcamera","tag-home-security","tag-mobile","tag-mobile-app","tag-security-camera","tag-smartphone","tag-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/880204","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=880204"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/880204\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/880205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=880204"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=880204"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=880204"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}