Can you use an old phone or tablet as a security camera?

Did you get a new phone or tablet for Christmas or your birthday and want to repurpose your old one? Are you strapped for cash and don’t want to fork out money for a security camera? One way to boost your home security on a budget is by using an old phone or tablet.

There are plenty of free and paid third-party apps available on the App Store and Google Play Store that can be used to repurpose your old device into a makeshift security camera. Make sure you opt for one that comes with essential features like motion detection, streaming, recording, local video storage, and two-way audio.

DroidCam, Presence, and Alfred are all free and available on the App Store and Google Play Store. Many free apps like Alfred offer a paid version, so you can unlock premium features like higher resolution viewing and 30-day cloud storage if you have an extra bit of cash to spare. 

Download the app of your choice, and follow the setup instructions. Make sure you sign in with the same account details on your old phone and the current phone, which you’ll be using to view your footage and control the makeshift security camera. 

Place the camera in whichever location you want to monitor, whether that be near the stairs, entryway, or in the living room. Place it up high (so it can’t be reached by any curious kids or pets), and angle it down for maximum visibility.  

While using an old phone or tablet can be a cost-effective way to monitor your home or pets, it does have some disadvantages. 

• Monitoring can drain your battery: If you have an older phone, there’s no guarantee it’ll last nearly as long as a professional security camera. Even though it might limit where you can mount it, we recommend plugging your phone or tablet into an outlet.
• Limited mobility and features: Most apps are free and only offer monitoring and basic features. Unsurprisingly, they won’t come with the same features you get when you fork out hundreds of dollars for a professional security camera. if you want to be able to pan and tilt, zoom in or out, or remotely throw your pet treats, think about levelling up and getting an actual security camera.

While they can seem costly, there are many affordable security cameras. We love the TP-Link Tapo C200 as an option for around $50, as it boasts high-quality footage, night vision, two-way audio, and an SD card slot so you don’t have to fork out for monthly cloud fees.

Are you looking to turn your decrepit old iPhone into a bare-bones security camera? A third-party app is all that’s needed to give your old phone or tablet a new lease on life. Above all else, we’d recommend weighing up the pros and cons, as you can find security cameras that perform just as well with additional features for as little as $50.