Did you know that you can use your old iPhone as a security camera? Yes, that’s right! Instead of spending a lot of money on buying expensive security cameras, you can repurpose your old iPhone or iPad and put it to good use as a home security camera. Not only is it a cost-effective solution, but it’s also a great way to recycle old devices and reduce electronic waste. In this blog post, we will discuss how to turn your old iPhone or iPad into a security camera and the different methods you can use to achieve this.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed:
To turn your old iPhone or iPad into a security camera, you’ll need a few things:
1. An old iPhone or iPad running iOS 7 or later
2. A stable Wi-Fi connection
3. A power source for the iPhone/iPad
4. A security camera app
5. A stand or holder to mount the iPhone/iPad on a flat surface
6. A compatible viewing device (e.g., another iPhone or iPad or a computer)
What Requires Your Focus?
Before you start, you need to focus on the following aspects to make sure your iPhone is well-prepared as a security camera:
1. Clear out any unwanted or unneeded apps and data from the iPhone/iPad to free up space.
2. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.
3. Position the device in the desired location for surveillance.
4. Choose the right security camera app for your device.
5. Decide whether to use an iCloud account (for storage) or a different backup storage account.
Different Methods to Use Old iPhone as Security Camera:
Method 1: Using Presence App
Many security camera apps for iPhone are available in the app store, but the Presence app is one of the best. Here are the steps to set up the Presence app:
1. Download the Presence app from the app store on your old iPhone/iPad and on the viewing device.
2. Sign up for a Presence account by providing your email address and password.
3. Set up your old iPhone/iPad by creating a new account on the device with the same credentials as the account created in step 2.
4. Choose the old iPhone/iPad to be the camera device and the viewing device to be the device you see the camera feed on.
5. Place the old iPhone/iPad in the desired location, ensuring that the screen is facing the area you want to monitor.
6. Mount the device using a stand or holder.
7. Set the app to "Always On" by disabling the Auto-Lock feature in the iPhone/iPad settings.
8. Start the app on both devices to view the camera feed.
Pros:
1. The app is free to download and use.
2. You can view the camera feed on multiple viewing devices.
3. The app has motion detection and alerts.
4. Presence allows you to set up multiple cameras.
Cons:
1. The app requires continuous battery and Wi-Fi usage on both devices.
2. The device may overheat if used for long periods.
Method 2: Using Manything App
Another popular app for turning your old iPhone/iPad into a security camera is the Manything app. Here’s how to set it up:
1. Download the Manything app on both devices.
2. Create a Manything account on the old iPhone/iPad.
3. Choose "Camera" on the old iPhone/iPad and "Viewer" on the viewing device.
4. Place the old iPhone/iPad in the desired location.
5. Set the app to "Always On" by disabling the Auto-Lock feature in the iPhone/iPad settings.
6. You can adjust the motion detection settings and recording length in the app settings.
Pros:
1. The app is free to download and use.
2. Manything has motion detection and alerts.
3. The app supports live streaming.
4. The app supports recording and cloud storage.
Cons:
1. The free version only stores up to 12 hours of recording.
2. The device may overheat with prolonged usage.
Method 3: Using Alfred App
The Alfred app is another excellent option for turning your old iPhone/iPad into a security camera. Follow these steps to set it up:
1. Download the Alfred app on both devices.
2. Create an Alfred account on the viewing device.
3. Choose "Viewer" on the viewing device and "Camera" on the old iPhone/iPad.
4. Sign in to the Alfred app using the same credentials on both devices.
5. Place the old iPhone/iPad in the desired location.
6. Set the app to "Always On" by disabling the Auto-Lock feature in the iPhone/iPad settings.
7. Enable motion detection in the app settings and adjust the sensitivity as needed.
Pros:
1. The app is free.
2. Alfred has motion detection and alerts.
3. The app supports customization features.
4. No limit for the amount of storage.
Cons:
1. The app uses a lot of battery life on the camera device.
2. Advertisements in the app.
Why Can’t I Use Cellphone Camera as it was?
If you want to use the iPhone’s camera as a security camera to monitor areas in your house, there are some things you need to consider before doing so. Here are some common issues you might encounter:
1. Battery life: The iPhone’s battery drains quickly while recording video, so it’s important to have a stable power source.
2. Wi-Fi connectivity: To live stream or upload recorded videos to a cloud-based service, you need a stable Wi-Fi connection.
3. Limited recording time: Most security camera apps have a time limit for recording footage. Plus, the amount of storage may depend on the app you’re using.
4. Not dependable as a professional CCTV: If you have bigger property or need a professional security system you need buy professional security camera.
Fixes:
1. Make sure to have a stable power source for the iPhone/iPad such as a power adapter.
2. Use a Wi-Fi range extender if the signal is weak in the desired location.
3. Invest in a cloud-based service or a device with high storage capacity for uninterrupted recording.
4. Buy professional cameras if looking for a high-quality security camera.
Implications and Recommendations:
Upcycling your old iPhone or iPad as a security camera has multiple benefits. It is cost-effective, easy to install, and a viable option for those who don’t want to spend a lot on security systems. Some recommendations for upcycling your iPhone as a security camera include:
1. Choose the right app that fits your needs.
2. Optimize camera placement to get maximum coverage of your home.
3. Use a stable Wi-Fi connection and a reliable power source for uninterrupted surveillance.
4. Make sure to invest in a good quality stand or holder to ensure that the iPhone/iPad remains stable.
5. Keep a backup of all your recordings by using a cloud-based service or a secondary storage device.
5 FAQs About Using an Old iPhone/iPad as a Security Camera
Q1: How reliable is an iPhone/iPad used as a security camera?
A: It’s very reliable if you choose a good app for it. The iPhone/iPad camera’s quality is excellent, and many apps provide features such as motion detection and alert notifications.
Q2: Do I need to subscribe to a cloud storage service to store my video recordings?
A: No, it depends upon the app you’re using. However, most of the apps offer cloud storage options.
Q3: Can I view the camera from multiple devices?
A: Yes, you can view the feed from multiple devices such as another iPhone/iPad or a computer.
Q4: Do I need to keep the app open on the old iPhone/iPad continuously?
A: Yes, you need to keep the camera app "always on" for uninterrupted monitoring.
Q5: How long does the iPhone/iPad battery last as a security camera?
A: The battery life will vary depending on the make and model of your iPhone/iPad. However, it’s important to keep a stable power source available.
Final Words:
Using your old iPhone as a security camera is an excellent way to upcycle your old device. With a few simple steps, your old iPhone/iPad can provide a reliable, cost-effective solution for home security. By following the methods mentioned above, you can easily turn your old iPhone into a surveillance camera and keep your home safe and secure!
