Turn Your Old Phone into a CCTV Camera (Free Guide)

So, you’ve got an old phone lying around collecting dust, right? Maybe it’s cracked a little, maybe it’s just too slow for everyday use now… but you didn’t throw it away because, well, it still works. Just not like it used to. I’ve been there too. But here’s a fun little trick: you can turn that old phone into a fully functional CCTV camera — for free.

Yep, no need to buy an expensive home security system. All you need is a stable internet connection, a charging cable, and that good ol’ retired smartphone.

Let’s get into how to make it happen.

Why Even Bother?

Before diving into the how-to, you might be wondering, “Why would I use an old phone for security?” Well:

It’s free — no new gadgets to buy.
It’s simple — setup takes like 10 minutes.
It works well — old phones still have pretty solid cameras, especially if they were flagships.

You can use it to keep an eye on your front door, monitor your pets while you’re out, or even just check in on your living room when you’re at work. Basically, it’s a budget-friendly way to get a little more peace of mind.

Step 1: Dig Up That Old Phone

First things first, find the phone. Make sure it can still turn on and connect to Wi-Fi. Android or iPhone — both work for this, so no worries if you’re team iOS or Android.

If it’s been a while since you powered it on, charge it up and maybe do a quick factory reset if it’s full of junk. (Just remember to back up anything important before you wipe it!)

Step 2: Choose a Security Camera App (There’s Free Ones!)

There are quite a few apps out there that turn your phone into a security cam. Here are a few solid free options:

AlfredCamera

Probably the most popular one for this exact thing.
Super easy to use.
Works on both Android and iPhone.
You can stream live, get motion alerts, even use two-way audio.

IP Webcam (Android only)

More advanced settings.
Streams directly to a browser.
A little more technical, but customizable.

Manything (iOS)

Great for live streaming and cloud recording.
Free version has some limitations, but good for casual use.

For most people, AlfredCamera is the easiest to get started with. Just install the app on your old phone and your current phone (or computer), and you’re basically ready to go.

Step 3: Set It Up Like a Pro

After installing the app on both devices (old phone = camera, current phone = viewer), follow the steps inside the app. Usually it goes like this:

Sign in with the same account on both devices.
Set old phone as “Camera”.
Set your main phone as “Viewer.”
Boom. Live feed.

Now, just place your old phone wherever you want it to “watch.” Living room shelf, window ledge, front porch (as long as it’s protected from weather), etc.

Use a phone stand or even lean it against some books. Just make sure it has a clear view and it’s plugged in — since it’ll be running nonstop, battery won’t last long.

Pro Tips for Better Results

Here’s a few little tricks I learned along the way:

Keep it plugged in: Seriously, unless you want to keep recharging it every few hours, leave it connected to a charger.
Turn off notifications and background apps on the old phone to keep it running smooth.
Disable auto-updates — sometimes an update can mess up your setup.
Use Wi-Fi only mode if the phone has no SIM card. Saves power and avoids any weird network issues.

Also, some of these apps let you record to the cloud or even locally. Depends on the app, but it’s cool if you want a recording history.

Bonus: Use It as a Baby Monitor or Pet Cam

Once you have the basic setup down, you can get creative with it. One of my friends uses an old iPhone to watch her dog while she’s out. She even talks to him through the mic like, “Max! Get off the couch!” (It sorta works.)

Another friend turned his old Android into a baby monitor. It’s basically the same setup, just pointed at the crib. No need to buy an expensive baby cam.

What About Privacy?

Good question. These apps are generally safe, but just make sure you’re downloading them from the official app stores, and read the permissions they ask for.

If you’re using cloud storage, double-check the privacy policy. And obviously, don’t point the camera at anything… sensitive.

When to Consider Upgrading

This method works great for basic home monitoring, but there are some limitations:

Most free apps don’t support night vision unless you keep a light on.
Recording might be limited without a paid plan.
Old phones might overheat if left running for days on end.

So, if you end up loving the setup and want to expand your “security system,” maybe that’s when you start thinking about a more permanent solution.

But to start? This works like a charm.

Final Thoughts

It’s kinda wild what old tech can still do. Instead of tossing that phone in a drawer and forgetting about it, you can give it a second life — and get a mini home security system in the process.

Honestly, I didn’t think this would work as well as it does, but here we are. I’ve been using mine to keep an eye on package deliveries and it’s saved me a couple times when couriers left stuff in weird spots.

So yeah, if you’ve got an old phone lying around, try it out. It’s free, it’s simple, and it might even make your home feel a little safer.

Also read: https://thephoneyguy.com/top-10-super-useful-ai-apps-i-use-in-daily-life-in-2025/