Turn Old Android Phone into Security Camera - Easy Guide

Transforming Old Android Phones into Security Cameras

For those interested in the functionality of remotely accessible, alert-enabled security cameras, but deterred by the cost of commercial options, a viable alternative exists.

This guide details the process of repurposing older Android phones into effective surveillance systems.

Benefits of Using an Old Android Phone

Utilizing an existing Android device offers a cost-effective solution for home or small business security.

Instead of purchasing a new camera, you can give a second life to a phone that might otherwise be unused.

Required Components

The primary requirement is an older generation Android phone that is still functional.

You will also need a stable Wi-Fi network and a power source to keep the phone continuously running.

Software Setup

Several applications are available to facilitate this transformation.

• AlfredCamera: A popular choice known for its ease of use and features like motion detection and two-way talk.
• Manything: Offers cloud recording and IFTTT integration for advanced automation.
• IP Webcam: Converts your phone into a network camera accessible via a web browser.

Download and install your chosen application on both the phone you intend to use as the camera and your viewing device.

Configuration Steps

Once the application is installed, follow the on-screen instructions to configure the camera and viewer.

Typically, this involves setting up an account and pairing the devices.

Ensure the camera phone has a stable power connection and is positioned to capture the desired area.

Optimizing Performance

To maximize battery life and performance, consider these adjustments:

• Disable unnecessary background apps on the camera phone.
• Reduce screen brightness or enable a screen timeout.
• Ensure the phone is adequately cooled to prevent overheating.

Regularly check the connection and application settings to maintain optimal functionality.

Security Considerations

Protect your security system by using a strong password for your application account.

Enable two-factor authentication if available for an added layer of security.

Be mindful of the Wi-Fi network's security and ensure it is password-protected.

The Rationale Behind This Project

It's likely you're exploring this guide because you desire a method for remote monitoring. This could involve observing your entryway for deliveries, checking on a pet's new enclosure, or keeping an eye on children playing outdoors while you attend to household tasks. The specific application is entirely up to you.

Our aim is to assist you in achieving this affordably, utilizing pre-existing hardware – or components readily available through online marketplaces like eBay. The Android phone employed in this tutorial, an HTC Hero, is obtainable for approximately $20-$25, representing a significant cost saving compared to dedicated Wi-Fi security cameras. Furthermore, the phone provides a substantially more adaptable user experience.

Benefits of Using an Old Android Phone

Traditional security cameras can be expensive and often lack the flexibility you might need. Utilizing an older Android phone offers a compelling alternative.

Cost-Effectiveness

The primary advantage is the low cost. Many older Android devices are available for a minimal price.

Customization

Android phones provide a high degree of customization. You can select from a wide range of surveillance apps to tailor the system to your specific requirements.

Accessibility

Old smartphones are often readily available, reducing the need to purchase new equipment.

Setting Up Your Surveillance System

The process of transforming an old Android phone into a security camera is relatively straightforward. It requires minimal technical expertise.

Required Materials

• An old Android phone
• A power source (USB charger and cable)
• A stable Wi-Fi connection
• A suitable surveillance application

Software Selection

Numerous apps are available on the Google Play Store designed for this purpose. Research and choose one that meets your needs regarding features and ease of use.

Consider factors like remote viewing capabilities, motion detection, and recording options when making your selection.

Essential Requirements

This guide outlines the necessary components for transforming an older Android phone into a functional networked security camera.

• An Android phone equipped with a camera is fundamental to this project.
• A charging cable will be required to provide continuous power to the phone.
• The IP Webcam application (available for free) is needed for uninterrupted video streaming capabilities.
• SECuRET SpyCam ($4.50) is recommended for motion-triggered recording and alert notifications.
• Connection to a local Wi-Fi network is essential for the Android phone’s operation.
• (Optional) Remote network access allows for monitoring the live video feed from locations outside your home or workplace.

The need for two distinct camera applications stems from our testing. We discovered that finding a single application capable of both efficient continuous streaming and reliable motion detection proved challenging.

Rather than compromise with a system that performs both tasks inadequately, we present a dual-application approach. This allows you to choose the application best suited to your specific needs and desired monitoring level.

If your priority is receiving notifications upon events like package deliveries or gate openings, the initial section of this tutorial, focusing on SECuRET SpyCam setup, will be most relevant.

Conversely, if you require a constant live stream – for monitoring experiments or children at play, for example – the latter portion, detailing IP Webcam configuration, will be the appropriate path to follow.

Important Considerations

Before proceeding, it’s important to acknowledge certain aspects of this process. This tutorial concentrates solely on the software configuration.

Due to the variability of physical phones and installation environments, devising a suitable mounting solution is left to the user. During our tests, a suction-cup mount originally designed for car windshields proved effective for securing the camera to windows and smooth surfaces.

Furthermore, if you intend to access your camera remotely, prioritizing secure access is crucial. While configuring a VPN falls outside the scope of this tutorial, resources are available on How-To Geek, such as guides on How to Connect to a VPN on Android and How to Setup a VPN Server Using a DD-WRT Router, to assist you.

Finally, if repurposing an older phone, a factory reset followed by an update to the latest available Android version is strongly advised. Device stability is paramount for security camera applications, making it important to remove unnecessary apps, maximize available memory, and operate the most recent stable Android release. Consult your phone’s documentation for instructions on resetting and updating the device.

Configuring SECuRET SpyCam

The SECuRET SpyCam requires careful configuration to ensure optimal performance and reliable operation. This process involves several key steps, from initial network setup to defining recording parameters.

Network Connection

Establishing a stable network connection is paramount. The SpyCam supports both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. For Wi-Fi, select your network from the available list and enter the corresponding password.

Alternatively, a direct Ethernet connection provides a more secure and consistent link. Simply connect the SpyCam to your router using an Ethernet cable.

IP Address Assignment

The SpyCam can be assigned a static or dynamic IP address. A static IP address is recommended for consistent access and remote viewing.

To configure a static IP, access the SpyCam’s settings through your router’s administration interface. Ensure the assigned IP address is outside the DHCP range to avoid conflicts.

Date and Time Settings

Accurate date and time settings are crucial for correct timestamping of recorded footage. The SpyCam can synchronize with a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server.

Access the settings menu and select the appropriate NTP server for your region. Manual configuration of date and time is also possible, but less reliable.

Recording Parameters

Defining recording parameters allows customization of the SpyCam’s behavior. This includes setting the recording resolution, frame rate, and storage options.

Higher resolutions (e.g., 1080p) provide greater detail, but require more storage space. Frame rate affects the smoothness of the video; a higher frame rate (e.g., 30fps) is ideal for capturing fast-moving objects.

Motion Detection

The motion detection feature triggers recording only when movement is detected, conserving storage space and simplifying footage review.

Sensitivity levels can be adjusted to minimize false alarms caused by minor movements, such as changes in lighting or shadows. Define specific areas within the camera’s field of view to monitor for motion.

Storage Options

The SECuRET SpyCam supports multiple storage options, including microSD cards and network-attached storage (NAS) devices.

A microSD card provides a convenient and self-contained storage solution. NAS devices offer greater storage capacity and accessibility from multiple devices.

User Account Management

Creating user accounts with varying levels of access enhances security. Administrators have full control over all settings, while standard users may have limited access.

Strong passwords should be used for all accounts to prevent unauthorized access. Regularly review and update user permissions as needed.

Remote Access Configuration

Remote access allows viewing live footage and recorded videos from anywhere with an internet connection. This typically involves port forwarding on your router.

Configure port forwarding to direct incoming traffic to the SpyCam’s IP address. Ensure your router’s firewall allows access to the specified port. Utilize a secure connection (HTTPS) whenever possible.

Firmware Updates

Regularly updating the SpyCam’s firmware is essential for maintaining optimal performance and security. Updates often include bug fixes, new features, and security patches.

Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest firmware version and follow the instructions provided to perform the update. Avoid interrupting the update process.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues during configuration, consult the troubleshooting section of the user manual. Common problems include network connectivity issues, incorrect IP address settings, and firmware update failures.

Restarting the SpyCam and your router can often resolve temporary glitches. If problems persist, contact technical support for assistance.

Throughout our evaluations of Android-based motion-sensing applications, SECuRET SpyCam consistently outperformed all others. Its motion detection capabilities proved the most reliable, and it offers a comprehensive suite of customizable settings.

These settings allow for compatibility with a broad range of devices. Furthermore, the application supports notifications via both email and Twitter, alongside automated file uploads to Dropbox. It is capable of capturing both still images and video clips.

Begin by downloading SECuRET SpyCam from the Play Store and installing it on your Android device. A demonstration version is available for testing before purchase, should you desire to try it first.

After installation is complete, launch the application to initiate the setup process.

The settings menu icon is located in the upper right corner of the screen, adjacent to the help icon. Clicking this icon will open the settings menu. Our tests indicated that utilizing the majority of the default settings is optimal.

However, several settings require immediate configuration for proper functionality.

The initial key decision involves selecting whether the security camera should record still photographs or video segments upon detecting motion. Navigate to General –> Motion Capture Mode –> and choose either Photo or Video. For this guide, we will focus on configuring the camera for still photo capture, although both options were tested.

Remaining within the General menu, select Photo Settings to adjust photo and notification parameters.

Here, you can specify whether photos should be in color or black and white. You can also determine the desired resolution, selecting a lower resolution for basic monitoring or a higher resolution for capturing details like license plates.

Additionally, you can enable burst capture, allowing the camera to take multiple exposures per triggered event, with a maximum of five photos per trigger.

Within the Actions section, you can activate email and Twitter notifications. While live-tweeting camera images may have limited applications, configuring the email service is highly recommended.

Select Email, then enable Auto Email Captures. Next, enter the credentials for a Gmail account and provide a delivery address for the alerts. Customization of the email subject and message lines is possible, though we found it unnecessary.

The subsequent step involves configuring Dropbox synchronization. By default, all captured images are stored locally on the device and emailed if alerts are enabled. We recommend syncing captures to Dropbox for convenient backup and data security, even if the device is lost or stolen. Navigate to General –> Dropbox to input your Dropbox login details and settings.

First, check Auto Sync Captures, then click Log In to authenticate SECuRET SpyCam with your Dropbox account. The final setting allows you to choose whether Dropbox syncing should occur only over Wi-Fi or via both Wi-Fi and your cellular data plan.

With the basic configuration complete, it’s time to test the camera. We advise against altering the default settings until you’ve thoroughly tested the system. In most cases, the default settings functioned effectively without requiring further adjustments.

Return to the main menu and select Built-in Camera, then press Start.

Upon pressing start, a screen similar to the one above will appear. The smaller screen in the upper left corner displays the motion detection algorithm in operation.

Given the overcast and snowy conditions outside, we will use some African Cichlids as test subjects. These brightly colored and inquisitive fish are sure to investigate the camera positioned near their tank. To initiate detection mode, tap the screen and then press the play button in the lower menu bar.

Within a minute or two, a fish will approach to investigate:

The image is captured, saved to the device, and an email alert is sent, with the file also syncing to your Dropbox account. The email alerts are straightforward but functional.

This completes the process. Once the application is configured and the camera is positioned, periodic checks are all that’s needed to ensure it remains secure and operational.

Setting Up IP Webcam for Android Security

While SECuRET SpyCam proved effective for motion-triggered recording, a key feature was absent: continuous streaming. If constant monitoring of your security camera feed is desired, a dedicated streaming application is necessary. Fortunately, IP Webcam provides a well-established, free, and reliable solution.

Utilizing IP Webcam for Streaming

IP Webcam is an ideal application for transforming your Android device into a streaming security camera. The video feed can be accessed, and photos captured, through any contemporary web browser. Furthermore, free applications like IP Cam Viewer allow monitoring from other Android devices. Integration with Skype and media players such as VLC is also possible.

Before initiating live feed monitoring, some initial configuration is required, though IP Webcam is remarkably straightforward to set up, even simpler than SECuRet SpyCam. Begin by installing the application from the Google Play Store. Upon installation, launching the app will directly open the configuration panel.

Similar to the previous tutorial section, we recommend initially accepting the default settings. These can be adjusted later as needed after testing the camera functionality. Among the settings to modify, first scroll down and enable Stream on device boot. This ensures the security camera automatically restarts if the Android device experiences a crash or reboot.

The login/password setting is another consideration. Given access is limited to our own Wi-Fi network, we chose to bypass this step for simplified deployment and setup.

Starting the Server and Accessing the Feed

After adjusting these basic settings, position your device and initiate the server. Scroll to the bottom of the configuration panel and select Start server.

A screen similar to the one shown will appear—though it may lack the fish unless you are also monitoring an aquarium.

The IP address and port number of the server are displayed at the bottom of the screen. You can also click How do I connect? in the upper left corner for assistance. Accessing this address will lead to a basic HTML page.

This page provides feed links and instructions for connecting IP Webcam to various viewing sources, including media players, direct browser viewing via a Java plugin, and Android camera viewing applications. A quick way to begin monitoring is to use the built-in Java view:

While not the most visually appealing, this method offers minimal lag. Alternatively, we found opening the video stream in VLC to be preferable. To do this, launch VLC, navigate to Media –> Open Network Stream, and enter the playlist link: http://x.x.x.x:8080/playlist.m3u, replacing x.x.x.x with the camera’s local network address.

Viewing the feed through VLC facilitates easy recording of any noteworthy events.

Once the server is running on your phone and a viewing method is selected, the setup is complete.

Do you have innovative ideas for repurposing old Android phones? Would you like to see more articles on reusing older hardware? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments, or email us at tips@howtogeek.com.