Turn Your Smartphone into a Home Security Camera

Transforming Old Smartphones into Home Security Systems

Establishing a basic home security system is an effective method for monitoring your property during absences. While a dedicated security system offers comprehensive protection, a resourceful alternative exists: repurposing an unused smartphone.

Utilizing an Existing Device

Purchasing a dedicated indoor security camera, such as the Nest Cam, is certainly an option. However, the cost, around $200, can be prohibitive. If you routinely upgrade your smartphone, you likely have an older model available. This device can be given new life by converting it into a functional home security camera.

The Manything Application

This conversion process is facilitated by the Manything application, which must be installed on both the old smartphone (functioning as the camera) and your current smartphone (used for viewing). The app is compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems, though the Android version is currently in beta. Despite being a beta release, the Android version is remarkably stable and should operate effectively on most devices. It’s recommended to test the camera functionality beforehand to ensure compatibility.

Manything Subscription Options

Manything offers a free tier supporting one camera without cloud recording. Additional paid subscription levels are also available. New users receive a complimentary one-month trial of the premium plan. Following the trial period, you can choose to continue with the free plan or opt for a more affordable paid subscription. Here’s a breakdown of the available options:

• The $2.99 per month plan provides support for one camera and stores recordings for up to two days, allowing ample time for review and saving.

Setting Up the Camera Phone

Begin by downloading and installing the Manything app on your spare smartphone. Tap the "Register" button at the bottom of the screen to initiate the setup process.

Enter your email address and create a secure password for your Manything account. Confirm your details by tapping "Register".

Next, select the "Camera" option within the app.

The app will request permission to access your phone’s camera and microphone. Grant these permissions by tapping "OK".

The camera interface will then appear. Initiate monitoring by pressing the red record button. Position the smartphone securely using a ledge or a tripod with a phone holder, such as the Joby GripTight Micro Stand. Ensure the phone is connected to a power source to prevent battery depletion throughout the day.

Connecting the Viewer Phone

With the camera phone configured, download and install the Manything app on your primary smartphone. The application supports cross-platform compatibility, enabling an Android device to function as the camera while an iPhone serves as the viewer, or vice versa.

Open the app and tap "Log in". Enter the email address and password used during registration.

Select "Viewer" to proceed.

Your configured smartphone camera should appear in the device list.

Tapping on the camera’s name will establish a live video feed, providing a real-time view of the monitored area. Any detected motion will be indicated by a list of recordings stored on Manything’s servers.

Customizing Camera Settings

Access the settings menu by tapping the gear icon in the top-right corner.

While many settings are intuitive, some warrant further explanation.

“Stills Mode” captures continuous images instead of video, potentially conserving bandwidth if your Wi-Fi connection is limited.

Within “Motion Detection”, you can adjust the camera’s sensitivity and define areas to exclude from motion detection, offering greater control over alerts.

The “Video Quality” setting allows you to adjust the resolution of the video stream. Lowering the quality can improve performance on slower Wi-Fi networks, while faster connections can support higher resolutions.

Manything can utilize a cellular connection for streaming and recording. However, disabling “Allow Cellular Data” is generally recommended to avoid exceeding your monthly data allowance. Live streaming and recording review can still be performed over a cellular connection on the viewer phone.

Finally, within “Screen Dimmer”, disable “Bright On Movement” to prevent the camera phone’s screen from illuminating upon motion detection, conserving battery life.

Finalizing Setup and Monitoring

After configuring the settings to your preferences, you can rely on the system to send notifications when motion is detected. The camera will automatically begin recording (with a paid subscription) and save the footage for later review.