Got an old phone gathering dust in your drawer? Don’t toss it yet — you can turn it into a fully functional CCTV camera and boost your home security for free!
Yes, really.
In this blog, you’ll learn how to repurpose your old Android or iPhone into a home surveillance system with minimal setup, zero coding, and no expensive hardware.
Whether you want to monitor your room, your pet, front door, or even your shop — this guide is for you.
🔍 Why Use an Old Phone as a CCTV Camera?
Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about why this is a genius move:
- ✅ It’s free (no need to buy new cameras)
- ✅ Old phones already have cameras, mics, and Wi-Fi
- ✅ You get remote live view from anywhere
- ✅ Most apps support motion detection & cloud recording
You’re basically upgrading your home security with zero investment.
📲 What You’ll Need
- An old smartphone (Android 6.0+ or iOS 12+ is ideal)
- A working charger & power cable
- A stable Wi-Fi connection
- A free CCTV app (we’ll cover the best ones below)
- A simple stand or tripod (optional but helpful)
🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set It Up
✅ Step 1: Choose the Right App
There are many free apps designed to turn smartphones into IP cameras. Here are the top 3 CCTV apps in 2025:
1. Alfred Camera
- Best for beginners
- Motion detection, night vision, cloud storage
- Available on Android & iOS
🔗 AlfredCamera.com
2. AtHome Camera
- Two-way audio, remote access, night vision
- App available for both camera and viewer
🔗 iChano AtHome
3. Manything / Presence / IP Webcam
- More advanced control
- Useful for time-lapse, cloud storage, older phones
🟢 For most users, Alfred is the easiest to start with.
✅ Step 2: Install the App on Two Devices
- Old Phone: This becomes the camera. Install the app and log in as “Camera”.
- Current Phone / PC: This becomes the viewer. Install the same app and log in as “Viewer” using the same account.
Now your new CCTV setup is starting to take shape!
✅ Step 3: Mount the Phone
Choose a spot where the camera view matters — like:
- Front door or main gate
- Living room
- Baby or pet area
- Garage or storage room
Use a phone stand, mini tripod, or DIY with books to hold your phone. Make sure:
- It’s plugged in to stay powered 24/7
- It’s connected to stable Wi-Fi
- The camera is angled properly (horizontal/landscape works best)
✅ Step 4: Set Motion Detection & Notifications
Most apps let you:
- Enable motion detection
- Get instant alerts if movement is detected
- Save footage to cloud or SD card
- Record continuously or on motion
Pro tip: Set motion zones to avoid false alerts (like curtains moving).
💡 Bonus: Add More Features (Optional)
Want to level up your setup?
Here are some cool additions:
- Night Vision: Use the phone’s flashlight or a low-light filter (some apps support this).
- Two-Way Audio: Talk to your pet, delivery guy, or intruder (😅).
- Cloud Storage: Alfred & AtHome offer low-cost cloud backup if needed.
- Use Power Banks: No wall socket nearby? Use a power bank to keep the phone running.
🔐 Is It Safe?
Yes, if you follow basic security tips:
- Use strong passwords for the app
- Turn on two-factor authentication
- Keep your apps and OS updated
- Avoid using personal accounts – create a dedicated Gmail or Apple ID
🔁 What Can You Monitor with It?
This DIY CCTV solution is super versatile. You can use it for:
- 👶 Baby monitor
- 🐾 Pet cam
- 🚪 Entryway surveillance
- 🏠 Home/shop security
- 🧓 Elderly parent monitor
- 🎉 Party or event cam
All using a phone that was sitting unused in a drawer!
📊 Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free and easy to set up | Needs constant power source |
| Remote access from anywhere | Phone can overheat if old |
| Motion detection and alerts | Needs stable Wi-Fi |
| Cloud storage available (optional) | Slight delay in video stream |
🧠 Final Thoughts
Turning your old smartphone into a DIY CCTV camera is one of the smartest and most practical tech hacks you can try in 2025.
It saves money 💸, boosts security 🔒, and gives new life to a device you’ve probably forgotten about.
And the best part? You don’t need any technical skills — just a few taps, and your home is that much more secure.
So next time you upgrade to a new phone, don’t sell or toss the old one — turn it into a free home security camera instead.
