Share:
Bring your old phone back from the dead
We’ve all got one (or five): that old smartphone buried in a drawer, sitting there like a digital paperweight. You don’t use it, but you don’t toss it either because maybe someday it’ll come in handy.
Today is the day to let your old phone defend your castle as a security camera.
No new tech, no wallet damage, just pure genius. Or as I like to call it, Homegrown MacGyver’ing. Here’s how to do it in five minutes flat:
🔋 Step 1: Plug it in and resuscitate it
Dust it off, charge it up and make sure it stays plugged in. Whisper sweet nothings to it about how “I’ve missed you.” You don’t want it dying right when your neighbor’s raccoon breaks into your trash again.
If there are any operating system updates available, go ahead and install them. It won’t hurt anything.
📱 Step 2: Give it a brain, or a security cam app
Head to the App Store or Google Play and grab one of these gems:
- AlfredCamera (iPhone + Android) – My top pick. Super simple, live view, motion alerts and even two-way talk. (Yes, you can yell at your dog and the Amazon driver.)
- Manything (iOS) or IP Webcam (Android) – More options if you want something a little geekier.
Super important step: Install the app on both your old and current phones. You’ll use the camera on the old phone as the security cam. On your current phone, it will be the command center for power-mad surveillance enthusiasts (you).
📸 Step 3: Set it up and aim
After the app is installed, open it, log in and choose “camera” on your old phone. Then launch the same app on your current phone and choose “viewer.” It’s that easy.
Now mount the camera wherever it makes sense — pointed at your front door, your garage, your pets or that cookie jar your kids think you can’t see.
Pro tip: Use a cheap tripod (33% off) or suction cup mount to prop it up.
🔐 Step 4: Lock it down
On your old phone, set a screen lock. Add a PIN. Use facial recognition if it has it. Your phone is not clueless.
Give it a name. “Security Steve” never blinks, doesn’t snack and doesn’t gossip.
It’s still a piece of tech, and we don’t need anyone hacking their way into your living room montages.
🎉 Why this is genius
✅ Free as in “zero coins, baby”
✅ Easy for you to do even after having one beer
✅ Your phone’s not useless, it’s a hero now
Who says your old tech has to go to waste?
Reminds me of the time a caller to my show asked, “Do you think technology will totally ever replace paper?” I answered, “I don’t think so. It’d be pretty hard to wipe with a tablet.” If you smiled, you’re my people.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Tags: Amazon, Android, Google, security, tech
Share: