Turn your old smartphone into a powerful home security camera with the best free apps available for Android and iOS. Whether you’re looking for motion detection, live streaming, cloud storage, or local recording, these top-rated apps like Alfred Home Security, IP Webcam, and Manything offer smart surveillance features
without costing a dime. Ideal for home monitoring, baby watching, or garage security, these apps breathe new life into unused phones. With simple setup, real-time alerts, and two-way audio, you can keep an eye on your home from anywhere. Save money on expensive CCTV systems and repurpose your old device with
secure and reliable functionality. Perfect for those who want a DIY security solution on a budget. Whether you need cloud-based monitoring or offline LAN viewing, these apps cover every need. Discover the best free tools to transform your phone into a home surveillance system today and protect what matters most.
🛡️ 1. Alfred Home Security Camera
📱 Platform: Android and iOS (runs on both)
🔓 What do you get for free?
- Live Streaming: Meaning you can watch your old phone’s camera live from anywhere.
- Motion Detection: If you see someone moving, Alfred will immediately send a notification.
- Walkie-Talkie Audio: You can send a voice from your mobile to that old phone and can also listen to the answer.
- Cloud Storage: The recording is saved in the cloud (online) for some time.
✨ Extra Features (some are not free)
- Unlimited Cameras: You can make more than one phone a camera.
- Remote Zoom: You can zoom the camera from a distance.
- Flashlight Control: You can turn on the camera’s torch from a distance. (Some features are paid)
🌟 User Experience:
- More than 70 million people have used it.
- Setup is very simple – one phone becomes the “Camera” and the other phone becomes the “Viewer”.
2. Manything – Turn Your Old Phone into a Smart Security Camera
Platforms: Android & iOS
Manything (short for “Monitor Anything”) is a powerful app that allows you to transform your unused smartphone into a smart security camera within minutes. It’s ideal for home monitoring, baby watching, or checking in on your pets.
🎁 Free Features:
- Live Feed: Watch real-time video from your old phone’s camera from anywhere.
- Motion-Triggered Recording: It automatically starts recording when motion is detected, saving storage and battery.
- Two-Way Audio: Communicate through the camera using your current phone—great for talking to pets or visitors.
- Clip History: Access previously recorded clips anytime for review.
✨ Extra Features (Available with Paid Plans):
- Custom Detection Zones: Set specific areas on the screen to monitor for motion.
- IFTTT Integration: Automate tasks like turning on lights or sending alerts when motion is detected.
- Cloud Storage: Save recordings to the cloud for secure backup and anytime access.
Manything is perfect for anyone looking for a simple, effective, and affordable way to reuse an old phone as a home surveillance system.
3. IP Webcam – Local Security Camera Using Old Android Phone
Platform: Android only
IP Webcam is a powerful free app that turns your old Android phone into a professional IP camera. It’s perfect for local security setups that don’t need internet access. The app streams video over your Wi‑Fi network, making it ideal for offline use.
🎁 Free Features:
- Video Stream Over LAN/Wi‑Fi: Watch your camera feed locally on any device connected to the same network.
- Motion Detection: The app can detect movement and trigger actions like recording or notifications.
- FTP Upload: Automatically upload recorded footage to your FTP server for remote storage.
- Dropbox Integration: Save motion-triggered videos directly to your Dropbox cloud account.
✨ Extra Benefits:
- No Internet Required: IP Webcam works perfectly without internet — all local, all secure.
- Great for Offline CCTV: Ideal for garages, shops, or areas with limited internet connectivity.
If you’re looking for a local CCTV solution without monthly fees or cloud dependency, IP Webcam is one of the best free choices out there.
4. Haven – Sensor-Based Security App for Android
Platform: Android only
Haven is a free and open-source security app developed by Edward Snowden and the Guardian Project. It’s designed to turn your old Android phone into a powerful sensor-based monitoring device that detects motion, sound, and vibrations in its surroundings.
🎁 Key Features:
- Motion Detection: Detects any movement in the camera’s field of view.
- Sound Alerts: Listens for noises and notifies you if anything unusual is detected.
- Vibration Alerts: Uses the phone’s accelerometer to sense physical movement or tampering.
- Event Logging: Records all detected activity with detailed timestamps and optional photos.
⚠️ Important Note:
- No Live Video Feed: Haven does not stream video like typical security camera apps. It’s focused on capturing sensor-based activity logs for surveillance.
Haven is perfect for monitoring private spaces, luggage, or rooms where live video isn’t necessary but activity tracking is important. It’s lightweight, secure, and privacy-friendly.
5. SeeCiTV – Simple HD Live Camera for Home Monitoring
Platform: Android (iOS variations also available)
SeeCiTV, also known as “Make Your Old Phone a Home Security Camera,” is a free and easy-to-use app that turns your old smartphone into a basic HD home monitoring device. It focuses on live video rather than complex motion tracking, making it ideal for users who want minimal setup and smooth performance.
🎁 Free Features:
- Live HD Video: Stream high-quality live video from your old phone anywhere using your Google account.
- Low Battery Usage: Optimized to run for hours without draining the battery quickly.
- Remote On/Off Toggle: You can remotely start or stop the camera feed from your viewer phone.
- Google Account Integration: Easy and secure setup using your existing Google login.
⚠️ Note:
- No Motion Detection: This app doesn’t support motion alerts or recording triggers. It works best for time-lapse viewing or occasional check-ins.
SeeCiTV is perfect for users looking for a no-frills, live-view-only setup without needing cloud features or complex configurations.
🛠️ Choosing the Right One
| Use-case | Recommended App | Why |
|---|---|---|
| General home monitoring + cloud | Alfred | Most popular, easy setup, unlimited devices |
| Motion alerts + history | Manything | Custom zones and alerts |
| Local-only camera | IP Webcam | Stream offline to LAN or PC |
| Sensor-based detection | Haven | Good for vibration/sound-only alerts |
| Simple live monitoring | SeeCiTV | Minimal setup, no extras needed |
- Reset your old phone to factory settings and update it to the latest software version for best performance.
- Install your chosen security app on the old phone and allow all required permissions (camera, microphone, storage).
- On your current phone, install the same app, log in using the same account, and select the “Viewer” mode to monitor remotely.
- Mount the old phone securely in your desired location (like a shelf or window), and ensure it has continuous power and a stable Wi‑Fi or mobile signal.
- Adjust app settings as needed—such as motion detection, alert types, video resolution, and cloud storage options.
This quick checklist helps ensure smooth setup and 24/7 monitoring without missing important moments.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Always respect privacy laws and get consent before monitoring any space. The apps mentioned are third-party tools, and we do not own or guarantee their functionality. Use them responsibly and at your own risk.
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