Thanks to genius developers…
There are now hundreds of apps you can use to turn old phones into security cameras.
But I know having too many choices can be overwhelming.
So I’ve compiled the top-rated free apps for you to choose from.
That being said…
Continue reading to find out:
- Which apps allow you to communicate between your devices.
- What’s the most popular security camera app that works offline.
- The 13 best apps you can use to turn your old phone into a CCTV camera.
- And a lot more…
13 best free apps to turn old phone into security camera
#1: Haven
Available on Android and iOS devices.
If you’re looking for a security camera that can detect vibrations on top of motions…
Then Haven is the app for you.
It utilizes all your phone sensors to give you the best security possible.
But although it receives data input from:
- Lights.
- Sounds.
- Vibrations.
The app will only store videos that detect sudden or unusual movements.
So it won’t take up too much of your storage…
As it won’t record when there aren’t any detected motions.
And this is an incredibly helpful feature….
Especially for phones that don’t have expandable storage.
As your camera won’t record 24/7. And will only record when it’s necessary.
Complaints
Several users have complained that the motion sensitivity of the app is hard to work with.
It takes a bit longer to find the perfect sensitivity balance…
That can make the app capture motions reliably.
You might also want to know: What Is the Difference Between a Smartphone and an Android?
#2: Manything
Available on both Android and iOS.
The name of the app stands for “Monitor Anything.”
So you can monitor whoever or whatever you need…
May it be your home, your pets, or your children.
Manything aims to be the simplest security camera app you can use.
And this goal is certainly noticeable.
Because inside the application, all you need to do is tap the “Viewer” button…
And you’ll be able to watch your camera in real-time.
Here are 3 more helpful features of Manything:
- Stills-only mode.
- Auto-record function.
- Adjustable motion sensitivity.
And on top of these…
Users also have the chance to upgrade their plan so they can:
- Use more devices.
- Access more cloud storage.
- Watch past video recordings.
But of course, no app is ever perfect, so here are some…
Complaints
Users often complain about having too many restrictions on the app’s free version like:
- Only being able to use 1 camera.
- Not being able to view half of your recorded clips.
The subscription plans have also been labeled too costly by some.
Here’s a table that represents their prices:
| Cameras you can use | Days of cloud recording | Price |
| 1 | 2 | $3.99 |
| 1 | 30 | $7.99 |
| 2 | 2 | $6.99 |
| 2 | 30 | $12.99 |
| 5 | 2 | $12.99 |
| 5 | 30 | $25.99 |
#3: Alfred Home Security
Sometimes I wonder if this app is really free.
Because not only does it let you record in HD…
It also allows you to use your camera in real-time.
So, it can work as both a front-door camera and a baby monitor…
Without you needing to spend a dime.
But like the previous app…
Alfred Home Security also allows its users to sign up for premium plans.
Which will allow them to have the benefits of:
- Zooming in.
- Recording longer videos.
- Using the app without ads.
Complaints
Some users voiced out that the app isn’t as user-friendly as they thought.
There aren’t any user manuals in the app itself.
And the instructions are written on the developers’ website instead.
#4: Baby Cam
Available on Android.
As the name suggests…
This app was specifically made to monitor babies and children safely.
To use it, you need 2 working mobile devices.
1 is for recording, and the other 1 is for monitoring.
Just like how it also works with other applications, right?
But this is where my favorite part about this app comes in.
The feature that stands out in Baby Cam is that…
Recorded files are downloaded on the monitoring device and not on the recording unit.
This is a very beneficial feature, but you’ll rarely find it in other applications.
Some apps save the videos directly on the device that records.
Which can be inconvenient at times.
As these phones are usually attached securely to cribs or other nearby platforms.
So they can record better.
It’s also worth noting that the developers of Baby Cam are actively responding to app reviews.
And responsiveness is a good sign that the app will only get better updates moving forward.
“Are there any downsides to Baby Cam?”
Although few, here are some…
Complaints
This app only works if both the monitoring device and the camera are connected to the same network.
So if you’re looking for an app that you can use to monitor your child from a long distance…
Unfortunately, Baby Cam isn’t the 1 for you.
#5: Presence
Available on both Android and iOS devices.
Similar to its name, this app also has a powerful presence.
The app lets you:
- Alert.
- Share.
- Monitor.
Any recorded movements in or outside your home while you’re away.
Also, unique from other apps…
Presence allows you to control external devices like:
- Lights.
- Smart plugs.
- Robotic stands.
That you can use to better protect and monitor your home.
They also offer subscription plans.
And for $4.99 a month, or $49.99 annually, you can also get extra features like:
- Clearer video streams.
- Encrypted cloud storage.
- Faster and longer recordings.
But like every other app, Presence also has weaknesses.
Complaints
Some users complained that the app is prone to crashing frequently.
And some also testified that it doesn’t work for older devices like:
- iPhone 5.
- Samsung S7.
- Samsung S9.
When the app is supposed to be a way to better repurpose old tablets and phones.
Interested in knowing more about Presence? Watch this video:
#6: Athome
Available on iOS and Android devices.
If you’re trying to find an all-around security camera app that can even record at night…
Then Athome is your go-to application.
And get this:
You can capture any movements in your protected space… Even when it’s dark. Thanks to the app’s night vision camera functions.
Moreover, this app also lets you schedule which specific times you want to record.
And this is helpful as you won’t need to spend too much storage recording 24/7.
Here are other helpful features of the Athome app:
- Multi-view display.
- Two-way communication.
- Recording time-lapse videos.
But although it’s very dependable, as expected, this app also has weaknesses.
Complaints
Some reviews stated that the audio of the recorded videos is sometimes distorted.
And that the app lags occasionally.
#7: Warden Cam
Available on Android and iOS devices.
Like a strict prison warden…
This app will not let anything slip past your cameras.
Because Warden Cam works regardless of where you are…
Or what time of the day it is, thanks to its night-vision feature.
This is an all-in-one app that can act as your:
So can you believe that all you need is an active Google account…
To be able to use this app for free?
Complaints
Warden Cam is known to “hog” Internet from other devices…
Or in other words, the Wifi network slows down every time this app is used.
#8: Cawice
Only available on Android devices.
If you’re searching for a home security app that multiple people can use at the same time…
Then Cawice is the 1 for you.
It allows different users to access the same security app and cameras.
Much like how you can, in actual CCTVs.
Along with that feature, Cawice also offers users:
- Two-way talking.
- Live video streaming.
- Automatic alarm system.
Fancy terms, I know.
But really, the app isn’t as technical as it sounds.
It’s very user-friendly. So even if you’re not tech-savvy…
You’ll have no problems setting up your phone camera with Cawice.
Complaints
The free version has frequent ads that sometimes last longer than 30 sec.
And in some instances, the app will crash after they play.
You might also be interested in: 3 Easy Ways To Install 3rd Party Apps On iPhone
#9: IP Phone Camera
Available on Android.
The unique feature of the IP Phone Camera is that…
You don’t need to download the app on another mobile device to monitor your camera.
All you need to do is go to the personalized URL link given to you…
Whenever you want to view your security videos.
On top of that…
Other beneficial features of this app are:
- It’s password-protected.
- The flashlight can be turned ON or OFF remotely.
- You can choose between the rear and front camera.
Complaints
Users can only monitor the camera in portrait mode, not in landscape.
And there are also complaints that their URL link sometimes takes too long to load.
#10: SeeCiTV
Available on Android.
If you have a spare Android phone and Gmail ready…
Then you’re already halfway through using the SeeCiTV app.
Although free, this app:
- Records HD live videos.
- Has a low battery consumption.
- Allows users to turn their cameras ON/OFF remotely.
And if you’re wondering what its cons are, here are some…
Complaints
Users have complained that the ads in this app take over the whole screen.
And some also report that they can’t record for long periods.
#11: Baby Monitor Nancy: Nanny Cam
Available on iOS devices.
For parents who want their young ones to always be safe…
Nanny cam is a free app that can help you.
The pros of this app are:
- It’s simple to set up.
- Your data and videos are fully encrypted.
- It notifies you when your baby moves or cries.
“How about the cons?”
Complaints
The app sometimes disconnects when the talking feature is used.
#12: Security Camera CZ
Available on Android.
If you want a home camera app that you can use with your family members…
Security Camera CZ is the choice for you.
Not only can you use it with other people, but it allows you to:
- Use night vision.
- Exclude motion detection in certain areas.
- Automatically turn OFF the camera when you’re nearby.
Security Camera CZ is also regularly updated.
So you’ll constantly have better versions of the app if you choose to install it.
Complaints
Users have complained about getting stuck during the sign-in phase of the process.
Also, the app doesn’t record movements as videos.
Rather, motions are recorded as stills or high-quality images.
#13: Mobile Security Camera (FTP)
Available on Android devices.
If you want an easy-to-setup app, the Mobile Security Camera is your guy.
The interface of this application is 1 of the simplest.
So anybody can use this with ease.
This app also allows you to add more than 1 camera…
Which is helpful if you need to cover multiple locations or areas.
But of course, there are also downsides to this app.
Complaints
Users have complained that the app crashes frequently.
And there are also instances when premium payments take longer to go through.
People also ask:
Can I use my old phone as a security camera without the Internet?
You can use your old phone as a security camera without the Internet. All you need to do is install the IP Webcam app. Then, install a VLC player on your viewing device. With these 2, even if you don’t have an Internet connection, you’ll still be able to use your phone as a security camera.
Further reading: 11 Steps To Use Mobile As CCTV Camera Without Internet
Is there a security camera app that works without WiFi?
There’s a security camera app that works without Wifi. It’s the IP Webcam app. There are also other apps available on App Store or Google Play. But this app is the most popular 1, having over 10M downloads.
Can you use an old Android phone as a security camera?
You can use an old Android phone as a security camera. There are tons of apps that you can use to do so. And if you’re wondering which 1 you should download, you can choose from the best 13 free apps listed above.