Modern smartphones can do a lot. Long gone are the days when we just used them to make phone calls or send text messages. You are now able to play mobile games, watch videos, stream your day on social media and connect with people all over the world. But there’s even more. Your phone could act as a security camera as well. Here is a short guide for using your iPhone as security camera.
What do you need?
By following few easy to follow steps, you can start using your iPhone as Security Camera. You don’t need much for this plan to work. For the trick to work, you just need a spare iOS device, such as an iPhone. So if you are looking for upgrading your phone to the latest model, you can still put your old iPhone to a good use.
Another additional equipment to have is some kind of tripod for holding the phone upright. You don’t need to worry about the costs here. You can find plenty of cheap options from retailers like Target and Amazon. If you want to cut down the costs further, find special vouchers at HotUKSavings for these retailers.
You will be using the spare iPhone as the monitoring device – the camera will be pointed at the location you want to keep an eye on. It could be the front door or even things like your pets’ room.
You’ll also need to use your current iPhone as the device on which you view the video. So while your old phone will be recording the video, you will be able to monitor what’s happening from your old phone. An iPhone manager assists you on better management for iPhone contents.
Other than that, you only need a working Internet connection and an application for monitoring. There are plenty of free iPhone applications out there for this. Consider, for example, the Manything application, which offers a basic free plan together with subscription options
Setting up the system
So, how to set up the system? Once you have an app downloaded on both devices, it will help you set up the security monitoring. Apps tend to have an option for using the phone as the viewer and the camera, so remember to select the right option.
You essentially just need to follow the instructions and place the monitoring phone into a convenient location. Ensure the view is not obstructed and if you have kids or pets, you want to ensure they can’t get hold of the camera phone.
Since the phone will use the camera and the Internet on a constant basis, you want to consider plugging it to a charger – this ensures you don’t suddenly just run out of battery. If you don’t want to plug it in, check the charge at least once a day – depending on your iPhone, it’s unlikely to last much more than 24h without the need to charge it.
Make sure you press the recording button on the app and check the other iPhone to ensure everything is working as intended. Remember that due to the connection, the feed will have a slight delay.
Utilizing alarms
Now, most of the security camera apps out there will also come with an alarm system. These work by notifying your viewer iPhone when they detect activity on the monitor. The motion alert system will alert you to the issue and then you can watch what the system detected to see if there’s a real problem if it was just a false alarm.
The thing to remember about this is that while the actual monitoring apps tend to be free, the monitoring alerts are after behind a pay wall. Most apps do offer trial periods on paid services and you can find voucher codes to cut down the cost. If you have plenty of valuables or you want to keep an eye on your pets, these might definitely be worth it. However, it might also be enough to just be able to check your camera feed every once in a while to make sure everything is OK.
If you return home, it can be a good idea to turn the monitoring device off. Not only will it stop the system from sending you constant alerts, it will also ensure you save the batteries on your camera phone.
Selecting the right software
As mentioned, the App Store is full of great apps that can help you to use your iPhone as a security camera with ease. You can select either a paid or free app based on your needs.  You also need to think whether you are using the camera phone to monitor someone within the room (such as a pet or a child) or if you are looking for a classic security system. Some apps to keep in mind include the Manything app, At Home Video Streamer and Presence.
Now, you just need to pick an app and follow the above instruction to start using your old iPhone as security camera. You’ll add extra security to your home and make good use of your old gear.