I turned my old phone into a phone CCTV camera for free. Here’s my full setup guide, apps I used, and how you can secure your space in just 15 minutes.
Why I Decided to Use a Phone CCTV Camera
I had an old smartphone sitting in a drawer, still working but unused. Instead of selling it or letting it collect dust, I thought, “Can I turn this into a security camera?”
After a little research and trial and error, I got it working. What surprised me most? It worked better than some budget CCTV cameras I had seen in shops.
Here’s everything I used, what worked, and how you can do it too — even if you’re not tech-savvy.
What You’ll Need for Your Phone CCTV Camera Setup
You really don’t need much. If you have these things already, you’re good to go:
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Old smartphone | Acts as your CCTV camera |
| Wi-Fi connection | Needed to stream video |
| Free CCTV camera app | To control and view the footage |
| Phone stand or holder | Keeps the phone stable |
| Power supply | Keeps the phone running 24/7 |
💡 Tip: Even a power bank works if your plug point is far from where you want to place the phone.
Which App I Used to Set Up My Phone CCTV Camera
After testing a few options, I chose Alfred Camera — it’s free, simple, and doesn’t require any fancy setup.
Why I Recommend Alfred:
- Easy to connect both phones using Gmail
- Real-time live streaming from anywhere
- Motion detection and alerts (even in the free version)
- Works on both Android and iPhone
I also tried IP Webcam and Manything, but Alfred gave me the best overall experience for a phone CCTV camera.
Step-by-Step: How I Set Up My Phone CCTV Camera
Here’s exactly how I got it working — no tech background needed.
1. Install the App on Both Phones
I installed Alfred Camera on my old phone (the camera) and my current phone (the viewer).
2. Sign in with the Same Gmail ID
This links both devices. Super easy — no QR codes or IP addresses.
3. Choose Camera & Viewer Roles
I set the old phone as the Camera and my personal phone as the Viewer.
4. Mount the Camera Phone
I placed the phone near my door using a basic phone stand. Even a stack of books works.
5. Keep It Plugged In
Don’t forget this! A phone CCTV camera needs constant power to work 24/7.
That’s it — I was able to view live footage from anywhere using Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Can I Watch My Phone CCTV Camera Remotely?
Yes, and that’s what makes it powerful. You don’t need to be on the same network.
Whether I’m at college, in a café, or even on the train, I can:
- Open the Alfred app
- Tap on “Camera”
- Watch what’s happening live
It even lets me speak through the phone if I need to — like a walkie-talkie.
Tips That Made My Setup Work Better
Here are a few practical tips I learned by using the setup daily:
- Turn off background apps on the old phone
- Use airplane mode + Wi-Fi to save power
- Keep a dim light on at night for visibility (no night vision in most phones)
- Enable motion alerts in the app settings
- Use Do Not Disturb mode to avoid notifications interrupting the feed
How This Setup Helped My Friend Too
One of my friends in the hostel had an issue — his snacks were going missing. We decided to try this same phone CCTV camera trick using his old Redmi phone.
Within two days, he had his answer — someone from the next room was sneaking in.
Not only did this DIY setup give him peace of mind, but it also saved him thousands of rupees he would’ve spent on a full CCTV system.
What Are the Limitations of a Phone CCTV Camera?
It’s not perfect — here’s a balanced look:
| Feature | Phone CCTV Camera | Traditional CCTV |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (if you have a phone) | ₹3,000+ |
| Setup time | 15–20 mins | Needs installation |
| Storage | Cloud or SD card | DVR system |
| Night vision | Limited (light needed) | Built-in IR |
| Portability | Easy to move | Fixed position |
Still, for basic surveillance — it’s more than enough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use an iPhone as a CCTV camera?
Yes! Most apps like Alfred and AtHome support iOS as well as Android. Just install the app and follow the same steps.
Do I need the internet to use a phone CCTV camera?
Yes, especially for live remote viewing. However, some apps allow local storage when internet is unavailable.
Can I record the footage?
Yes. Many apps offer motion-triggered recording to the cloud or SD card. In Alfred’s free version, you get short clips on motion detection.
Is it safe to use an app for surveillance?
As long as you’re using trusted apps and secured Google accounts, it’s reasonably safe. Avoid sketchy apps or sideloading.
Will the phone overheat or get damaged?
Not if you take precautions. Keep the screen dim, apps closed, and use proper ventilation.
Summary: Should You Try the Phone CCTV Camera Method?
If you:
- Have an old phone
- Want a free or temporary CCTV setup
- Don’t want wires, installations, or monthly bills
Then absolutely yes — this works. I’ve used it for my room, helped a friend for his hostel, and I even plan to set it up in my kitchen next.
Sometimes the best tech tricks are the simplest. And this one didn’t even cost me a rupee.
Bonus Tip
Want to save more money while staying secure? Check out my list of 5 free AI tools for budgeting like a pro—I personally use them!
