Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
You can turn a spare iPhone or Android phone into a basic home-monitoring camera by installing a camera app on it and using a second supported device to view the feed. With AlfredCamera, set one phone as the camera and the other as the viewer, sign in and pair them, then test the live view and Wi-Fi where you plan to place the camera before mounting it.
What you need before you start
- A spare phone that can connect to Wi-Fi and still has the camera app available in its app store.
- A second supported phone or tablet to act as the viewer.
- A suitable place for the camera phone, with a reliable Wi-Fi connection and, if needed, access to an outlet.
For AlfredCamera, the vendor lists Android 5.0 or later, or iOS 12 or later, for a camera device. The viewer minimums are Android 7.0 or later, or iOS 15 or later. These are the app’s stated operating-system requirements, not a promise that every older handset will perform well. Check availability in the device’s app store and test the actual phone before relying on it. AlfredCamera’s compatibility requirements
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Set up the old phone as a camera
- Check the phone and install the app. Confirm it connects to Wi-Fi and can install the camera app. Install AlfredCamera on both the spare phone and the phone or tablet you will use to view it.
- Sign in on both devices. AlfredCamera’s setup instructions list Google, Apple or email sign-in.
- Assign the device roles and pair them. Choose the spare phone as the camera and the other device as the viewer. Follow the in-app pairing flow; AlfredCamera documents signing in to the same account or pairing with a QR code. AlfredCamera setup instructions
- Check the live feed before mounting. Open the viewer and confirm the image appears. Test from the exact spot where the camera phone will sit so you can check Wi-Fi strength and framing before fixing it in place. AlfredCamera placement guidance
- Configure detection and alerts. Turn on motion detection or alerts if you need them, and review the app’s detection-zone and schedule controls. Available controls can vary by app version and device, so verify the settings on both phones.
Choose a useful and practical location
Place the phone where it can see the area you want to monitor without blocking its camera lens. Check the live view for glare, blind spots and a stable angle. The Wi-Fi connection should work reliably from that location, especially if you expect to view the feed when away from home; AlfredCamera describes remote viewing as an internet-connected use case. Its placement advice also calls out Wi-Fi strength and proximity to an outlet.
If the phone needs to stay plugged in, make sure the cable reaches without creating a trip hazard or pulling the device out of position. An adjustable phone mount and a compatible charging cable can help, depending on the phone and room. Test the setup before mounting the phone permanently.
#1 Best Overall
- ENDLESS POWER FROM SOLAR ENERGY: Just 45 minutes of direct sunlight powers the camera for a full day of use, while the built-in battery lasts up to 180 days on a single charge during cloudy days. Solar charging requires temperatures above 32°F.△
- EASY WIRE-FREE INSTALLATION: Place the Tapo SolarCam C402 KIT where you need it without relying on nearby outlets. Install the camera and solar panel together or separately using the included 13 ft cable for flexible placement.
- PRIORITIZE WHAT MATTERS: Set activity zones to monitor specific areas for motion or people. Free person and motion detection helps reduce unwanted alerts and notifies you when activity is detected.
- VERSATILE VIDEO STORAGE: Store footage locally via a microSD card (up to 512GB)* or via cloud with a Tapo Care cloud subscription. Tailor your security to suit your needs, whether indoor or outdoor, you have the storage option you need.
- FULL-COLOR 1080P, DAY AND NIGHT: See clearly in low light with a large-aperture lens and built-in spotlights. Capture full-color night vision up to 30 ft away to monitor for possible intruders or motion.
Storage, power and safety limits
Storage
AlfredCamera recommends at least 400 MB of internal storage on mobile camera devices for optimal performance when Activity Detection and Continuous Recording are enabled. That recommendation is specific to the vendor’s stated use case; it should not be treated as a universal storage requirement for every recording mode or camera app. AlfredCamera’s device requirements
Continuous charging
The available guidance does not establish a universal safe charging duration, battery-health threshold or temperature limit for an old phone. Inspect the handset for damage or a swollen battery, follow its manufacturer’s charging guidance, and stop using it if it behaves abnormally. Do not assume an aging phone is safe to leave charging unattended indefinitely.
Rank #2
- 【2K High Definition】Capture every detail inside your home with crystal-clear 2K high definition video with this indoor security camera. Easily see what your baby is holding or what your pet is playing with. Connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Band
- 【Up, Down, All Around】This Pan/Tilt IP camera see everything across an entire room or walkway with the 360° horizontal and 114° vertical range pan/tilt field of view.
- 【Secure Local or Cloud Storage】Save footage continuously on up to a 512 GB microSD card (not included) or subscribe to Tapo Care for cloud storage which saves 30-day video history and provides additional benefits such as motion tracking, baby crying detection, and more. [Before purchasing a microSD card, please check the TP-Link website FAQ to ensure compatibility with your device.]
- 【Detection & Instant Notification】Get instant push notifications when motion, person or baby crying is detected, there is no additional fee to use it as a baby camera monitor. Discern from notifications that matter, so you'll know if its your pet playing around or if someone is actually there.
- 【Works w/ Alexa & Google Assistant】Fully compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, use your simple voice command to view Tapo indoor security camera live stream on Echo Show or Google Chrome Cast with a screen. Easily get your home security footage up on a larger TV display.
What an old-phone camera can and cannot do
A phone-camera app can provide a convenient DIY live monitor, motion alerts and remote viewing, depending on the app’s current features, settings and network connection. It is not automatically equivalent to a dedicated security system. Before relying on it, check the app’s current account requirements, privacy information, recording settings and retention terms; storage, pricing and retention can vary, and the cited AlfredCamera pages do not establish one set of terms for all accounts and regions.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsAlfredCamera also says it does not support third-party IP cameras or security systems. If you need a camera that integrates with other security equipment, confirm compatibility with the relevant provider rather than assuming the phone app will connect to it. AlfredCamera’s third-party camera support information
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Stunning 4K UHD & 8x Zoom】 Capture tiny details and record 4K ultra-clear videos day & night with the Anona 4K indoor camera, say goodbye to 2K or 3K. The professional-grade lens and 8X zoom bring distant details into sharp focus, so you never miss some wonderful moments.
- 【AI Person/Pet/Crying Detection 】Thanks to the AI algorithms, Anona pet/baby camera is able to detect pets, person, and baby crying. And you will receive a notification from the phone app immediately. Keep track of your loved ones even when you are busy.
- 【Ultra-Smooth 360° Pan & 110°x Tilt】Just pan the camera in 360° or tilt it in 110° to see all around.One indoor security camera covers every angle. The auto-tracking feature will detect a moving object, follow it, and record it.
- 【Faster Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 】Anona wifi cameras adopts the latest Wi-Fi 6 for data transmission - much faster and more smooth & stable than Wi-Fi 4. Dual-band Wi-Fi enables you to switch between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi for the best signal.
- 【Safer Local or Cloud Storage 】Opt to Anona Cloud to save videos on our cloud storage encrypted by AES-128, a highly secure and efficient encryption algorithm. If you prefer local recordings, just insert an up to 512 GB microSD card (not included) to the indoor cameras for home. 2 storage choices - you decide.
Rank #4
- 【Motion Detection & Instant Notification】Get instant push notifications when motion, person or baby crying is detected, there is no additional fee to use it as a baby camera monitor. Discern from notifications that matter, so you'll know if its your pet playing around or if someone is actually there. Connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Band
- 【2-Way Audio w/ Built In Siren】Never truly leave home with the built-in 2-way audio. Use as a pet camera with phone app to comfort your pet from anywhere in the world. Keep your family safe with cameras for home security indoor by warding off intruders.
- 【Night Vision up to 40 Ft.】Never miss a thing that goes on, even at night thanks to the integrated IR system on this indoor camera which provides 40 feet of night vision.
- 【1080P FHD】Capture every detail inside your home with crystal-clear 1080P high definition video with this indoor security camera. Keep your camera performing at its best by keeping the firmware updated through the Tapo App.
- 【No Subscription Storage Option】Store recordings on a microSD card at no cost (up to 512GB, sold separately) or subscribe to Tapo Care's cloud storage.
Rank #3
- 【Up, Down, All Around】This Pan/Tilt IP camera see everything across an entire room or walkway with the 360° horizontal and 114° vertical range pan/tilt field of view.
- 【Detection & Instant Notification】Get instant push notifications when motion, person or baby crying is detected, there is no additional fee to use it as a baby camera monitor. Discern from notifications that matter, so you'll know if someone is there.
- 【Secure Local or Cloud Storage】Save footage continuously on up to a 512 GB microSD card (not included) or subscribe to Tapo Care for cloud storage which saves 30-day video history and provides additional benefits such as motion tracking, baby crying detection, and more. [Before purchasing a microSD card, please check the TP-Link website FAQ to ensure compatibility with your device.]
- 【Night Vision up to 30 Ft.】Never miss a thing that goes on, even at night thanks to the integrated IR system on this indoor camera which provides 30 feet of night vision.
- 【1080P Full HD】Capture every detail inside your home with crystal-clear 1080P Full HD video with this indoor security camera. Easily see what your baby is holding or what your pet is playing with. Connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Band
If setup or viewing does not work
- The app will not install: Check the phone’s operating-system version and app-store availability. Camera and viewer devices have different minimum OS requirements.
- The viewer cannot see the camera: Confirm both devices are signed in and paired using the app’s flow, then reopen the live view.
- The feed is unreliable at the planned location: Test Wi-Fi there and move the phone to a spot with a stronger connection before mounting.
- Motion alerts are missing or too frequent: Review detection settings, zones and schedules in the app and check that the feature is enabled on the camera device.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
