Whether you work in an office, from home, or from anywhere with an internet connection, protecting your laptop and other equipment is a must. You do not need an expensive security system, though. If you have held onto an old mobile phone or tablet after upgrading, you have everything you need to keep an eye on your office.
Old Mobile Phones Make Great Security Cameras
Today, many people buy dedicated motion-activated cameras to protect their homes, workplaces, or belongings. But an often-overlooked fact is that most of us already have a few good cameras languishing in a rubbish cupboard – old, outdated mobile phones.
Reusing mobile phones for security is beneficial in at least three ways.
1. It Saves You Money
If you buy into a security monitoring system, you’ll be shelling out pounds first for the cameras themselves and later for monthly service fees. By using your old mobile phones, you can avoid both of these.
For starters, you already have the phones or tablets in your possession. Sure, you paid for them at some point, but they’re free for reuse. Second, many of the applications that turn your mobile phone into a monitoring camera have a free version (with paid options for additional features).
2. It Keeps Tech Waste Out of the Landfill
Sanitary landfills are massive enough without adding our old tech rubbish to the mix. Reusing your old devices will keep them out of the rubbish heap, at least for a little while longer.
It should be noted that this is also beneficial for the environment in that you are not using up the small amount of resources needed to produce a new camera.
3. It’s Easy
You won’t need to list IT training on your CV to have the skills needed to set up your camera. It is as easy as downloading an app and turning it on.
Speaking of CVs, check out these online CV examples.
How to Set Up a Mobile Phone as a Security Camera
Here’s the fun part, where we discuss tech how-to’s and tricks.
Locate Your Equipment
You’ll need a phone or tablet with a camera, a charger, an electrical outlet, and internet access. Depending on where you want to put it, you may also need wire, Sellotape, or something else to keep it in place.
Download the App
Locate a security camera app in your phone’s play store and download it to both phones. There are many competitors out there, and what is available to you will depend on whether you have an Apple or Android device. Also, read about any charges or fees specific to the app you choose.
After trying out several, we decided to name the Alfred Camera Home Security App the Best in Show. Versions are available for both iPhone and Android. The basic usage is free, with paid upgrades available.
Turn It On
Open the app on the device that will be used as a camera. Tap “Power Saving Mode” to shut down the screen. It will need to be plugged into an electrical outlet and have Wi-Fi access in order to operate.
Place Your Camera
Place your camera where it has a clear view of the area you want to monitor. Open the app on your viewing device (the mobile phone you currently use) to see what the video feed looks like.
Bonus – many phones are now waterproof or water resistant. This means your makeshift camera can be used outdoors as well.
Reasons to Use Your Mobile Phone as a Camera
Why do you need video surveillance? Here are a few reasons.
Home or Office Security
Thousands of people and businesses around the country already have doorbells or other security cameras to avert the risk of crime.
Package Alerts
When you are working hard in your home office, you might not hear the knock at the door indicating your package (or lunch delivery) has arrived. When you use a security camera app with motion detection alerts, your phone will ping when someone is at your door.
Hotel Room Security
If you are working from home, perhaps you’ve decided to take a work from anywhere holiday. You leave your laptop in your hotel room or rental while you go out for dinner or drinks. You can set up a mobile phone to monitor movement and alert you if anyone enters the room, protecting your equipment.
Checking on Pets
Pets became accustomed to having us at home while working remotely. Even if you have returned to the office, you can check in on your pup or moggy using the camera of your old mobile phone. You can also talk to them through the phone’s speakers.
More Things to Do With Old Electronic Devices
Wired magazine has many more suggestions for repurposing your old devices, including using them as webcams, remotes, and digital photo frames.