Summary
I had an old Samsung phone gathering dust in my drawer—so I decided to repurpose it as a DIY security camera instead of buying expensive CCTV gear.
The best part? It cost me $0 and took under 10 minutes to set up. Here’s how I did it (and whether it’s worth trying).
What You Need
Old smartphone (Android or iPhone)
Current smartphone (for monitoring)
Free app: Alfred Security Camera (Google Play / App Store)
Optional: Power bank or charger for 24/7 use
Step-by-Step Setup (Took Me 5 Minutes)
1. Install Alfred on BOTH Phones
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Download Alfred Security Camera on old phone (camera) and current phone (viewer).
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Sign in with the same Google account on both devices.
2. Pair the Devices
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On the viewer phone, select “Mobile Device” (not AlfredCam).
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Choose QR code pairing (easier than manual login).
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Scan the QR code with the camera phone.
3. Optimize Camera Settings
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Use the rear camera (better quality than front).
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Enable motion detection alerts (free feature).
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Turn on power-saving mode (keeps screen off).
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Optional: Activate microphone for audio recording.
My Real-World Test: Pros & Cons
What Worked Great
Free & easy setup – No wiring, no subscriptions.
Instant alerts – Push notifications for movement.
Remote viewing – Check live feed from anywhere.
Web viewer – Monitor on PC via Alfred’s site.
Bonus features – Flashlight, siren, low-light mode.
Challenges I Faced
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Battery drain – Needs constant charging for 24/7 use.
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Positioning struggles – Hard to hide cables neatly.
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No cloud recording – Free version only shows live feed (playback requires premium).
Tips for Better Performance
Use a long charger cable (10ft+) for flexible placement.
Prop phone horizontally for wider viewing angle.
Hide the phone behind books or decor (discreet).
Test motion zones to avoid false alarms (like pets).
Free vs. Premium: Is It Worth Upgrading?
| Feature | Free Version | Premium ($5/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Live View | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Motion Alerts | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cloud Recording | ❌ No | ✅ 14-day storage |
| AI Person Detection | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| HD Video | ❌ 480p | ✅ 1080p |
Verdict: Free version works for basic monitoring, but upgrade if you need recordings.
Should You Try This?
Perfect For:
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Temporary surveillance (travel, babysitter checks).
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Pet monitoring (see what your dog does all day).
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Budget security (no upfront costs).
Not Ideal For:
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24/7 professional security (battery/recording limits).
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High-risk areas (no advanced AI detection).
Final Verdict
This $0 DIY security cam won’t replace a Ring or Arlo system, but it’s shockingly good for free.
If you’ve got an old phone lying around, give it a shot—you’ve got nothing to lose!