Use Old iPhone as a Security Camera

Part 1. Let iPhone as a security camera or monitor

You need a place to mount your old iPhone, power supply, internet and application to run it. To turn your old iPhone into a webcam, you may also need to update the version of your phone which can support the security camera application. There are several applications for this purpose – Free or Paid. You just need a right application to run it, and it's much easier than you may think. Before investing in paid applications, you can have a free trial of the applications, and this is the best way to get a fair idea of what a security camera might do for you.

There is no reason to mount your iPhone if you already have an IP Camera or security camera. There are many applications available which facilitate you to connect your iPhone to a wireless camera and using your iPhone as a monitor.

Some of the applications are:

• iCam Viewer app by Appburst: It is a free application for IP Cameras and CCTV cameras. You need to have access to the camera's software system.
• IP Cam Viewer Pro by NibblesnBits: It is a paid application, costs $4. You can control and record your IP Camera or webcam remotely with this application

Part 2. How to use iPhone as a security camera?

To use your iPhone as a security camera, you need a right application. Every time there are new applications introduced in the market, so you can take a look on new and existing applications before purchasing one. There are so many applications that can solve this purpose. Application reviews can help you to make the decision on existing applications.

Search the App Store for available security camera applications. Plenty of surveillance camera apps are available on iStore. Those available from the manufacturer are usually free. If there are no applications by manufacturer, look at the third-party apps. These, however, are not always free.

Read the application details to find its suitability to your camera model or iPhone model. Read the description carefully and download the supported model. Follow the instructions and connect. You should expect to enter a unique username and password to access the applications.

Applications like AtHome Video Streamer and Presence received favourable reviews from the users. These applications can be used to send live feeds to your computer or iPhone, and also used as a motion detector. Whenever the application detects movement, you receive a push notification via email or message on your iPhone.

Part 3. Applications to run security camera on iPhone

*1: Presence

Presence is a free app for Apple devices to run security camera on iPhone or iPad. It helps you to keep a watch on your important things at your office or home from anywhere. If you are gone and there is a motion, it will alert you within seconds.

Pros:

• Fast
• Easy to understand
• Free to use

Two easy and quick steps:

Step 1 Simply install the application on your old device, and it will acts as your remote webcam via Wi-Fi.

Step 2 Now, install the same application to your new iPhone using the same email and password as your monitor.

Success! You can now monitor everything you want from anywhere in the world. It is a versatile application. You can use it for the security purposes, as a baby monitor, or as a fun. It is a free way to keep a constant check on the activities at your office or home when you are away.

*2: At Home Video Streamer

AtHome Video Streamer is a free application from Apple, designed for remote monitoring. With this application, you can watch live video via 3G/4G or Wi-Fi from anywhere. It facilitates motion detection, with the help of which you will always get a push notification to inform you whenever there is a motion. It facilitates pre-scheduled recording as well, in which you can specify time intervals twice each day to start or stop video recordings automatically. In this application, there is a computer hibernation facility as well. It is specially designed to supports multiple platforms. You can run it on your computer systems either windows or Mac and all iOS devices (iPhone/iPod/iPad)

Pros:

• User-friendly
• Versatile application with many added advantages
• Secure and private (Fully encrypted)

Step 1 Download AtHome Video Streamer.

Step 2 Open the app.

Step 3 Tap the Start Now icon after scrolling past the introduction screens.

Step 4 Tap the Menu icon at the top left of the screen.

Step 5 Define your own username and password, then tap Save.

For the first time of launching AtHome Video Streamer, a unique Connection ID (also called CID) will be assigned to you. Now, Start AtHome Camera app on your iPhone/iPod/iPad, type assigned CID, the username and password, you are ready to connect and view your live feed.

Some other free iPhone applications that can be used as security camera are:

• Mobile Cam Viewer
• Y-Cam
• Viewtron

Part 4. Important issues before using iPhone as a security camera

Mounting an old iPhone can sometimes trouble you as mounts designed specifically to use iPhone as security camera are rare to find. You can use mounting kits designed to hold an iPhone in a car. You can use them easily on the shelf, wall or any other place. Before mounting your camera, make sure you turn off all the sounds from your iPhone. It can disturb with unnecessary ringing and beeping. Along with turning down the volume, "Do Not Disturb" option can be used to mute all alerts and rings from your iPhone. Remember to re-active the iPhone's Wi-Fi so if you put your iPhone into airplane mode.

Once your iPhone is mounted, select the right location that gives you an adequate view from your iPhone. Continuously streaming video drains the battery. It is recommended to choose a location near to a power outlet that can be used to plug in the iPhone