How to turn an old smartphone in the IP-camera for video surveillance

The following programs can transmit images and sound from a smartphone camera to another mobile device or computer. They also know how to save the video in the cloud, so you can review it if necessary. Moreover, these programs can record the movement next to a smartphone and alert the owner by sending notice to the other of its gadgets.

Setting up such an application is reduced to a few simple steps. First, you install one of them on the smartphone and the device that receives the video signal. Then connect both the gadget to the general account and activate your smartphone monitoring regime. After that, at any time you connect to the chamber via the associated smartphone device. And the role of the gadget is very easy to change.

Of course, this method has weaknesses. Smartphone can hover, thereby interrupting signal. Motion sensors are triggered not always correct, and the quality of the signal is strongly dependent on the workload of the servers and wireless networks. And the smartphone itself to keep always connected to the

external battery or outlet. But even these precautions are not redundant. In addition, you can give the old device to a new life.

5 applications that make smartphones from IP-cameras for video surveillance

Programs in this category work in a similar way. The differences come down to the number of supported platforms, costs, additional features. Consider these nuances in detail.

1. Alfred

This application impresses concise interface. No redundant controls and settings - everything is intuitive and simple. Among the additional chips worth noting the possibility of opening access to their camcorder to other users. Alfred does not support a permanent record video, but automatically stores short fragments, which are attended by the movement.

you can disable ads one-off payment if you wish. And as a paid subscription app unlocks enhanced video quality and additional space in the cloud to store records.

Web version of Alfred →

2. TrackView ( «Surveillance and Security")

TrackView notifies the user not only about the movements of the camera, but suspicious sounds. In such cases, recording starts automatically, but you can also include it manually. The application is able to determine the location of the smartphone in case one gets lost.

Create a program video is copied on the «Google Drive", so their storage is not necessary to pay the developers TrackView. But embedded in-app purchases still there: you can order a premium membership to disable advertising and unlock private mode. Last disables access to your camera to your current device through a smartphone left home.

TrackView download for Windows or MacOS →

3. AtHome

This application consists of two parts. First (AtHome Video Streamer) to be installed on the smartphone, which will broadcast the video. Second (AtHome Camera) - any other gadget that will show the broadcast. All other applications in this article are universal and can perform both of these functions.

Another feature of the program: through AtHome Camera can receive the signal from multiple IP-based cameras. That is, you can install the AtHome Video Streamer for several smartphones and watch them with the transmitted video on one screen. But this is only available to subscribers, and with it the cloud space to store records.

Download AtHome for Windows or MacOS →

4. WardenCam ( «Home Security Camera")

The quality of video that gives WardenCam, higher than many similar programs. You can use the HD-free regime, while those of competitors, this option is usually available only through subscription. But the sound quality here is not of the best.

The program is able to keep records on the «Google Drive" and Dropbox - whichever cloud connect. Recording is activated automatically in response to the movement, but it can also be activated manually. Special planner allows you to choose a time when the user is usually home to these hours the camera does not respond to movement.

WardenCam shows intrusive full-screen ads, but they can get rid of a few hundred rubles.

Web version WardenCam →

5. Manything

Manything - another program that monitors the movements and sounds. You can program it to work with your smartphone and service Sensors IFTTT. For example, you can configure the application so that it automatically starts recording as soon as you leave the house.

The free version only one camera can be connected to Manything. Selecting a tariff plan, you will increase the number and get the possibility to record video with a permanent file storage in the cloud for up to 30 days.

During testing Manything persistently delayed the broadcast for a few seconds. But for video surveillance of the home of such a deficiency is unlikely to be critical.

Web version Manything →

see also

• The top 10 IP-based cameras with AliExpress for home video →
• How not to sit down for the purchase of equipment for video surveillance on AliExpress →
• 7 best programs for video →