Cameras
How to Turn an Old Android Phone Into a Security Camera
The complete setup guide: install the app, pair with a 6-letter code, place the phone, and watch live from any browser.
8 min read
The AndrIoT blog
Give your old Android phone a second job
16 practical guides on turning a spare phone into a security camera, baby monitor, pet cam, GPS tracker, sensor hub or LED sign. Real steps, honest limits, no fluff. RSS feed.
All articles
Cameras
How to Use an Old Android Phone as a Baby Monitor
Live video, two-way audio, a room temperature reading and sound alerts from a phone you already own, with safe placement rules.
7 min read
Cameras
Use an Old Phone as a Pet Camera You Can Talk Through
Check on the dog or cat, say hello through the speaker, and schedule a voice message or sound while you are out.
6 min read
Guides
A Cheap Home Security Camera Setup With an Old Phone: What It Really Costs
Honest cost numbers for a DIY camera made from a spare phone, compared with buying new cameras, plus what you give up.
6 min read
Cameras
Use an Old Phone as a Motion Detection Camera With Alerts
Draw motion zones, tune out false alarms, arm the tripwire and tamper alarm, and get push alerts when something moves.
6 min read
Guides
How to Keep an Old Phone Plugged In 24/7 Safely
Battery swelling signs, smart-plug cycling between 20% and 80%, battery saver exemption and screen settings for a phone that never sleeps.
6 min read
Sensors & GPS
Turn an Old Phone Into an IoT Sensor Hub
Battery, temperature, light, sound level, motion and GPS readings from a spare phone, with alerts and forwarding.
6 min read
Sensors & GPS
Use an Old Phone as a GPS Tracker for Your Car, Bike or Luggage
How to use a spare phone as a location tracker for a car, bike or luggage, with power, data and legal notes.
6 min read
Automation
Get Old-Phone Camera Alerts on Telegram, Webhook or MQTT
Set up a Telegram bot with BotFather, and forward alerts and sensor data to a webhook or MQTT with the Forwarding Hub.
6 min read
Cameras
Use an Old Phone as a Two-Way Audio Intercom
Talk and listen through a spare phone, use text-to-speech and a siren, and fix echo and volume problems.
6 min read
Automation
Schedule Automations on an Old Phone (and Control Your TV or AC With the IR Blaster)
Use schedulers to speak, play audio or show an image at set times, and use an IR blaster to control a TV or AC remotely.
6 min read
Automation
Turn an Old Phone Into a Digital Sign or LED Display for Your Shop
Show a scrolling LED message, a still message or an image on a spare phone screen, and change it from your couch.
6 min read
Guides
Access Your Old Android Phone's Files and Terminal Remotely
Use the remote file manager and terminal to browse, download and manage files on a phone you cannot reach, with safety tips.
6 min read
Cameras
Use an Old Phone as a Front-Door Camera and Doorbell
Watch the front door from inside, get alerts when someone arrives, and talk to a visitor, with realistic limits for a phone.
6 min read
Guides
Using a Phone Camera in a Rental, Shop or Garage: Legal and Privacy Notes
Practical privacy and legal notes for cameras in rentals, shops, garages and workshops, plus setup tips for each.
6 min read
Guides
Peer-to-Peer vs Cloud Cameras: Who Can See Your Video?
A plain-language explanation of how camera video travels, what is stored where, and how to keep home footage private.
6 min read
Start with the basics
New here? Read the complete guide to turning an old Android phone into a security camera, then try the live demo. See the full feature list or pricing on the home page.