Don’t bin your old phone – I just saved $100 by setting up my old iPhone as a security camera

Don't discard your old phone – setting up your outdated iPhone as a security camera helped me save $100. When searching for a suitable security camera, the plethora of options online left me perplexed. I realized I could repurpose an old iPhone I had lying around. After a quick Google search, I discovered Alfred Camera, an app designed precisely for this purpose.

Downloading the Alfred Camera app onto my old iPhone and another device, I set up the old phone as the camera. From my main phone, I monitored the view from the old iPhone. This setup proved useful for monitoring my cat's return, and it could be employed for various purposes such as pet monitoring, baby monitoring, general security, and keeping an eye on your front door or porch.

The Alfred Camera app guided me through the straightforward setup process with a QR code to scan. The app provides a free version and two paid options, Standard and Plus, at £35.95/year or £44.95/year, which includes 14/30-day cloud storage and support for multiple cameras. However, the free version may be sufficient for some users.

While Alfred Camera may be cost-effective for those who already possess two iPhones, it becomes less appealing as an annual expense when compared to standalone security cameras, which offer a one-time purchase with indefinite use. Free alternatives, like Oriel Home Security Made Simple, also exist; however, they are limited to iOS devices.

In conclusion, repurposing an old iPhone as a security camera can be a valuable option, especially if you have another iPhone as your main camera.