Technology gives surveillance a new outlook by providing an alternative to traditional security cameras. Fortunately, you can now turn your old phones into security cameras.
In addition, you can decide how you want to use the camera without the internet. However, few people know how to convert their old phones for this purpose.
For this reason, this article will explain the simple steps to turning your old phone into a security camera without the internet.
To turn your old phone into a security camera without internet, first, you need to have another device like a phone or tablet to view the footage. Then, you need to install a security camera app on both devices and connect them via a google account, Apple account, or email address.
How Can I Use My Old Phone as a Security Camera Without WiFi?
Using your old phone as a security camera without WiFi is relatively easy. You only need to have the right tools and utilize them accordingly.
For this procedure, you will need a viewing device like a new phone or tablet and your old one.
Follow the steps below to use your old phone as a security camera without WiFi.
Step 1: Install a Camera App and Sign-in
Firstly, you must select a security camera app for your old phone. The app must offer many features like cloud streaming, recording, motion detection, and storing footage.
Security camera apps you can install include Alfred, Salient Eye, Manything, Presence, and IP webcam. However, an IP webcam is only compatible with android phones.
However, the other apps can work effectively with android and IOS phones. So, after selecting the app you want, proceed to download and install it on your old phone and viewing device.
- Open the security camera app on your viewing device and skip through the introduction.
- Tap the start option. Then, select a viewer and tap on Next. The app would take you to a sign-in page.
- Select sign-in with Google and use your Google account details to sign in. However, you can also sign in with your email address or Apple account.
- Open the app on your old phone and repeat the same steps. Although, you would select the camera instead of the viewer this time.
- You must sign in with the same Google account, Apple account, or email address for the process to be successful.
Step 2: Set Up the Camera
- Give the old device permission to use the camera when it asks.
- Set up the phone in any location you want.
- Then, check the viewing device for the screenshot of the area your old phone is transmitting.
- Tap on the screenshot and wait for the feed to load so you can watch it live.
- You can use the features on the app to set the camera feed to your preference.
Step 3: Position the Security Camera
You can position the old phone in inconspicuous locations. Also, it would be best to ensure the position is close to a power source so you can keep it charging.
How Can I Use My Android Phone as a Spy Camera Without the Internet?
For this task, you can use viewing devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones. Below are 12 simple steps you can follow to use your android phone as a spy camera without the internet.
Step 1: Charging the Phone
It would be best if you charged your old phone with enough battery for the task. It would prevent the phone from going off during the process since you might need the camera for hours.
It is best to connect the phone to a power source while you use it. It would ensure the battery doesn’t run down even when you are not around to charge it.
Step 2: Install IP Webcam App
You must download and install the IP webcam app from your phone’s store. It is an app that works without an internet connection. To install the app:
Open the play store on your android phone. Unlike other security camera apps, you should note that the IP webcam app is the only one compatible with android phones.
- Search for the IP webcam app.
- Download and install the app.
Step 3: Enable Mobile Hotspot
- Go to your phone’s settings.
- Tap on network and internet.
- Tap on Hotspot and tethering.
Step 4: Close Other Cameras
Check your recent tabs for active camera apps. Then, close every open camera app so it doesn’t interrupt the process.
Step 5: Launch the IP Webcam App
Open the IP webcam app you installed and hold on for it to launch fully. After launching, the app will show settings for connection and camera.
You can use the camera settings for photo and video resolution, orientation, and video format. Likewise, the connection settings work for creating a password.
Step 6: Start Server
Swipe to the bottom of the app’s homepage and select “start server.” It would cause the camera app to open.
You will see a URL at the bottom of your screen. The settings tab is on the top-right corner; you can use it for more advanced settings. The settings include:
Stop: You can use this option to stop the app from functioning.
Disguise: It camouflages the camera app as a normal web browser.
Fade: You can use this option to turn off the display screen. The app will still be running, but the screen display won’t be visible. Again, it helps to save your phone’s energy.
Toggle LED: You can use it to turn the camera’s flash into a light source. It is most useful at night for a clearer view.
Additionally, the camera app will display your phone’s IP address alongside the URL on the screen. The IP address could be IPv4 and IP v6, depending on your android phone.
Step 7: Copy IP Address
Copy your phone’s IP address to your clipboard. If your app displays two IP addresses, copy only the IPv4 address. It is usually the shorter one out of the two.
You can send it anywhere you want for storage, or you could write it down somewhere. Then, open any web browser on your viewing device and enter the IP address.
Step 8: Connect Your Viewing Device
Connect the viewing device to your phone through the Hotspot you created. Then, you can view the footage using any device, including computers, tablets, and smartphones.
To connect your viewing device to your phone:
- Open WiFi settings on the viewing device.
- Search for available networks; you will see a list of networks.
- Locate your phone’s hotspot name and tap on it.
- Click on connect.
- The device will connect, and a connected indicator will appear beside the Hotspot’s name.
Step 9: Configure the Viewing Device
Once your android phone and viewing devices connect successfully, you can access several options to help you adjust and operate the security camera.
You should configure your viewing device by going through the online interface. Then, you can set your device according to what you want.
Step 10: Download VLC Player
Download and install the VLC player on your viewing device to watch the footage offline. Only the VLC player supports watching the footage offline.
Also, the player is versatile, and you can install it on any device. So, you won’t have a problem using your computers or tablets to watch the footage.
Step 11: Connect the VLC player
- Open your VLC player.
- Select the media option at the top of the screen. It is in the left corner.
- Then, go to “open network stream” settings.
- A pop-up will appear on the screen. You must ensure the pop-up displays a URL tab.
- Tap on the tab and enter your old phone’s IP address.
- You must enter the address in this format- http://192.***.***.***:****/video. The video player will display an error if you do not add “HTTP” before and “video” after the IP address.
If you encounter an error, you won’t be able to stream the footage. However, once you enter the IP address, your viewing device will automatically play the footage offline.
Step 12: Play the Footage
Tap play on the screen of your VLC player if you are using a tablet or smartphone. If you are using a computer, just press enter on your keyboard.
Then, you could get live feeds from your android phone. However, you might experience some delay while connecting both devices because there is no internet connection.
However, you could record the footage if you want. To record the footage:
- Select media on your VLC player.
- Click on the convert/save option.
- Select ‘network’ and enter your IP address again.
- Choose a file folder for your footage.
- Click on the convert/save option again.
- Your footage will begin to save on your device, and you can view them later.
How Do I Install Security Cameras Without the Internet?
Installing your security cameras without the internet is the same as a conventional network security camera, except that you need a storage device for the former. Plus, it doesn’t require an internet connection.
Follow the steps outlined below to install your security cameras without the internet.
- Mark a position for the security camera screws and cables.
- Measure the distance from the camera to the plugs/switches.
- Drill holes into the intended position for the camera to insert its screws and power cables.
- Insert the camera bracket fittings into any mounting platform at the intended location.
- Connect the security camera to the internet to finish its setup. But, of course, you won’t need to connect to the internet after setting it up.
- Please turn on the security camera and connect it to a WiFI network.
- Insert an external storage device into the camera to save video footage. Of course, you can always remove the storage device and put it on your phone or computer to watch the footage later.
- Install the security camera onto the bracket and set the camera angle.
- Turn off your WiFi and launch the security camera.
- It would start recording footage without an internet connection.
Can Wireless Cameras Work Without the Internet?
Yes, wireless cameras can work without the internet. You only need to record the footage on external storage like hard drives or SD cards.
Then, you can view the footage later whenever you want. Cameras that can work without the internet can either be connected to a mobile phone or not.
Examples of wireless cameras that function without the internet include Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV), Analog, IP cameras, and HD-over-coax cameras.
Although, wireless cameras without internet are good. However, there are some pros and cons that come with this function.
The pros and cons are below:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Nobody can hack its digital data. | It is rarely available in the market. |
| It works without a power supply. | You can’t get notifications. |
| You don’t need to pay any additional charges. | It can’t save footage on the cloud. |
| It doesn’t affect your internet bandwidth. | It runs out of battery. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can now easily use any device you want as a security camera without paying any fee. All you need is just the right tools and follow the steps.
However, it would be best to consider all the disadvantages before installation, especially the battery running out. It would always help to keep it connected to a power source.