Who does NOT have old/spare smartphones sitting around? You can’t really use them for anything, but you keep them, just in case…

We discovered an awesome use for them! Turn them into a home security system! The Alfred App allows you to turn an old smartphone into a security camera. It just takes a couple of steps.

1. Install the Alfred App onto one phone as the Viewer, and one (or as many as you want) as the Camera.
2. Sign in to the app on both phones using the same gmail address.
3. Set up one phone as the Viewer and one as the Camera per the easy instructions.
4. Set up the Cameras in the spots in your home that you want to watch.

People use the Alfred App as a Home Security Camera, a Pet Camera, Health Care Camera, and Baby Camera. This is a free app! You can upgrade to Premium to unlock some extra features. The app has a great section on best practices to use everyday things like coffee mugs to prop up the camera, and other tips. It has:

24/7 Live Streaming: you can keep an eye on things any time anywhere

Motion Detection: get instant notifications when the Camera picks up movement

Two-Way Talk: deter thieves, interact with visitors or pets, and soothe babies

Low-Light Filter: observe sleeping babies, monitor your pet’s nightlife

Siren: scare away intruders, protect your possessions

Trust Circle: add your family members to the account so they can see too

Heads: I wish I had this when my children were teenagers. The siren might have been used more than once!

Tails: I don’t leave the phones on when I’m in the room simply because it kind of creeps me out. But when I’m away and coming home to a dark, empty house, it gives me huge peace of mind! And when I’m gone, I can always check on our dog, Cooper.