How to Turn an Old iPhone into a Security Camera?

Rather than leaving your old iPhone or iPad gathering dust in a drawer, transform it into a powerful security camera today and safeguard your home or business with ease.

However, it’s important to note that iPhone security cameras do have some limitations. The cameras cannot function for 24/7 recording due to battery life and overheat concerns. Additionally, apps for these types of cameras often have limited features and may rely on your home WiFi network, potentially putting stress on your network.

That being said, there are ways to make the most of your old iPhone or iPad as a security camera. If you’re unsure how to use an old iPhone as a security camera, follow the iPhone security camera setup guide to ensure that you’re configuring your system correctly.

The Best iPhone APPs for Home Security

The first step in creating your own iPhone security camera is to find a compatible app that runs smoothly on your specific device. It’s essential to choose an app that offers similar features to those of a professional security camera app to ensure you’re taking full advantage of your device’s capabilities.

Check out some of the most popular apps below to get started transforming your iPhone into a security camera:

Product Category	Security Features	Drawbacks	iOS Version
ZOSI Smart	Data Not Collected Group Play Scheduled Record Remote Playback Push Notifications Two-Way Audio Digital Zoom No Monthly Fee Multiple Users	Only for ZOSI security cameras	Requires iOS 9.0 or later
X-Sense Home Security	Base Station Entry Sensor Motion Sensor Remote Control	Cloud recording is charged	Requires iOS 6 or later
Manything	Live streaming Send motion alerts Set motion detection zones IFTTT compatible	Cloud recording is charged	Requires iOS 6 or later
Presence	Make use of your old device Monitor in real-time Turn the devices into a two-way video call	Doesn’t have an IFTTT channel. Only 50MB of free cloud video storage. Slow at startup	Works on iOS 6 or newer. Works on iPhone 3GS and newer, iPad 2 and newer.
iCam	Remotely monitor multiple live video and audio webcam	The pro version is not free ($4.99)	Requires iOS 8.2 or later
Eye Spy Camera Lite	Free iPhone security camera app that lets you make s recording of any area Motion detection alarms Record motion detected events	Fail to offer real-time monitoring	Requires iOS 4.3 or later

Additionally, to help you find the perfect security camera app for your preferences and needs, we have previously put together a list of recommended free home security apps for iOS and Android users. Be sure to review the list for additional insights and tips on the best iPhone security camera options available today.

Turn Old iPhone into IP Camera Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve downloaded the best security camera app for your iPhone, the next step is to set up your new security system. Follow these steps for a quick and easy setup:

Download and install the chosen iPhone CCTV camera app from the App Store onto both of your iOS devices.
Ensure that you log in with the same account on each device. You can use an older iPhone or iPad device as the security camera and make your new iPhone the home security viewer and recorder.
Once you have set up your devices, choose the most appropriate location to mount your iPhone security camera or iPad 2/3/mini security camera. Refer to our guide on where to place home security cameras if you’re unsure about the best placement. Additionally, make sure that you position the iPhone security camera near a power source to allow for 24/7 monitoring without worrying about battery life.
Configure your iPhone security camera’s features, including motion detection, alerts, and recording modes, using the app settings.

Note: Ensure that the flashlight on your device is turned on to take advantage of night vision in low-light conditions.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you can quickly and easily watch the live stream from your old iPhone security camera. Even when you’re away, you can still keep an eye on what’s going on in your home using your new iPhone as a home security viewer and recorder with ease.