Old phones have a low resale value, so instead of just locking it in a cupboard, you can give a new life with usefulness by turning it into a security camera.

Security is very important but also expensive. Installing a security system in your home or even office can be quite expensive. But you can do this easily with your old phone even at no additional cost! Phones with a cracked screen or other aesthetic damage will function fine.

You can use this phone security system to monitor your babies while they sleep, check on your pet or even get alert when you have deliveries.

What you will need

1. An old phone that connects to the internet

2. A charger for the phone

3. Your preferred app (apps include: a web of cam, Skype, tiny cam monitor pro, Ip webcam pro, secret video recorder) you can choose from any of the above or search your app store for other alternatives. The first two are totally free.

How to set up your security camera

1. Download the recommended app from either the play store or iTunes store. Some may require sign up, others may not.

2. Follow the instructions to ensure your app can film while on standbys or when your screen goes off.

3. Find a good corner around the place you will like to monitor

4. Mount your phone there. Ensure you provide a charging unit as the battery of old phones often drain quickly. You can add a socket and then connect your phone to it via the charger. This way your phone will capture videos until you decide otherwise.

5. Using most of these apps gives you remote access. You can access the captured videos by connecting to the internet and logging into your app account. However, your security phone needs to be connected to the internet too.

6. You can easily make use of your phone flash to capture videos in the dark.