How to make video surveillance from your phone with your own hands

Full-fledged video surveillance cameras cost a lot, especially if they shoot in high quality. But in many cases, not a very detailed picture is enough, but only to ensure the visibility of general features and sound transmission. Just such a camera can be made from a smartphone using an old or unnecessary phone.

This article not only talks about how to make a video surveillance camera from a phone, but also explains the purposes of using this device, as well as possible difficulties and a list of the best applications.

The need to create a CCTV camera from a smartphone

A video camera from a smartphone is an inexpensive and practical device that you can make yourself.
There is a worthy use for an outdated Android smartphone or tablet in the form of a convenient video camera. In some cases, covert surveillance helps to stop illegal actions or restore justice.

Cases of equipment use:

• The person is in the next room, and food is being prepared in the kitchen. Using a tracking cell, you can see the process of liquid evaporation.
• The module can easily cope with the function of a nanny if the mother urgently needs to leave for a short time.
• The device will secure the home or workplace in the absence of the owner. An IP camera from your phone will reveal the identity of the intruder and record the fact of violation of the territory or inviolability of the apartment.
• The video camera conducts covert surveillance of work in the office, for example, in the absence of the manager. This way you can identify non-compliance with labor discipline and identify the weak link in the team.

It is easier to install professional surveillance equipment, but you will have to pay a substantial amount for the device, setup and installation. Using an old gadget for video surveillance will save money.

Connecting a smartphone via IP webcam based on Android

Features and Features

1. Huge range of settings;
2. The interface is multitasking;
3. Remote access;
4. Setting up the recording format, as well as the ability to install a webcam on a smartphone;
5. Sensor management, event detection;
6. Watch broadcasts on any gadget;
7. Rotate the camera and turn on the flash if the “backlight” function is installed on the smartphone.

How to use

Android-based control is convenient and reliable. Video surveillance can be turned on when necessary. The application is considered optimal if you are well versed in technology. Conveniently, all records are stored on the phone itself. You can delete what you don't need and keep what you need. The interface is suitable for a demanding user who intends to customize the system for himself.

Where to download ip webcam

The application is available for download only on the official website. You can also connect additional utilities that will expand the capabilities. They are paid.

Minimum device requirements

To monitor the general situation, a 2 megapixel camera is enough; if you need facial recognition - from 5 and above.
Initially, the phone is not available with a video surveillance function, so a smartphone with certain requirements is suitable. The quality of the camera matters. Characteristics are selected depending on the purpose of application. If you need a general overview of the territory, an indicator of up to 2 megapixels is sufficient. The same index is suitable for installation in an apartment in which events take place close to the screen.

The device can be used to monitor a car that is further away from the building and slightly to the side. In this case, to consider the identity of the offender, it is necessary to provide a variation of 5 megapixels and higher. The smartphone must be taken and placed in the intended mounting location to check the image quality. In addition to Android, iOS may be suitable, and the year of release and brand do not matter.

The transmitted signal will not always be of high quality and constant, for example, the mobile phone may freeze. It is advisable to have an electrical outlet nearby or connect a portable battery.

The strength of the signal depends on the technical condition of the wireless transmission and the content of the server. It is better to use a wireless Wi-Fi connection with a higher speed than a landline Internet connection.

How to make a video camera from a phone - step-by-step instructions

If the smartphone meets the technical specifications, the user can begin configuration. It is necessary to follow the sequence of actions presented below:

1. First you need to prepare your phone. It needs to be completely cleaned. You can do this by performing a factory reset. The sequence of actions will depend on the version of the operating system. After a complete reset, there will be no old programs or system errors left on the phone. It will work better, and it will also free up memory.
2. Next, the user needs to decide on the application to be used. To do this, it is recommended to view several programs and test them to choose the most suitable one. You can find out more about suitable applications below.
3. Download the application and configure it.
4. Install the smartphone in a suitable place.

The process of setting up your phone as a video camera is quite simple. The user will only need a little time and follow the instructions.

You can see how to set up a video camera on your device in this video.

Basic and additional components of the mobile system

For a wireless connection you need a router.
A smartphone is the main unit in a homemade video surveillance system. If power is supplied from the network, a cable is required for connection. A wireless Internet connection requires a router to distribute a signal, which is constantly working nearby.

In a homemade video surveillance scheme from a smartphone, there is a problem with storing the recording. The user cannot watch the gadget’s monitor around the clock so as not to miss the slightest detail. Daily checking of frames from memory does not solve the problem, because... The device memory may not be enough and some videos will disappear from your attention.

Applications provide access to servers where it is possible to download records from a mobile phone, as from a car recorder. The file will be written again until the user decides to delete it or keep it. You need to work with the video surveillance system remotely. Software technologies provide access from any mobile device or computer. The tracking application is also installed on the gadget that receives the image, so the characteristics must be no lower than that which transmits the frames.

Scan film negatives

An ordinary smartphone can act as an improvised slide scanner, allowing you to scan film negatives - of course, with imperfect quality, but quite sufficient, for example, for posting on the Internet.

To do this, you need to install the HELMUT program for devices running Android and find a light source sufficient for a photo “in the light”: this can be either a window on a clear sunny day, or a white computer screen with the brightness turned to maximum. The resulting photo can be edited directly on your smartphone using the application or sent to your computer.

Do-it-yourself system assembly and configuration

The battery capacity must be high.
To turn your phone into a video camera, you need to reset the settings to factory settings if the device will only be used for surveillance.

Actions with the phone:

1. It is necessary to assess the degree of wear of the phone. With regular use, the mobile phone will use battery power. If it has become unusable and is quickly discharged, even connecting a stationary power line will not restore functionality.
2. The ability of the gadget to communicate with another device is checked so that the owner can conduct third-party surveillance. In the wireless version, the functionality of the module is tested. In the case of a wired connection, the performance of connectors and contacts is assessed.
3. After connecting the programs, you need to set a password so that only the user has access to the captured footage.

Setting up the camera on Android is done using a Google account. The method of using the smartphone in shooting mode or receiving a signal from another gadget is pre-selected.

Google configures accessibility permissions for the accounts from which viewing will take place. The user can view the recordings while outside the home network, and also find out the current battery charge of the recording gadget.

Video surveillance from 2 phones

Both devices must be linked to the same account.
The platform is installed on the mobile phone from which the surveillance is carried out. A smartphone is also equipped with an application for obtaining images. The video surveillance order is selected after linking to one account on the receiving and distributing devices. You can connect to the camera at any time.

The user's privacy will not be affected, because... When the camera is operating in “live” mode, the information arrives through a peer-to-peer line and does not go to the Internet provider’s server. If the observer does not want to link an existing account, you can register another one.

It should be remembered that it is prohibited to film the personal lives of people who are not aware of it. Functional applications are developed so that the author of the program earns money. Along with the package of utilities, the user of a surveillance camera from a smartphone receives forced viewing of advertising videos, which he gets rid of by purchasing something in the application.

Data privacy issue

Some users of such devices are concerned about the safety of personal data. In particular, about whether third parties have access to what is broadcast through the camera. Software developers do not have access to what is happening in front of the lens, because all data is not transmitted to servers, but passes through a peer-to-peer network. Also, maintaining confidentiality guarantees the use of the same account.

But there are exceptions. For example, some applications may use open data, such as the location of the device, user language, etc. It is important to use popular and proven programs so as not to fall for fraudulent software.

Applications and programs for video surveillance

Warden Cam provides many free features that other utilities charge money for.
Alfred is an all-in-one utility that allows you to make video surveillance from your old smartphone. The program has a clear interface and simple controls. The application makes it possible for the user's friends to view live videos. The paid version provides high-quality display and additional cloud storage.

Manything program monitors movements and sounds and programs some functions. The conditions for starting work are set, for example, when the user leaves the monitored room. A paid application can serve several surveillance cameras from your phone and transfer video recordings to cloud storage.

Warden Cam provides high-quality video surveillance, and the version is free, unlike competitors that charge for similar functions. A scheduler is provided to schedule the camera to start and turn off, for example when motion is detected. The free option contains a lot of advertising, but purchasing the app eliminates the inconvenience.

IP Webcam adds many settings and works on the background of previous programs. The interface is presented in the form of an extensive menu for selecting settings. The properties of the image are configured and the number of bits used to transfer information per unit of time is determined.

Manything Software

Functionality and capabilities

1. Possibility of automatic activation using programming;
2. Paid increase in the number of cameras;
3. The presence of a flash if the camera is backlit and flexible;
4. Remote access;
5. Enable photography instead of video (assuming the camera view is flexible);
6. Sending notifications about events in the house;
7. Adjust picture and sound quality.

Instructions for use

After installing the application, you can customize the system to suit your needs. Initially, a paid version will be available, but for free. You will be able to use five cameras, but after the expiration date you will only be able to use one. You can reconnect for a fee.

Resources for download

Manything is available for download on the official website, where you can choose a convenient and optimal tariff. It is also possible to select additional utilities that diversify the functionality of the program.

Video peephole equipment

Homemade video peephole

There are wired and wireless options. The former are considered more reliable due to their simple design. The wired video eye consists of 3 main components:

• A cylindrical tube is a metal tube into which the objective lens is placed. It is the same size as the tube for the optical device, so there is no need to make new holes when replacing it. The tube is secured with a nut on the inside.
• A camera with a screen – black and white or color.
• Wires - one transmits the image from the lens to the recording device, the second supplies electrical current. If the model is powered by a rechargeable battery, only 1 cable is needed - transmitting.

Wired models can be equipped with additional devices: a microphone, infrared illumination to improve the image in the dark, and so on.

A wireless video peephole differs from a wired one only in the absence of cables. Devices with a camera are also installed in the door leaf, and a recording device with a display is placed anywhere in the apartment.

Wardencam - main security

Features and Features

1. Storing records on cloud storage;
2. Automatic start of recording when moving;
3. Manual control;
4. Setting up activity if the user is indoors and recording is not needed;
5. Continuous recording;
6. Ability to switch active cameras (rotate, turn on, rotate, flash). This is possible if a flexible video camera with backlight is installed;
7. Remote access;
8. Sensitive motor sensor;
9. Independence of recording and further storage;
10. Changing the role of the gadget (monitor or camera).

How to use

Using the program is simple and convenient. It requires two gadgets. Uses only cloud storage, since records are not recorded on the phone itself. Overall reminiscent of Alfred. The quality is rated as excellent, you can use HD mode. But the quality is worse than the previous program.

Where to download Wardencam

You can download the application on the official website of the developer. The free version is offered for 48 hours. You can also use the ad-free version, but it is paid.

Alfred Viewer

Features and Features

• Real-time monitoring.
• Multiple camera support.
• Automatic compression and adjustment of video stream quality depending on network bandwidth.
• Day (color) and night (black and white) vision mode.
• Recording movement on an observed object and sending a notification to the user.
• Multiplayer mode.
• Deleted screenshots and saving them in the smartphone memory.
• Flip the image.
• Switch between rear and front cameras.
• Turn the flashlight on and off.
• Displays information about the shooting quality (bitrate, frame rate, picture size).

Alfred Viewer is perhaps one of the most popular free programs for spying on the situation through the camera of a mobile gadget. Reliable, extremely easy to use, undemanding of resources, it has won the trust of more than 8 million users.

All that is needed to set up a security system based on Alfred Viewer is a smartphone or tablet on Android or iOS, which will serve as an “eye,” and a second smartphone or computer as a monitor. Monitoring is carried out in real time.

The application is installed on both mobile devices – “camera” and “monitor”. For computer use (works in Safari, Google Chrome and Firefox). By the way, it’s very convenient that Alfred Viewer (like other applications in today’s review) does not require creating a separate account, but provides access through a Google account.

How to use

Setting up video surveillance using Alfred Viewer takes literally half a minute:

• Launch the application on the first smartphone. Assign him the role of camera.
• Launch it on a second smartphone or open it in a browser on your PC. When using a mobile device, assign it the monitor role.
• Log in to both devices with the same Google account.
• Point the camera at the controlled object.
• Start shooting with the press of a button.
• To control the camera remotely, use the buttons under the image window.

Online monitoring from your phone via IP WebCam program

Remote video surveillance in an apartment can be organized through an old but working smartphone. It connects to a wireless network and is given a static address.

Next, the IP WebCam program is downloaded. The settings panel contains the login, password and port. Port - 8080, if enabled, a different value is set. To prevent the “secret” smartphone from turning on the sound signal, just put the icon in the “Disable Alert” column.

You should also check the “Prohibit sleep mode” checkbox. This is necessary so that the device does not turn off at the right time. For remote control, you need to forward the program port to the gadget’s internal address and register with the DDNS service.

USBWeb

The UsbWeb application is another way to connect an external USB camera to a smartphone. It also has a free and PRO version. You can download UsbWebカメラ from the Google Play Store.

The application itself has a simple interface and is not as broad as CameraFi, but it is widely compatible with cameras from different manufacturers.

The application allows you to take photos and record videos in different resolutions. The camera is fully customizable via smartphone.

To connect an external USB camera via UsbWeb, follow the instructions:

1. Connect the camera to your smartphone or tablet via an OTG cable.
2. Launch the application, go to settings and run connection diagnostics.
3. At the request of the application, disconnect the camera from the smartphone and click OK.
4. When prompted by the application, connect the camera to your smartphone and click OK.
5. Next, the camera will connect to the application, which will take up to 20 seconds.
6. After this, the application will ask you for permission to transfer camera data to the server. Here it is better to choose yes, since it is on the basis of such data that the database of video cameras and methods for connecting to them is formed. All this helps improve the application.
7. After this, you can use the camera. If the application does not detect it, try again.
8. In case of connection problems, select Stock in the USB Host Diagnostics window.

WardenCam Home Security

Features and Features

• Broadcast video with sound in real time.
• Transmission of sound in both directions (the operator can communicate with the person in front of the camera).
• Day and night vision mode.
• Support for older versions of Android – 2.3 and higher.
• Supports all types of Internet connections.
• Detection of movements according to a schedule with instant notification of the user with a sound signal.
• Record special events (recorded movement) at a specified time and save the file to Google Drive or Dropbox.
• Temporary storage of recorded data on an SD card.
• View videos directly from cloud storage.
• Connecting multiple smartphones as a camera.
• Enable recording manually.
• Remote switching between front and rear camera.
• Remote flashlight activation.

The next tool for the voyeur of video surveillance via a smartphone, WardenCam, is also endowed with a unique function - a built-in “phone”, that is, the ability to talk through the application. In addition, it saves storage space. Unlike TrackView, WardenCam includes recording only based on an event - recognized movement, and strictly at hours defined by the user.

Only a smartphone based on Android or iOS can be used as a WardenCam monitor. To do surveillance through a computer, you will have to install an Android emulator and a mobile application in it.

How to use

• Install WardenCam on your camera device and monitor device.
• Log in to the application using your Google account on both devices.

• Assign roles to devices - monitor or camera (roles can be changed directly while using the program by touching one button). Immediately after this, the shooting process will start.
• To control functions, use the button bar at the bottom of the monitoring window.