How to Use Phone as CCTV Camera Without Internet

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Using a Smartphone as a CCTV Camera Without WiFi

With their front and back cameras, smartphones can be repurposed as closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. Even without WiFi, you can stream footage via a local network using an old Android or iOS phone. This process requires an app to bridge the transmitting and receiving devices. Here’s how to set this up for both Android and iOS platforms.

Mobile as CCTV Camera Without Internet

How to Use Mobile as CCTV Camera Without Internet

Android

Primary Device

  1. Download the IP Webcam app from the Play Store. This app allows you to use your Android device as a CCTV camera.
  2. After installation, grant it access to your device’s cameras.
  3. Enable the mobile hotspot in your Android settings.
  4. Connect the secondary device to the mobile hotspot’s local network.
  5. Open the IP Webcam app and configure video preferences and storage options.

Secondary Device

  1. On the device connected to the mobile hotspot, open a web browser.
  2. Enter the IP address at the bottom of your old Android phone’s screen.
  3. Log in using the username and passcode set in the IP Webcam app.
  4. To record footage, navigate to the appropriate option, name your clip, and hit the record button.

iOS

Primary Device

  1. Install IP Camera Lite from the App Store on your iPhone.
  2. Open the app, access settings, and set a new username and passcode.
  3. Activate the IP server from the main menu and grant necessary permissions.
  4. Note the IP address displayed on your screen.

Secondary Device

Enter the noted IP address in a web browser on any device to start streaming footage from your iPhone. You might need a screen recorder app or the premium version of IP Camera Lite for recording options.

Stream Using VLC Media Player for Both Android and iOS Streams

  1. Open the VLC player on your PC or smartphone.
  2. Under the ‘Media’ tab, select ‘Network Streaming.’
  3. Input the IP address from your mobile device, appending ‘/video’ for VLC compatibility.
  4. If an error occurs, ‘View Certificate’ may allow you to proceed with live streaming.

Note: VLC live streaming does not support recording; screenshots are the best alternative.

In summary, repurposing your old Android or iOS smartphone as a CCTV camera is a practical way to enhance home security. This method allows live streaming and, with certain setups, recording for later review on another device.

See Also

How Many Cameras Can You Have on a Blink System

Best Spy Cameras

How to Setup Wyze Outdoor Camera

How to Use an Old iPhone as a Security Camera

How to Detect Spy Cameras With Your Phone

4 Best Outdoor Wireless Security Camera System with DVR

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