1 week ago
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Can I record footage, not just view a live feed?
Yes. Alfred Camera includes basic cloud storage for free. If you want features like HD recording or longer storage, you'll need to upgrade to the premium tier, which costs a few dollars per month, but you can skip it.
Will this work when I am not home?
Yes. As long as the old phone at home has internet access, you can view the live feed. Your main device also needs an internet connection, of course, so you can access the feed from anywhere.
Does this setup use my mobile data?
If you're using an old phone, it likely doesn't have a SIM or an active cellular connection. But if it does, make sure it doesn't switch over to cellular data. You want the phone to use a Wi-Fi connection, not mobile data, which could eat into your plan.
- On Android, go to Settings > Network and internet > SIMs and turn off mobile data.
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular and turn off Cellular Data.
You can also remove the SIM or eSIM entirely if the phone still has one.
Is it easier to just buy a security camera?
In some cases, yes.
Entry-level security cameras are inexpensive and may be more reliable. For example, the Wyze Cam v4 costs around $35 and offers solid video quality, with local storage. The Blink Mini is in the same range, though it frequently drops as low as $15 when on sale.
Also: CNET is starting to recommend Wyze Security Cams again
If you want a more polished, set-it-and-forget-it experience, these may be better options. Just keep in mind that some features may require a subscription or extra hardware. For example, if you want to save and share clips with the Blink Mini, you'll need a subscription. If you want to store footage locally, you'll need the Sync Module 2, which costs about $50 and is sold separately.
If you want a free solution, a temporary setup, or extra coverage without spending more money, just use your old phone. It's not perfect, but it is one of the simplest, cheapest ways to get started with home monitoring.
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