Do you know Using old Phones and Tablets to Improve Home Security? You might be unsure of what to do with your old phone or tablet when you upgrade. You may try to sell it online, donate it, or recycle it, among other choices. But why not put it to better use instead? It would be a shame to let the device go to waste if there was nothing wrong with it.
You may upgrade your home security system by using an outdated phone or tablet. Nowadays, every smartphone and tablet comes equipped with a good camera and Internet connectivity. So why not use the equipment you would toss away anyhow instead of investing money in a dedicated Internet-connected camera?
We’ll walk you through the steps in this tutorial on how to use the Internet of Things to defend your house. This covers several IoT device applications as well as turning an outdated smartphone or tablet into a security camera.
Contents
Turning a Phone or Tablet into a Security Camera
The majority of the components required for an Internet-connected home security camera are already present in every smartphone and tablet. To set it up, you’ll need a phone charger, an Internet connection, and a security camera app.
Network Connection
The majority of consumers remove their previous phone from their cellular plan when they replace it, which prevents it from using cell data. The good news is that an outdated phone or tablet can still function over WiFi without a SIM card or plan. To access your camera footage from a distance, all you have to do is connect it to your home WiFi network.
Power Cord
Your outdated gadget will be used every day as a home security camera. Choose a charger that can be plugged in from wherever you want to place your security camera because it will need to be charged there.
Security Camera App
The final component to converting your outdated gadget into an Internet-capable camera is an intelligent camera app. Fortunately, there are a number of these on Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Several possibilities are:
You’re ready to go once you’ve downloaded and installed an app! Choose a location and instal your new home security camera there. Make sure you choose a location with good WiFi reception and simple access to a power outlet.
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Internet-Enabled Cameras
You don’t have to use outdated smartphones or tablets as Internet-enabled security cameras to monitor your property. If you happen to have an Internet-enabled baby monitor laying around, that might be another good choice. As an alternative, you can monitor it with a webcam attached to a laptop or desktop to make sure no one is attempting to steal it or break into it.
Lighting Controls
It is necessary for everyone to see, including thieves. If you have smart lighting in your home, you might find it useful to configure it so that you receive an alert if the lights are turned on or off at specific times when no one is supposed to be home. If a family member comes home quickly to grab something or grab a bite, you can get false alarms, but you might also catch a burglar if they’ve broken in and are turning on and off lights as they walk about your home.
Smart Locks
Traditional locks are vulnerable to picking, and it can be annoying to forget whether you locked the doors when you left in the morning or simply left your keys in the car. Fortunately, several businesses have created smart locks that you can operate from a smartphone or other Internet-capable device. For instance, you may quickly lock (or unlock) the front door while standing outside, or you can program an alert to play if the door unexpectedly opens.
Thermostat
Unexpectedly, your smart thermostat can reduce your energy costs and protect your house. Smart thermostats can track the temperature in your home right now and may even be able to notify you through text message if there is an unexpected change in the temperature. For instance, if someone opens a door or smashes a window while you’re away, it can raise or lower the temperature inside your home, which could trigger a message from your thermostat. In a similar way, if something ignites a fire in your house while you are away, this device would notify you of the temperature difference.
Securing Your Home with the Internet of Things
There is an expanding Internet of Things. Every day, new technologies are released with the aim of making our lives simpler and more effective. Numerous of these tools also have unexpected applications. Without having to spend a lot of money on an elaborate home security system, creativity can help you secure yourself and your house.