Innovative Solutions for Pet Owners: Transforming Old Android Phones into Security Cameras
Vacations often provide a welcome escape from the daily grind, allowing individuals to temporarily shed their responsibilities and immerse themselves in relaxation. However, the joy of travel can be tinged with concern for the safety of one’s home and beloved pets. Many pet owners find themselves grappling with the anxiety of leaving their furry companions behind, sometimes even contemplating an early return from their getaway.
A year ago, I faced a similar dilemma when one of our cats suffered a serious injury, necessitating constant supervision. To balance my work commitments with the need to monitor my pet, I repurposed an old Android phone using a user-friendly application called DroidCam. This innovative tool transformed my device into a webcam, perfect for various security and monitoring tasks. The developers have since enhanced the software, introducing a more robust version known as DroidCam Webcam & OBS Camera, which features integration with OBS Studio. For those seeking a basic webcam setup, the original version remains entirely adequate.
How to Use an Old Android Phone as a Security or Pet Camera
What you’ll need:
- An Android phone (running version 5.0 and up)
- A power cord for the phone (to ensure uninterrupted operation)
- The DroidCam app
- A web browser on the same network as the phone
- Begin by opening the Play Store on your Android device and searching for DroidCam. Once located, simply tap ‘Install’ to add the application to your device.
- Ensure that your Android device is connected to the same wireless network as the desktop or laptop you will use to access the camera feed. Launch the DroidCam app, which will display the necessary address for connecting via your web browser.
- The interface may appear somewhat dated, but it functions seamlessly. The app will present you with an IP address and port number needed to access the camera feed. By entering
http://SERVER:4747/video in your web browser (replacing SERVER with the IP address provided by DroidCam), you can view the live video output from your camera.
The free version of DroidCam offers video resolutions of 240p or 480p. For those seeking higher quality, including 720p and 1080p, the pro version, DroidCamX ($4.99), is available on the Google Play Store. This upgraded version includes features such as audio support, HD mode, and SmoothFPS for enhanced video stability. However, for basic monitoring needs, the free version suffices.
It’s essential to keep the phone plugged into an outlet, as streaming video can quickly deplete the battery. Fortunately, the app continues to stream even when the phone is locked or in sleep mode, ensuring that you can keep an eye on your pet without interruption. This straightforward setup has proven invaluable for various applications, providing an extra set of eyes when needed most.