DIY: Android Phone to Kiddy Cam

My husband, Ryan, recently upgraded from an HTC Desire Z to a Samsung Galaxy S3 and as a result we had a spare phone at our disposal– YAY US!

Some people choose to keep their old phones as a spare, give it away to someone who needs it more than they do and some sell their old phones. We turned our spare into a free wireless security / baby monitoring camera.

It worked really well, so I thought I’d put this blog post together as I’m sure you can find some good uses for this type of thing in your own home. If you are a Mom who needs to  multi-task with kids, this post may be of interest to you.

IMPORTANT: I must state the obvious and say that you should NEVER use the camera as a substitute for actually watching your child, but rather use it as an extra set of eyes.

What you need:

• Old Android Phone

What to do:

Old Phone:

• Head on over to the Google Play Store and search for the IP Camera. Alternatively, click here.
• Install the application.
• Open the application.
• Click start server at the bottom of the screen
• Take note of the IP address as you will need this info for the setup of your new phone. In this case it is 192.168.1.108 – see below:

• You’re all set! Now go to your new phone and do the following.

New Phone:

• Go to Google play and search for tinyCam Monitor FREE. Alternatively, click here
• Install the application.
• Open the application.
• Choose NO for the first prompt – see below:
• On the next screen click NO – see below:
• On the next screen click NO – see below:
• On the Next Screen click YES.
  
• On the setup screen enter the information that you took note of on the OLD phone in this demonstration the IP is 192.168.1.108. You will need to enter the info and specify the Camera Name , Camera Model (must Choose IP Webcam for Android from drop down) and Hostname. This is the number displayed on the old phone screen – see step 5 above  (for example 192.168.1.108). This is easily done as seen below:
• YOU DID IT! Just click on live view and all going well your other phones camera image should show up.
  

SUGGESTION: Mount your old phone or secure it somehow in a position so that you can view whatever it is you want to keep an eye on.

TIP: Make sure the phone you are using as the camera is plugged into a power source and battery will get used quickly.