Looking for a way to put your old Android telephone to employ? Need an IP camera to stream alive footage of events over the internet, but tin can't afford an actual IP photographic camera?

Thankfully, several apps are available to turn your Android device into an IP webcam. Within minutes, yous'll be using it to share video footage across the net with friends, family, or perchance only yourself.

Use Android as an IP Webcam

A typical Android smartphone, old or new, comes with at least one camera. Meanwhile, the Android operating system lets developers create apps that practice almost anything. This makes Android an platonic platform for apply every bit an IP webcam.

All you lot demand to practice is enable Wi-Fi, find the correct app, set it up, so position your Android device as required. The result is a steady IP webcam picture streamed across the web. Yous can view the footage in whatsoever browser.

Webcam vs. IP Webcam: What's the Divergence?

It's possible to set up your phone up as a standard webcam, as well equally an IP webcam. But what is the divergence?

Well, a webcam is a camera that's connected via USB or built into your computer or other devices. Its purpose is to record video and photos, either for local use or on a video chat program like Skype. On a secure system, the webcam cannot be accessed over the spider web without your permission. Interestingly, you can too use your Android device as a PC webcam.

An IP camera, meanwhile, is a device intended for streaming video footage across the net. For example, this might be a traffic cam or another static camera that'south publicly accessible. Alternatively, it could be a security photographic camera you can access remotely.

The departure is articulate: a webcam can have multiple purposes—whereas an IP camera is intended for remote viewing.

Keep reading to learn how to turn your Android phone into an IP camera.

How to Employ Android as an IP Webcam With an App

Several IP photographic camera apps are available for Android. For this project, nosotros've determined that the well-nigh useful selection is IP Phone Camera past Deskshare. If your phone has an internet connection, this app will turn the device into an IP camera.

The IP Phone Photographic camera app has in-app purchases, but you don't need these for the bones IP camera functionality.

Download: IP Telephone Camera (Free, in-app purchases available)

IP Phone Camera's Fundamental Features

Using IP Phone Camera? Yous'll see it offers three options:

  • Wi-Fi: Directly broadcast to any browser-equipped device on the same network
  • Mobile hotspot: If your Android telephone supports wireless tethering (which it almost likely does), broadcast your advertizement-hoc mobile hotspot.
  • Mobile data: This paid feature lets you view the webcam from anywhere in the globe

The app also offers command options, allowing you to dispense the camera from the browser. You can:

  • Adjust brightness
  • Enable flashlight
  • Zoom in/out
  • Auto-focus
  • Rotate
  • Switch betwixt front and back cameras

These are all useful remote configuration tools to assist y'all get the best picture possible from your Android IP webcam.

Configure the IP Phone Camera App

As noted higher up, you have a few options, but it's worth using Wi-Fi first to become to grips with the app.

Then, with IP Phone Camera installed, select Wi-Fi on the main screen (or in the Settings carte), then hit Starting time Broadcasting. Use the Plus and Minus buttons to zoom in and out of the subject.

Notation some of the other options in the Settings screen. Hither, you tin can set the app to automatically Start dissemination on app launch, as well equally use the Video Quality settings to save bandwidth. There's also a Crave password option, only that'south only bachelor with the Premium subscription for the app.

To upgrade, tap the menu button, so Upgrade. There's a complimentary seven-24-hour interval trial, then the choice to pay $ii.49 a calendar month or $21.49 per year.

Access Your IP Webcam via Any Browser

If yous're viewing the Android IP webcam from within your wireless network, use the URL displayed on the broadcast screen. This is formatted equally an IP address with a port number, such as 192.168.1.103:6677.

There's as well a secondary option, in case you utilize Deskshare's Security Monitor Pro desktop software for Windows. This premium app gives additional functionality, but in most cases, you lot probably won't demand the $89.95 software.

For the mobile cyberspace streaming option, meanwhile, the URL to visit is ipphonecamera.deskshare.com.

View your IP camera in your browser

All y'all need to do is copy the URL into any browser on your computer or any other network-connected device. If you're using the mobile internet option for streaming, the app will brandish the credentials needed to admission the feed.

Controlling the IP Webcam Remotely

The app'south browser console includes an easy-to-use touch-friendly panel of controls. Here you tin control the zoom and effulgence level, rotate the camera, and enable the camera light if necessary.

You lot can also hit Switch Camera to flip between front and back cameras on your Android device. Yous'll spot a Record Video feature, too, just this is limited to users of Security Monitor Pro.

Positioning Your IP Camera

With everything fix, you'll need to position the smartphone advisedly. You accept several options here:

  • Basic desktop stand: Use this to place your phone on a flat surface
  • Smartphone tripod: Provides a steady film
  • Smartphone tripod with flexible legs: Intended to allow you place your phone anywhere
  • Windshield-mounted phone holder: Usually found in cars, ideal for attaching your phone to drinking glass or metallic surfaces

Narrow down your options with our guide to the best fluid head tripods. If you're low on budget, no worries, we've covered some DIY smartphone tripod mounts too.

Your Android IP Webcam Is Set up to Utilise

Your IP camera is fix to use with the software installed—the phone carefully positioned—and it streaming video across the web. Perchance you're using it to find your property, or y'all might have it ready every bit a baby monitor. Or perhaps y'all just want to capture events exterior your dwelling or in the street and share them with the world.

It is important to note that there is a lag when using this app; however, the lag is less than when viewing IP webcam footage over mobile internet.