Home Monitoring

Turn a spare smartphone into a home monitoring camera. With Hestiaa, you can use a compatible phone's built-in camera to view your home remotely from another compatible device—without buying a dedicated monitoring camera.

Put your spare phone to work. Keep an eye on what matters.

Turn a Spare Phone into a Home Monitor

You may already have what you need for basic home monitoring: an old or spare smartphone. Instead of leaving it unused in a drawer, use Hestiaa to turn its built-in camera into a monitoring device.

Set up the phone in a suitable location, connect it using the Hestiaa app, and use another compatible phone to check the live view remotely, subject to the app's supported features and connectivity requirements.

No separate camera hardware is required.

How Does Phone-Based Home Monitoring Work?

1. Choose a Spare Smartphone

Use a compatible smartphone with a working camera. Position it where you want to monitor a room or area.

2. Set Up Hestiaa

Install and configure the Hestiaa app according to the setup instructions. Make sure the monitoring phone has sufficient power and a reliable internet connection if required by the app.

3. View Your Home Remotely

Use another compatible device to access the monitoring view through Hestiaa, wherever remote access is supported and an internet connection is available.

Why Use Hestiaa for Home Monitoring?

Reuse a Device You Already Own

Give a spare smartphone a practical new purpose instead of immediately buying another monitoring device.

No Dedicated Camera Hardware

Hestiaa is based on smartphone cameras. You do not need to purchase a separate dedicated monitoring camera to use this approach.

Monitor from Another Device

Check the supported live view remotely rather than needing to stand beside the phone being used for monitoring.

A Flexible, Phone-Based Approach

Use a compatible smartphone in an appropriate location, subject to the app's capabilities, device requirements and connectivity.

What Can You Monitor at Home?

Phone-based monitoring can be useful for checking a room, keeping an eye on a living area while away, or viewing an area where you have permission to monitor.

Depending on your needs, explore Hestiaa's dedicated use cases for pet monitoring, baby monitoring and elderly monitoring.

What Do You Need?

  • Two compatible smartphones, if required by your chosen setup.
  • A working camera on the monitoring phone.
  • The Hestiaa app configured on the relevant devices.
  • Reliable power and connectivity as required by the app.
  • Permission to monitor the space and inform people where appropriate.

Review Hestiaa's compatibility and setup instructions before getting started.

Start Monitoring with Hestiaa

Make use of a compatible smartphone you already own and explore a simpler approach to remote home monitoring.

Explore our Features, Subscriptions and FAQ pages to learn more.

FAQ

Do I need to buy a separate security camera?

No dedicated camera hardware is required for Hestiaa's phone-camera-based approach. A compatible smartphone with a working camera serves as the monitoring device.

Can I use an old smartphone?

Potentially, yes. The phone must meet Hestiaa's compatibility requirements, and its camera, battery or power supply, and connectivity must be suitable for the intended use.

Can I view my home when I am away?

Hestiaa is designed for remote monitoring. Remote viewing depends on the app's supported functionality, device setup and connectivity.

Does phone-based monitoring replace a dedicated security system?

Not necessarily. A smartphone-based solution may suit basic remote visual checks, but it should not be assumed to provide dedicated security-system features such as professional monitoring, certified alarms or guaranteed recording.

Is phone-based monitoring suitable for every situation?

No. Consider camera placement, lighting, power, network reliability, privacy and the limitations of the device. Do not rely on it as the sole method for emergency detection or critical safety monitoring.