Using an Android Tablet as an IP Camera in Your Smart Home

General
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Hey everyone! I wanted to share a neat tip that I stumbled upon while setting up my smart home. If you have an old Android tablet lying around, you can repurpose it as an IP camera for your home automation system. Here’s how I made it work:

Scenario

I have an Android tablet with Android 11 that I no longer use. I decided to place it in the hallway as a frontend for my home automation system. The tablet is always powered with a charger, and I disabled all power-saving settings to ensure it stays on.

Hardware Setup

  • Tablet: Any Android device running Android 4.1 or higher should work. I used an older model with Android 11.
  • Power Supply: Make sure the tablet is always connected to a power source.
  • Fixed IP Address: Assign a static IP address to the tablet on your local network for consistent connectivity.

Software Configuration

  1. IP Webcam App: I installed the free version of the “IP Webcam” app (version 1.13.25) on the tablet. I chose this version because newer versions had issues with the screen saver turning off the camera feed. You can download it from APKPure.
  2. Home Automation Integration: On my home automation platform, I searched for “Android IP Webcam” under devices and services. I followed the prompts to integrate the tablet’s front camera as an IP camera.

Additional Tips

  • Mobile Monitoring: You can also monitor the camera feed on your smartphone using the “TinyCam Monitor Free” app. This is handy if your phone doesn’t have the home automation app installed.
  • Web Access: If you want to access the camera feed from outside your home, you’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router. Just be cautious with security settings!

Why I Love This Setup

This solution is cost-effective and repurposes an old device that would otherwise gather dust. It adds an extra layer of security to my home without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s a great way to experiment with home automation if you’re just getting started.

If you have any questions or tips about setting this up, feel free to drop a comment below! Happy automating! :rocket: