How to Build a Tiny Spy Camera From Old Phone Parts

Introduction

Building your own DIY spy camera using old cell phone parts can be a fun and educational project. With just a little bit of know-how, you can repurpose old smartphone components to create a tiny, hidden camera for cheap.

In this guide, I will walk you through the full process of constructing a miniature spy cam from reused phone parts step-by-step. You'll learn how to disassemble a smartphone, identify the key components to salvage, assemble the camera hardware, and configure the software.

By the end, you'll have the skills to build your own covert camera for under $20. While this project is meant for educational purposes, please use discretion and respect people's privacy if deploying your spy cam.

What You'll Need

To build the DIY phone spy camera, you'll need the following materials:

• An old smartphone - This will provide the camera module, processor, battery and storage. An Android phone works best.

• A computer - For installing and configuring the software. A Windows PC, Mac or Linux machine will work.

• Miniature camera case - A small plastic enclosure to house the camera components.

• Cables and wiring - Including jumper wires, a USB cable and soldering equipment.

• Software - Apps to turn the phone into a security camera. I recommend IP Webcam and TinyCam Monitor.

• Basic toolkit - Small screwdrivers, tweezers, pliers, etc. to disassemble the phone.

The total cost for the components should be under $20 assuming you have an old smartphone to reuse. Let's look at how to source these parts on a budget.

Finding a Used Phone Donor

The phone will provide the key hardware like the camera, CPU, battery and storage. I'd recommend an older Android device like a Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel.

You can often find used/broken phones on eBay or Craigslist for cheap. The phone only needs to have a working camera module and motherboard. Cracked screens or dead batteries are fine. Expect to pay $5-$20 for an Android donor phone.

Picking a Camera Case

You'll need a tiny plastic enclosure to mount the salvaged phone camera module inside. A small project box, key fob case or fake power outlet works great. Check eBay, Amazon or your local electronics shop. Get a case under 2" x 1" x 1" in size to keep it very discreet.

Gathering Cables, Wires and Tools

You'll also need some basic supplies like jumper wires to connect the components, a USB cable for power/data transfer and basic soldering gear. It's handy to have a miniature screwdriver set and tweezers to disassemble the smartphone. Expect to spend $5-10 on these.

Disassembling the Phone

With your parts gathered, it's time to extract the camera module from the donor phone. Here are the key steps:

Remove SIM Card and Battery

• First, eject and remove any SIM card from the phone using a paperclip.

• Next, locate and take out the battery. This will allow you to safely work on the device.

Open the Phone Case

• Carefully pry off the phone's rear case cover using a spudger, credit card or guitar pick. Apply even pressure and work slowly.

• Once the case is off, you'll have access to the phone's internals. Be gentle so as to not damage any components.

Locate and Remove the Camera

• Using your tweezers, carefully disconnect the thin camera connector cable.

• Then, unscrew and lift out the camera module from its bracket.

• The camera will be a small square component with a protruding lens. Detach any sticky tape securing it.

• Remove any nearby parts that are still connected to the camera like the flash module.

You now have the bare camera ready to be installed in the new spy cam case!

Assembling the DIY Spy Camera

With the smartphone camera module extracted, it's time to assemble it into the covert camera enclosure:

Prepare the Camera Case

• Drill a hole in the side or back of the plastic case big enough for the camera lens to poke through. Sand and deburr the hole smooth.

• Glue or tape down any components that will be mounted permanently inside the case like the camera board.

Connect the Camera Module

• Use jumper wires to connect the camera's connector cable to a tiny camera board or flexible PCB.

• Solder connections securely in place and insulate with heat shrink tube. This lets you interface the camera with other components.

Install Other Components

• Install the phone's motherboard and battery inside the case, wiring them to the camera board.

• Add a small switch to control power.

• Consider attaching a tiny microphone and LEDs if desired.

Close Up the Case

• Once all components are installed and connected, close up the plastic case.

• Use electrical tape to seal seams and make the housing light-proof if needed.

With some careful assembly, your phone camera components are now incognito inside the DIY spy cam case!

Configuring the Camera Software

To control your phone-based spy cam, you'll need to install camera apps and configure software:

Install IP Webcam App

• On the phone, download and install the app IP Webcam from the Google Play Store. This turns the phone into a web-connected security camera.

• Launch the app and enable all permissions when prompted. Grant camera, microphone, storage access, etc.

Configure Streaming Settings

• In IP Webcam's settings, configure video streaming:
• Set video resolution and FPS (640x480 @ 20fps is a good baseline).
• Enable audio, motion detection and prebuffering as desired.
• Set the MJPEG stream port (8080 is common).

Retrieve Camera Login Info

• Note the IP Webcam URL shown in the app (will be the phone's IP address plus port).

• You'll use this info later to view the stream from another device.

Install TinyCam Monitor App

• On your viewing device (PC, Mac, etc), get the Android app TinyCam Monitor. This will let you connect to and view the phone's camera feed.

• Launch the app and grant permissions when prompted.

Add New Camera Source

• In TinyCam Monitor, click Add Camera and select IP Webcam.

• Enter your phone's IP Webcam URL and video settings.

• Click Add Source and you should now see live video!

With the apps set up properly, you can now discreetly view and monitor video from your DIY spy cam!

Using the Hidden Camera

Your tiny spy camera is complete! Here are some tips on covertly shooting video and staying discreet:

• Use an inconspicuous enclosure that blends into the surroundings. Hide it in plain sight.

• Run an extended USB cable to a nearby laptop or battery pack to power the camera without being obvious.

• View the video feed remotely from your phone or a distant computer. Use headphones to avoid suspicion.

• Be cautious of camera overheating if enclosed. Allow ventilation and use intermittent recording.

• To capture audio, enable the phone microphone through IP Webcam's settings. But confirm local laws first.

• Most importantly, respect people's reasonable expectations of privacy as you operate the cam.

So in summary, salvaging components from an old phone provides an inexpensive way to create your own DIY spy camera! With a bit of DIY spirit, you can build an incognito camera. But please use discretion and legally if deploying your covert device.