Technology has revolutionized the way we live. From being able to order pizza from the comfort of our homes to being able to check the weather in real-time, technology has made our lives easier and more convenient in countless ways. One of the most useful pieces of technology we have access to is our phones.

While most people think of their phones as just a way to call, text, and use social media, there are actually a variety of creative and surprising ways to use your phone around your home. From easy home security solutions to helping you with your grocery shopping and more, here are some of the most interesting and practical ways to use your phone around your home.

1. Turn your phone into a thermal camera to find leaks

Get excited - you can transform your phone into a thermal imaging camera! This can be used to make sure your heating and cooling are efficient. This can also be used for night vision and contactless temperature screening, as well as termite and leakage detection around your home.

Infrared light can be detected by cellphone cameras, making it visible. However, most smartphone cameras will filter infrared light to get a better image with visible light. Nevertheless, with the right adjustments, an ordinary smartphone can produce thermal images, which can be used in a wide range of fields like military, navigation, firefighting, surveillance, electrical and HVAC checks, hunting, etc.

For instance, you can get a Seek Thermal Camera to attach to your iPhone, and set the mode to capture the thermal images. If that's not for you, you could also try Thermal App and FLIR One.

But if you are a techie type of person, go ahead and remodel your phone into a thermal camera by removing its IR filter.

2. Turn your phone into a home security camera

Want to recycle your old smartphone? Why not use its built-in camera and Wi-Fi connection to make a home security camera? With the right app, you can set up a home security system that will provide peace of mind and keep your home safe.

The first step is to choose a security app that will turn your phone into a home security camera. There are plenty of options out there, so you'll need to do some research to find the one that best suits your needs. Make sure the app you choose is compatible with your phone and has all the features you need. Once you've selected an app, you can start setting up your home security system.

Most apps allow you to customize the settings, including motion detection, remote access, and more. You can also set up notifications, so you'll be alerted if there is an activity in your home. Once you have the system set up, you can monitor your home remotely from your phone. You can even get live streaming video from the camera, so you can check in on your home at any time.

When it comes to security, the best feature of a smartphone home security camera is that it is always with you. This allows you to keep an eye on your home even when you're away. And since the camera is connected to your phone, you can access it with just a few taps.

3. Turn your phone into a baby monitor

Turning your smartphone into a baby monitor is a great way to keep an eye on your little one from wherever you are. Whether you're in the office, running errands, or just want some peace and quiet, having a baby monitor on call is an invaluable tool. It can provide you with the comfort and assurance that your baby is safe and secure - even when you're not in the same room.

The process of turning your smartphone into a baby monitor is surprisingly simple. All you have to do is install an app, like Dormi, on your phone to check on your little human from time to time or soothe him whenever he starts crying. This app will allow you to view and listen to your baby from anywhere in the world. You can adjust the settings to allow you to remotely adjust the volume and brightness of the image, as well as to set up notifications so that you get an alert if your baby is making noise.

Once you have the app installed and set up, you can then begin to use your phone as a baby monitor. You will be able to see and hear your baby on your phone's screen, and you can even share the app with other family members so that they can also stay connected. You can also use the app to take pictures or videos of your little one for your own personal records.

Using your phone as a baby monitor is not only convenient, but it also provides you with peace of mind. You can be sure that your baby is safe and secure, even when you can't be there in person. Plus, you can rest assured that you'll be alerted if your baby wakes up or makes noise, so that you can quickly respond if necessary. With a baby monitor on call, you can be sure that your baby is never far from your thoughts - even when you're not in the same room.

4. Turn your phone into a metal detector

Who would have thought your smartphone could do something so amazing? With the free Metal Detector app for iPhones, you can now use your phone to search for metal! All you need to do is tap into the magnetometer which helps detect the X,Y, Z axes for the compass. Don't be fooled by what this app can do - crank up the intensity and you'll be surprised by the items it finds. A metal detector can sense anything that has magnetism. If you're an Android user, you can also get a Metal Detector app, albeit made by a different developer, with a few slight variations in the way it works.

Having a portable metal detector can be very handy for a variety of reasons. For example, if you're looking to repair or spruce up your interior, a metal detector can be perfect for finding wires in the wall. It makes the process of discovering wires so much easier! And if you ever find yourself without the house or car keys, just turn on the metal detector to find them more quickly. Additionally, it's also useful for checking your clothes and luggage for metal objects before heading to the airport!

5. Control your car using your phone

Wouldn't it be amazing if you could preheat or pre-cool your car before you even reach the parking lot? There are many car accessories and apps out there that can help turn your smartphone into a car remote control. For example, Viper SmartStart and CarLink can extend the functionalities of your phone to control your car at your fingertips.

The complete setup of the system allows you to start your engine, unlock your doors, lift the trunk, find your spot, and switch on your security system. In addition, the premium versions come with text notifications for when you drive over the speed limit, or when your vehicle's battery is running low.

The apps for Android and Apple are free to download and try, however extra hardware and a regular subscription is needed to make them functional.

Conclusion

It's easy to assume that all smartphones are capable of doing is making phone calls, taking photos, and playing games. However, there are plenty of other ways to make the most of your smartphone - including a home security camera, thermal camera, metal detector, car remote control, and a baby monitor.

While we typically think of our phones as a source of entertainment and communication, we can actually do a whole lot more with them. And while you might already be familiar with some of the most popular ways to use your phone around the home, you may be surprised at how many other options there are out there.

To get the most out of your phone, you just need to know where to look. And there are lots of free apps available to help you take advantage of your smartphone's unique set of features. From home security and baby monitors to remote access and alarms, there's no reason to limit yourself to only the standard functions of your phone.

View Comments

What's my model number?

There are several ways to locate your model number:

Option 1
On your device, go to Settings, then "About device" and scroll down to "Model number"
Option 2
Often times you can view the model number inside the device, by removing the battery
Option 3
Using Samsung's model/serial number location tool

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