Security Camera: Watchful Cam

Security Camera: Watchful Cam

Home, nanny, pet, baby monitor

134 ratings
15 reviews
Free
In-App Purchases

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • July 13, 2023
  • April 30, 2026
Security Camera: Watchful Cam screenshot #1 for iPhone
Security Camera: Watchful Cam screenshot #2 for iPhone
Security Camera: Watchful Cam screenshot #3 for iPhone
Security Camera: Watchful Cam screenshot #4 for iPhone
iphone
ipad
🖼️Get Icon
Icons↘︎

About

Transform your old Apple devices into a powerful security camera system. Stream live video, capture snapshots, and receive motion detection alerts remotely. Footage is securely stored on your device or in your private iCloud.

Live video feed
Video and snapshot recording
Time-lapse videos
Motion detection with notifications
Adjustable storage duration
Secure iCloud storage
Show original description

What's New in Security Camera

2026.2

April 30, 2026

This update includes performance improvements. We’d love to hear your feedback at feedback@watchful.cam.

Subscription plans

Watchful Pro (annual)

Higher resolution, longer storage

$39.991 Year
3 Days trial
How to cancel Security Camera subscription ⁉️
2

In-App Purchases

$99.99

Watchful Pro (lifetime)

Higher resolution, longer storage

User reviews

Watchful design problems

Spent a half day setting this app up and tested it overnight with the settings only record video when motion is detected and motion detection on. Left my iphone in a dark room and went to bed. When I woke up, the application had created countless videos and photos of the black darkness with zero motion occurring. So happy I used apple pay so that I could get my money back. There is no free trial. Be aware that you will need to leave your lockscreen unlocked because by design apple does not allow the camera to run when the lock screen is protecting the phone. When the lockscreen is off your phone will show the video on your phone and green camera light for everyone to see. Just buy a security camera compatible with an app from app store.
Show more

Camara luz mola 1615

Abigail1615

booooo

doesnt seem to seamlessly work and i dont have the time for it,and its just another trac ker anyways

Response from developer

I've spent the past three years working full-time on Watchful. I care a lot about privacy, which is why I designed Watchful to collect as little data as possible and to store your data in your private iCloud storage. You can verify this in the privacy policy at watchful.cam/privacy. I've also put a huge amount of effort into ensuring that Watchful works seamlessly. If you encounter any problems, please let me know at support@watchful.cam, and I'll be happy to help you resolve them. If this response has been helpful to you, I would appreciate it if you could revise your review and rating, since your current review doesn't reflect how Watchful works, and unfair reviews like this negatively impact my income as an independent developer.

Limited time recordings in free version

Even with paid version, maximum video storage length. Also no ability to only record when there’s movement.

Response from developer

Watchful now has motion detection, with the ability to save videos only when movement is detected. You can export your videos and photos directly from the app. Videos and photos are deleted after the maximum storage period that you set, because otherwise your iCloud or device storage would fill up. Please contact me at feedback@watchful.cam, and I'll be happy to resolve any other issues.

Barebones

Settings are basically not there. Can't do photos in less than a 10s interval (e.g. no 5s or 1s), and doesn't seem to store media anywhere accessible to the user (e.g. not in ~/Movies, etc), so they're trying to force you to keep a subscription to access any recordings. Overall, feels like something someone built in a day, threw it on the Mac store and thought they could just make some passive income with it? Good idea, might work for some folks' needs, but IMO: pass.
Show more

Response from developer

There are some technical reasons related to iCloud for why the recording intervals start at 10 seconds. If you need a shorter interval, you can achieve the same result by setting the app to record videos. Watchful now also has motion detection and notifications. What settings or features do you find are missing? Your media is accessible to you in ~/Library/Group Containers/group.co.superabundant.Watchful, regardless of whether or not you have a subscription. You can also export individual videos and photos directly from the app. I've spent the past three years working full time on Watchful. I truly care about making a great app, and negative reviews have a major impact on my livelihood. I'm always available for support and feedback at support@watchful.cam. If you find this response helpful, please consider changing your rating.

Developer apps

FAQ

What does Watchful Cam do?

Watchful Cam transforms your iPhone, iPad, or Mac into a functional security camera. It allows you to stream live video, record footage, take snapshots, and receive motion detection alerts remotely on your other devices.

How is my footage stored?

Footage is securely stored either directly on your device or within your private iCloud storage. This ensures your recordings are kept safe and accessible only to you.

Is there a cost to use Watchful Cam?

The app is free to download and use, with options for in-app purchases. Specific features or expanded functionality may require these purchases.

What devices is Watchful Cam compatible with?

The application is designed to work with Apple devices, specifically iPhones, iPads, and Macs, turning them into surveillance cameras.

What are the common use cases for Watchful Cam?

Common uses include setting up a home security camera, monitoring a baby or pet, or using it as a nanny cam. It's versatile for various surveillance needs.