
Hello! I'm Hristo, a dedicated software developer with a passion for creating innovative applications that solve everyday problems. I'm the proud creator of [SpyCam](https://spycam.app): The app that turns your Mac into a hidden security camera with real-time motion detection.

In addition to SpyCam, I've developed [Magic Switch](https://magic-switch.com), a handy tool that lets users seamlessly switch their Magic Mouse or Magic Keyboard between Macs, enhancing productivity and ease of use in multi-device environments.

My approach to technology and innovation is simple: create solutions that make people's lives easier and more enjoyable.


Hi I'm Hristo, the creator of SpyCam app.

Hristo


Your Mac is sitting on your desk right now, probably just browsing the web or checking email. But it’s capable of so much more. Most people use only a fraction of their Mac’s capabilities. In fact, it can be a security system, a media hub, a smart home controller, and more.

In this article, I will show you five practical **Mac projects** you can set up for your home right now. No special equipment required beyond your Mac. Some of these projects might completely change how you think about what your computer can do.

## Table of Contents

1. [Turn Mac into a Security Camera](#1-turn-mac-into-a-security-camera)
2. [Home Media Server](#2-home-media-server)
3. [Home Automation Hub](#3-home-automation-hub)
4. [Personal Cloud / NAS](#4-personal-cloud--nas)
5. [Retro Gaming Console](#5-retro-gaming-console)

## 1. Turn Mac into a Security Camera

You don’t need expensive security system setups and external CCTV cameras. Your Mac or MacBook can handle home surveillance on its own. Whether you’re monitoring pets while you’re away, watching your office workspace, or catching package deliveries in real-time, your computer has everything needed for the job.

The key is choosing the right security camera app. Several options are available on the Mac App Store, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Popular choices include SpyCam, Hidden, CamEyes, and ZoomOn. ( For a detailed comparison, check out my guide to **the best security camera apps for Mac** )

### Why SpyCam Stands Out

![SpyCam Monitoring Your Space.jpeg](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/SpyCam_Monitoring_Your_Space.jpeg)

For this tutorial, we’ll use SpyCam because it offers powerful features that make home security easy.

- **Smart motion detection** that catches even the slightest movements.
- **Lock screen mode** that automatically activates when you step away from your desk.
- **Menu bar integration** that runs silently in the background without cluttering your desktop.

### Here’s how to set it up:

1. **Download SpyCam** from the Mac App Store and launch the app.
2. Configure you settings in the **Quick Setup**:
   - Adjust **motion sensitivity** based on your preference.
   - Set **video duration** for how long each recording should be.
   - Choose **cooldown periods** between recordings.
   - Select a **save location** for your footage. ( Note: You can choose to save your footage inside **Photos app.** This will sync all recordings between your devices )

![SpyCam Quick Setup.png](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/SpyCam_Quick_Setup.png)

1. **Pick a Menu Bar Icon** ( Optional )

   Choose from a list of 30+ icons so your monitoring stays private.

![SpyCam Onboarding Menu Bar Icon.png](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/SpyCam_Onboarding_Menu_Bar_Icon.png)

1. **Start Monitoring** your home
   - Click “**Start Monitoring**” to begin recording immediately, or
   - Enable **Lock Screen Mode** to automatically arm your Mac when you step away and lock the screen.

![SpyCam running in Surveillance Mode.png](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/SpyCam_running_in_Surveillance_Mode.png)

### Pro Tips For Better Security Footage

- Position your Mac with a clear view of entry points ( doors / windows ).
- Keep your Mac plugged in for 24/7 monitoring.
- Use an external camera attached to your Mac for more flexible camera positioning.

## 2. Home Media Server

Tired of juggling multiple streaming subscriptions? Your Mac can become a personal Netflix-style server that centralizes all your media in one place. Stream your favorite movies and shows to any device in your home, with no monthly fees.

### What is a Home Media Server?

A home media server transforms your Mac into a centralized entertainment hub. Think of it as your personal streaming service: you organize your video library in one location, and the server makes it accessible to all your devices like smart TVs, phones, tablets, even game consoles.

![Screenshot 2025-11-20 at 14.53.41.png](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/Screenshot_2025-11-20_at_14.53.41.png)

### Why set one up?

Setting up a home media server gives you complete control over your entertainment:

- **Consolidate your content** - All your videos, home movies, and purchased media sit one place
- **Stream anywhere** - Watch on any device, even when you're away from home
- **No recurring costs** - One-time setup with no subscription fees
- **Family-friendly** - Everyone on your network can access the shared library

### Setting Up Plex Media Server

Plex is the most popular home media server solution. It's free, intuitive, and works with basically every device. Here's how to get it running on your Mac:

**Step 1: Install Plex Media Server**

1. Visit the [Plex downloads page](https://www.plex.tv/media-server-downloads/?cat=computer&plat=macos#plex-media-server) and download **Plex Media Server** for Mac. Note
2. Open the downloaded file and drag the **Plex Media Server** app to your Applications folder.
3. Launch the app. **It will appear in your menu bar.**

![Screenshot 2025-11-20 at 15.44.55.png](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/Screenshot_2025-11-20_at_15.44.55.png)

**Step 2: Create Your Account**

1. Click the Plex menu bar icon and select "Open Plex…".
2. Your browser will open to the Plex web interface.
3. Sign up using your account.

![Plex Media Server Interface Large.jpeg](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/Plex_Media_Server_Interface_Large.jpeg)

**Step 3: Build Your Media Library**

1. Click your profile icon in the top-right corner → Account Settings, then select "Libraries." under “Manage” category.
2. Click "Add Library" and choose the type (Movies, TV Shows, Music, etc.).
3. Select the folder on your Mac where your media files are stored.
4. Plex will automatically scan and organize your content, pulling in thumbnails, descriptions, etc.

![Screenshot 2025-11-20 at 15.44.12.png](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/Screenshot_2025-11-20_at_15.44.12.png)

**Pro tip:** Create folders like `/Users/YourName/Movies/Plex` to keep your media organized. Any file you add to this folder will automatically appear in Plex on all your devices!

**Step 4: Configure Remote Access (Optional)**

Want to stream your content while traveling? Enable remote access:

1. Go to Settings → Remote Access
2. Click "Enable Remote Access"
3. Plex will configure your network automatically

**Note:** If you prefer to keep your media server private and accessible only within your home network, leave this disabled.

### Watching Your Media on Other Devices

Now that your Mac has become a media server. Here’s how to watch content on your other devices:

**On Smart TVs:**

1. Download the Plex app from your TV's app store (available on LG, Samsung, Sony, Roku, Apple TV, and others).
2. Open the app and sign in with your Plex account.
3. Your server will appear automatically, select it and start watching.

![Image of Plex installed on my LG OLED TV Large.jpeg](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/Image_of_Plex_installed_on_my_LG_OLED_TV_Large.jpeg)

**On Mobile Devices:**

1. Download Plex from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
2. Sign in with your account.
3. Tap your server name and browse your library.

**On Web Browsers:**

Visit [app.plex.tv](https://app.plex.tv/) from any computer, sign in, and start streaming.

### Pro Tips for the Best Experience

- **Keep your Mac awake** - Go to System Settings → Energy Saver and prevent your Mac from sleeping when plugged in. Your server needs to stay running to stream content.
- **Use a wired connection** - Connect your Mac to your router via Ethernet for the smoothest streaming experience.
- **Organize your files properly** - Name your files clearly (e.g., "Movie Title (Year).mp4") so Plex can identify them correctly.
- **Consider an external drive** - If your movie collection is large, store it on an external hard drive to save space on your Mac's main storage.

That’s it! Your Mac is now a powerful streaming server that rivals commercial services. Add new content to your designated folders, and it automatically appears across all your devices. No subscriptions, no limits, just your content.

## 3. Home Automation Hub

Your lights. Your thermostat. Your smart plugs. They all work through different apps. It's annoying. You need one app to control the lights, another for the thermostat, and a third for your smart speakers. One thing you might not be aware of is that your Mac can control all of them at once.

### What is a Home Automation Hub?

Think of it like a universal remote for your home. Instead of just controlling your TV, it controls everything smart in your house. Lights, locks, cameras, thermostats, even your coffee maker if it's smart enough.

A home automation hub connects all your devices and lets you control them from one interface.

![Home App on Mac Large.jpeg](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/Home_App_on_Mac_Large.jpeg)

### Why Use Your Mac as a Hub?

Your Mac offers some real advantages over phone control:

- **Bigger screen** for easier control and monitoring
- **Always-on availability** when plugged in at your desk
- **Automation triggers** that run even when you're away
- **Voice control** through Siri without pulling out your phone

### Setting Up Home on Your Mac

Apple's Home app comes pre-installed on every Mac. The setup is straightforward.

**Step 1: Open the Home App**

Find Home in your Applications folder, or use Spotlight to search for it, then launch the app.

**Step 2: Add Your Devices**

Most modern smart home devices work with Apple Home. Look for the "Works with Apple Home" badge when buying new devices.

**Step 3: Create a Scene**

Scenes control multiple devices with one tap. For example, a "Work Mode" scene could:

- Turn on your desk lamp
- Set office lights to 80% brightness
- Power on your monitor through a smart plug
- Adjust the temperature to 72 degrees

Here's how to create a scene:

1. Click the "+" button and select "Add Scene."
2. Choose a name like "Movie Time" or "Good Morning."
3. Click “Add or Remove Accessories”
4. Set what each device should do ( ON/OFF )
5. Click "Done."

![Home App Scene Creation Large.jpeg](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/Home_App_Scene_Creation_Large.jpeg)

### Setting Up Automations

Automations run your scenes automatically based on triggers. No manual control needed.

To set this up:

1. Go to the Automation tab in Home.
2. Click "+" to create a new automation.
3. Choose your trigger (time, location, sensor, etc.).
4. Select which scene to run.

![Screenshot 2025-11-20 at 16.44.37.png](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/Screenshot_2025-11-20_at_16.44.37.png)

**Example automation:** When the last person leaves home, it triggers the “Leave Home” scene, which turns off all sockets to preserve electricity.

### Pro Tips for Better Control

**Start small.** Get one or two lights first. Learn how scenes and automations work. Then expand.

**Use descriptive names.** "Kitchen Light 1" is better than "Light 1" when using voice control.

**Check device placement.** Smart devices need a decent Wi-Fi signal. If something keeps disconnecting, move it closer to your router.

Your Mac is now the control center for your smart home. Everything connects through one app. Set up your automations once, and your home runs itself.

## 4. Personal Cloud / NAS

Cloud storage subscriptions add up fast. iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox. You're paying monthly fees to store files that could live on your Mac instead.

Your Mac can become your own private cloud server. Access your files from anywhere without the recurring costs.

### What is a Personal Cloud?

A personal cloud turns your Mac into a file server. You store everything locally on your computer, but you can access it remotely from your phone, tablet, or another computer. It's like Dropbox, except you own the hardware.

The main difference? Your files never leave your control. No third-party servers. No privacy concerns. Just your data on your Mac.

### Why Build Your Own?

Here's what you get with a personal cloud:

- **No monthly fees** after initial setup
- **Complete privacy** for sensitive files
- **Unlimited storage** (limited only by your hard drive size)
- **Faster speeds** on your local network

### Setting Up with Resilio Sync

Resilio Sync is one of the easiest ways to create a personal cloud. It syncs folders between your devices without using external servers. Everything stays peer-to-peer.

**Step 1: Install Resilio Sync**

1. Download Resilio Sync from [resilio.com](https://www.resilio.com/individuals/)
2. Drag the app to your Applications folder
3. Launch Resilio Sync

![Resilio Sync DMG.png](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/Resilio_Sync_DMG.png)

**Step 2: Create Your First Sync Folder**

1. Sign Up for a Free License if you haven’t already
2. Click "+" to add a new folder
3. Select "Standard Folder" for two-way sync
4. Choose the folder you want to sync (like Documents or Photos)
5. Resilio generates a unique key for this folder

![Resilio Standard Folder.png](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/Resilio_Standard_Folder.png)

**Step 3: Connect Your Other Devices**

1. Install Resilio Sync on your phone or other computer
2. Use the key or QR code to connect to your folder
3. Choose whether to sync all files or selective folders

Your devices will now stay in sync automatically. Add a file on your Mac, and it appears on your phone within seconds (when both devices are online).

![Resilio Sync on iPhone.PNG](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/Resilio_Sync_on_iPhone.png)

### Alternative Option: File Sharing

Mac has built-in file sharing if you just need basic access without syncing.

1. Go to System Settings > General > Sharing
2. Enable "File Sharing"
3. Click on the Info Icon
4. Add folders you want to share
5. Connect from other devices using your Mac's address

![File Sharing on Mac.png](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/File_Sharing_on_Mac.png)

This works great for accessing files occasionally but doesn't keep everything synced like Resilio does.

### Pro Tips for Personal Cloud

**Use an external drive.** If you're storing large amounts of data, connect an external hard drive to your Mac. This keeps your main storage free.

**Keep your Mac awake.** Go to Energy Saver settings and prevent sleep when plugged in. Your cloud needs to stay accessible.

**Create backup folders.** Use Resilio to automatically back up important files to another Mac or external drive.

Your Mac is now your personal cloud. No subscriptions. No storage limits. Just your files, always accessible.

## 5. Retro Gaming Console

Your Mac can play thousands of classic games from the 80s and 90s. Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation, even old arcade games. All running smoothly on your modern hardware.

No need to dig out old consoles or hunt for cartridges. Your Mac handles it all.

### What is an Emulator?

An emulator is software that mimics old gaming hardware. It tricks vintage games into thinking they're running on original consoles. Your Mac becomes a Nintendo 64, a Sega Genesis, or whatever system you want.

The games run better than they did originally. Faster load times, save states, and even graphics improvements.

![image.png](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/image.png)

### Why Use Your Mac for Retro Gaming?

- **One device, all systems** instead of multiple consoles
- **Save states** let you save anywhere, not just at checkpoints
- **Controller support** for authentic gameplay
- **Upscaling** makes old games look sharp on modern displays
- **Free**

### Setting Up OpenEmu

OpenEmu is the best emulator for Mac. It supports over 30 different systems with a clean, iTunes-like interface.

**Step 1: Download OpenEmu**

1. Visit [openemu.org](https://openemu.org/)
2. Download the latest version
3. Move it to your Applications folder
4. Launch OpenEmu
5. macOS will block it so go to your Mac Settings → Privacy & Security and click “Open Anyway”

![OpenEmu Hello Page.png](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/OpenEmu_Hello_Page.png)

**Step 2: Add Game Systems**

When you first open OpenEmu, it asks which systems you want to use.

1. Select your favorite consoles (NES, SNES, etc.)
2. OpenEmu automatically downloads the required cores
3. Wait for the installation to complete

**Step 3: Import Your Games**

You'll need game files (called ROMs). These are digital copies of game cartridges.

1. Create a folder for your games
2. Drag game files into OpenEmu's window
3. OpenEmu organizes them by system automatically
4. Box art and game info populate automatically

![image.png](/images/posts/five-practical-mac-projects-for-home/image%201.png)

### Recommended Systems to Start With

**Super Nintendo (SNES)**
Perfect for RPGs and platformers. Try classics like Super Mario World or Chrono Trigger.

**Game Boy Advance**
Great portable games. Pokemon, Metroid, and Castlevania all shine here.

**PlayStation 1**
Early 3D classics. Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, and Crash Bandicoot.

**Nintendo 64**
Iconic multiplayer games. Perfect for Mario Kart and GoldenEye sessions.

### Pro Tips for Better Gaming

**Use save states.** Press Command+S to save your exact position in any game. Load it later with Command+L. This is better than passwords or memory cards.

**Adjust video filters.** OpenEmu includes filters that make pixelated games look sharper. Go to Preferences > Video to experiment.

**Set up collections.** Group your favorite games into custom collections for quick access.

**Enable fast forward.** Hold down the fast forward button to skip grinding or slow sections in RPGs.

Your Mac is now a complete retro gaming library. Thousands of classic games, one simple app.

## Summary

As you can see, your Mac can do far more than browse the web and check email. These five practical projects transform it into a security camera, media server, smart home hub, personal cloud, and a retro gaming console. No special equipment required; Just your Mac and a few minutes of setup time.


Put your idle Mac to work with five practical home projects—from DIY security to media, automation, cloud storage, and retro gaming.

5 Practical Mac Projects for Your Home


You don’t need to buy expensive CCTV cameras and gadgets to secure your space. You already have a perfectly working security camera that you might not even know about. And that is your personal Mac. Whether you want to secure your home, office, or garage, SpyCam for Mac has you covered.

In this tutorial, I will show you how you can set up SpyCam to turn your Mac into a powerful motion-detection camera that arms itself when you leave your space unattended.

## Turn your Mac into a Security Camera in Just 5 Steps

[**SpyCam for Mac**](https://spycam.app) is an easy-to-set-up Mac app that sits conveniently in your menu bar and captures important moments via motion detection. The app is made to be stealthy and discreet while it’s working. In just five quick steps, you can turn your personal Mac into a powerful motion-detection camera.

### **1. Prepare your Mac**

For the app to work, you need a Mac running macOS Ventura or later. You also need a working camera. If you are on a MacBook, you can use the built-in FaceTime HD camera.

You can also use an external camera, connected to the Mac with a secure cable. SpyCam supports all external camera devices, including 4K-capable models.

### 2. Install the app

Go to the Mac App Store and download SpyCam. **Note: the app does NOT require any sign-up.**

![install-spycam.png](/images/posts/turn-mac-into-home-security-camera/install-spycam.png)

### 3. Go through the Quick Setup

With the app installed on your Mac, you can now proceed with the onboarding. The setup is straightforward and comprises a few essential options you can adjust:

![spycam-quick-setup.png](/images/posts/turn-mac-into-home-security-camera/spycam-quick-setup.png)

1. **Video Quality** - Choose from Low to the Highest quality available. **Note:** SpyCam supports 4k and Ultra HD camera devices. For best mix of video resolution and storage space, pick Medium quality.
2. **Recording Duration** - The duration for which SpyCam should record. Every time motion is detected, SpyCam will start recording. Each recording can be a fixed amount of time. If you choose “Auto” option then SpyCam will continue recording indefinitely until there is not more motion detected at that time.
3. **Cooldown Period** - If you don’t want to overload your storage space or you expect there to be a significant amount of movement, pick a cooldown period. This will make SpyCam pause after each recorded video. It will resume motion detection automatically after the cooldown period ends.
4. **Motion Sensitivity** - SpyCam implements a robust motion detection algorithm that can detect even the slightest movements. Set this option to high or low depending on your preference and environment. The default value for motion sensitivity is ideal for most cases.

### 4. Pick a Menu bar icon

The final step is to pick a menu bar icon that best suits you. There are 30+ icons to choose from. From a camera icon to a turtle, you can personalize SpyCam to your taste.

![spycam-menu-bar-icon-option.png](/images/posts/turn-mac-into-home-security-camera/spycam-menu-bar-icon-option.png)

### 5. Test and preview the footage on your phone

Once done, you can now start monitoring your space. To do that, go to the “Home” tab and click the “Start Monitoring” button. This arms the SpyCam and starts recording whenever motion is detected.

By default, all videos are saved in your “Photos” app. If you have iCloud enabled, each clip will be synced automatically between your devices. This makes it easy to preview all saved footage from your iPhone or iPad instantly.

## Commonly Asked Questions

### Does SpyCam use my personal data?

**No!** **SpyCam does not use or share your personal data.** The app works entirely offline. All videos are saved on-device and backed up via your individual iCloud account. Unlike other apps in the space, SpyCam **does not use third-party servers for storage**. You can rest assured that your videos are for your eyes only.

### Can I activate SpyCam only when I leave my Mac?

**Yes!** In a recent update, we introduced **Surveillance Mode.** This feature automatically activates the app when you lock your screen. SpyCam works quietly in the background even when the Mac’s screen is turned off.

### Can I preview footage on my phone?

**Yes!** You can view all your saved videos on your phone. SpyCam saves your clips inside the “Photos” app and backs them up with iCloud. If you have the same Apple ID on both devices, videos will appear automatically in your iPhone’s “Photos” app, almost instantly.

### Are there any alternatives?

**Yes**, there are a couple of alternatives to SpyCam, which I will mention below. Note that many of the apps in this space are pretty outdated and/or not as feature-rich.

## 5 Best Apps to Turn Your Mac Into a Security Camera

In this section, I’ll discuss the best apps in the Mac app space that turn your device into a security camera.

### 1. [SpyCam](https://spycam.app)

![hero-image.png](/images/posts/turn-mac-into-home-security-camera/hero-image-2.png)

With a new look and a fresh update, SpyCam is by far the most popular security camera app for Mac.

Monitor anywhere with super reliable motion detection. The five-minute setup makes SpyCam a security camera that not only packs a punch, but is super easy to use.

SpyCam emphasizes privacy and data protection. It is built from the ground up to be secure. You can rest assured that no data will leave your devices.

Notable features include:

- **Quick menu bar integration**
- **Surveillance Mode** that activates only when you lock your Mac
- **Adjustable motion detection**
- **Cooldown options**

| Rating                      | Reviews                         | Recently Updated? | Privacy Focused? |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ----------------- | ---------------- |
| 4.6 / 5.0 ( Mac App Store ) | 1200+ Reviews ( Mac App Store ) | ✅                | ✅               |

### 2. [Hidden](https://hiddencameraapp.com)

![hero-hidden.png](/images/posts/turn-mac-into-home-security-camera/hero-hidden.png)

Hidden is another app that needs no introduction. It is designed to turn your Mac, iPhone, or even iPad into a security camera. Unlike other apps in the space, it includes a neat feature called “**Private Mode**”. Once enabled, it disguises the app as a Calculator, a Clock, or simply a black screen. The app also uses iCloud to save each clip for quick sync across all your devices.

Here’s a list of its notable features:

- **Private Mode** that disguises the app as a Calculator, Clock or a Black Screen.
- **Battery Saver option** - lowers video quality and dims the screen to preserve battery.
- **Works on Mac, iPhone and iPad** and all of them can record video and preview it.

Overall, it is the strongest contender to SpyCam and deserves second place on this list.

| Rating                      | Reviews                        | Recently Updated? | Privacy Focused? |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------------ | ----------------- | ---------------- |
| 4.6 / 5.0 ( Mac App Store ) | 100+ Reviews ( Mac App Store ) | ✅                | ✅               |

### 3. [CamEyes](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cameyes/id1224862427)

![cam-eyes.png](/images/posts/turn-mac-into-home-security-camera/cam-eyes.png)

CamEyes is a classic. It has been around since macOS Mojave. It offers a few unique features, including:

- **Supports multiple cameras** at the same time
- Able to select a **specific focus zone** to detect motion
- **Sync with Dropbox** or iCloud

One thing to note: the app hasn’t been updated in a while. New macOS versions might have bugs or missing functionality.

| Rating                      | Reviews                        | Recently Updated? | Privacy Focused? |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------------ | ----------------- | ---------------- |
| 4.0 / 5.0 ( Mac App Store ) | 100+ Reviews ( Mac App Store ) | ❌                | ✅               |

### 4. [ZoomOn](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zoomon-home-security-camera/id1259276120?platform=mac)

![zoomon-hero.png](/images/posts/turn-mac-into-home-security-camera/zoomon-hero.png)

ZoomOn is one of the few home security cameras for Mac that support **HomeKit, ONVIF, and other IP Cameras.** The Mac app serves as a viewer-only. You cannot record video via the built-in camera on the MacBook, for example. You can, however, attach it to your in-home security cameras and view footage in real-time.

A list of notable features:

- **Compatible with HomeKit Camera devices.**
- **Realtime video feedback** - can preview your footage in realtime.
- **Noise Detection** - can detect audio sounds and start recording automatically.

| Rating                      | Reviews                         | Recently Updated? | Privacy Focused? |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ----------------- | ---------------- |
| 3.5 / 5.0 ( Mac App Store ) | 1000+ Reviews ( Mac App Store ) | ✅                | ❌               |

### 5. [AirBeam](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/airbeam/id442963716?mt=12)

![airbeam-hero.png](/images/posts/turn-mac-into-home-security-camera/airbeam-hero.png)

AirBeam has been out for a while now. It’s a solid app that turns your iPhone or iPad into a security camera. **The Mac app is designed to be a viewer-only,** meaning you can’t record video from the Mac itself. You need either an iPhone or an iPad for the job.

Some notable features:

- **Motion and Audio detection** - Can trigger a recording based not only on motion but on sounds too.
- **Supports multiple cameras** at the same time.
- **Realtime video feedback** - see and hear video and audio in real time.

| Rating                      | Reviews                        | Recently Updated? | Privacy Focused? |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------------ | ----------------- | ---------------- |
| 3.2 / 5.0 ( Mac App Store ) | 500+ Reviews ( Mac App Store ) | ❌                | ❌               |

## Use Cases for Mac Security Cameras

1. **Home Security** - Secure your home easily. Guard your door, porch, garage and even your mailbox. All while you are away from home.
2. **Office Monitoring** - Protect shared workspaces after hours and watch your desk while unattended.
3. **Pet Watcher** - Use SpyCam to keep an eye on your pet. While gone, SpyCam monitors and detects motion the moment your furry friend does something they are not supposed to.
4. **Package Proof** - If you are expecting a delivery to your door, SpyCam will catch the exact moment your package arrives. You will know the exact time your goods were delivered and make sure they are safe.

## Summary

As we can see, it’s now easier than ever to secure your space. You don’t even need expensive cameras or equipment to do it. All you need is your Mac, a good surface to keep it on, and an app that runs quietly in the background and records videos with motion detection.


You don’t need to buy expensive CCTV cameras and gadgets to secure your space. You already have a perfectly working security camera that is your personal Mac.

technology

5 Practical Mac Projects for Your Home

How To Turn Your Mac Into A Security Camera