Turn two phones into a private baby monitor
You probably already own everything you need for a baby monitor: two devices and a home Wi‑Fi network. A drawer phone, an old iPad, or a partner's spare handset can become the "Baby Unit," while the phone in your pocket becomes the "Parent Unit." Here's how to set it up in about two minutes.
What you'll need
- Two iOS devices (iPhone or iPad) on the same Wi‑Fi network.
- A charger for the Baby Unit — live monitoring uses battery quickly.
- Baby Talkie installed on both.
Step 1 — Choose a role on each device
Open Baby Talkie on both devices. On the one you'll leave in the room, choose Baby Unit. On the one you'll keep with you, choose Parent Unit. A single universal app plays both roles, so there's nothing else to download.
Step 2 — Pair with the QR code
The Baby Unit shows a QR code. On the Parent Unit, tap Scan code and point the camera at it. Pairing happens in person, which is what keeps it private: the pairing secret only ever appears on the Baby Unit's screen, so a device that never saw it can't listen in.
Step 3 — Place the Baby Unit safely
Prop the Baby Unit with a clear view of the room, at least a metre (about three feet) from the crib, with the charging cable well out of reach. Then keep the Parent Unit with you and you'll hear the room.