Security cameras to phone: Best Wireless Security Cameras of 2023

Aug 9, 2023 alexxlab

Security Cameras Connected to Phone: Top 3 Picks & Easiest Way to Connect

Advantages of Connecting Security Cameras to Phone

While it’s important to have a security camera or system to protect your home or valuables, knowing how to make full use of it is more essential. More and more people hope to access their security cameras at any time and keep an eye on their properties when they’re away from home. Luckily, you can make it true by connecting the security camera to a phone.

1. Watch live feed/playback at any time

Getting real-time access and control of your security camera is one of the biggest benefits of connecting the camera to your mobile phone.

Whether you want to check what’s going on around your property or you want to check kids and pets, just pick up your phone and launch the App to view the live footage no matter where you are. Also, you can play back the recordings to see whether there is an event.

For people who don’t spend the whole day at home, using a mobile phone to access their security cameras gives them much relief and peace of mind. Even when you’re away, you can keep an eye on your property, family, and valuables. Real-time viewing and playback never let you miss any important matter.

2. Real-time alerts for quicker action

Most modern security cameras are equipped with motion detection, and the advanced ones have smart detection. When a smart camera detects a person, vehicle, or other events, it can send an alarm instantly to alert the homeowner. The real-time alert is essential to prevent home break-ins and crimes.

When you are busy with work or enjoying the vacation, a real-time alert that pops up on your phone can save everything. You will immediately know what’s happening and take quick actions, for example, deter the intruder via two-way audio, call the police, or ask neighbors for help. Even if you can’t go back home first, you can minimize the risk of property damage and personal injury.

3. Customize all the features

As long as you add the camera to your mobile phone, you can make full use of all its features and configure settings as you like.

You can customize the schedule for the camera to record, sound a siren, and send push notifications. For example, if you usually stay at home during weekends and don’t want the camera to sound a bothering siren, you can disable the siren in advance on your phone.

Also, you can adjust the sensitivity of the camera in case it’s too sensitive to send many false alarms. Additionally, for private areas or places that don’t need surveillance, you can mask it so as to reduce unnecessary alerts.

4. Multiple management at the same time

A quality security camera allows for multiple user access at the same time. It means you and your families and friends can view the same camera on your phones.

This could be very useful because other people can help keep tabs on your house now and then. Besides, all the family members can check the elderly, children, and pets on their phones at any time.

However, not all manufacturers support multiple user access, or they limit the number of users who can access the camera simultaneously. For Reolink, up to 12 people with the same account can view live feeds at the same time.

Security Camera That Connects to Phone: Best Picks

Security cameras from many brands can be connected to mobile phones and the difference lies in the apps and features coming with them.

As a professional security camera and solution provider, Reolink has designed a free App with many practical functions. Actually, Reolink cameras have already covered users from over 200 countries, with proven smooth and clear videos on both iPhone and Android phones.

Here we pick 3 of the best security cameras that connect to phone easily from this reputable brand.

Best 4K PoE Security Camera with Mobile App – RLC-811A

As the most popular wired security camera linked to phone, Reolink RLC-811A will definitely not let you down with rich features and an attractive price tag.

Reolink RLC-811A

4K Smart PoE Camera with 5 Spotlights

4K 8MP Ultra HD Day & Night, Person/Vehicle Alerts, 5X Optical Zoom, Two-Way Audio, Built-in Siren, Color Night Vision, Live View Anywhere.

Learn More

This wired security camera comes with 4K 8MP ultra HD and 5X optical zoom, which allows you to see every detail clearly from the mobile phone. With onboard detecting technology, RLC-811A can smartly distinguish a person, vehicle, or pet dog from other objects and thus offer accurate alerts.

It’s quite convenient to use the two-way audio on Reolink App. You can talk with your family, greet visitors, and ask strangers to leave. When any motion is detected, you’ll receive an Even when you’re away from home, you can get everything under control.

Best outdoor wireless WiFi security camera – E1 Outdoor

If you are looking for a wireless security camera linked to phone, you can’t go wrong with Reolink’s powerful WiFi camera E1 Outdoor.

Reolink E1 Outdoor

Wireless PTZ WiFi Camera with Spotlights

5MP Super HD, Smart Person/Vehicle Alerts, 355° Pan & 50° Tilt & 3X Optical Zoom, Auto Tracking, Color Night Vision, Two-Way Audio.

Learn More

This dual-band WiFi camera features a compact design and 5MP super HD for crystal-clear pictures and videos. What’s more impressive is its pan-tilt-zoom function, which means this security camera can rotate 355° horizontally and 50° vertically. You can manually adjust the camera’s angle via Reolink App from your smartphone and zoom in to check whatever you want.

More than that, this wireless security camera can track a moving person or car automatically. When any intruder tries to sneak into the house, the camera will always focus on him/her and leave him/her nowhere to hide. Put it at your front door or backyard and enjoy enhanced home security day and night.

Best smartphone compatible camera – Argus 3 Pro

Featured in the top-tier review platforms including PCMag, digitaltrends, TechHive, and awarded as one of the “Best Solar Security Cameras” by Forbes Home, Reolink Argus 3 Pro is a perfect choice for those who want a wire-free security camera.

Reolink Argus 3 Pro

2K 100% Wire-Free Spotlight Camera

2K 4MP Super HD, Battery/Solar Powered, Person/Vehicle Detection, 5/2.4 GHz Dual-Band WiFi, Color Night Vision, Two-Way Audio.

Learn More

The best part of this smartphone compatible security camera is that it works without wire hassles at all. It can be powered by a rechargeable battery or solar power and works on a 2.4/5 GHz WiFi network. You can put it anywhere, indoors and outdoors, for reliable surveillance and security.

This 2K battery-powered camera offers precise detection with intelligent AI detection technology. It has a built-in mic and speaker for you to listen and talk freely. Furthermore, it works well with Google Assistant and Alexa, allowing homeowners to voice control the camera.

How to Connect Security Camera to Phone: Top 3 Easiest Ways to Go

The majority of security camera manufacturers nowadays develop apps for their users, so that they can make use of all the great features easily in the palm of their hands. It’s recommended to use the manufacturer’s app because users won’t worry about compatibility issues.

Meanwhile, there are many other third-party platforms like Blue Iris allowing users to manage their surveillance cameras. But you’d better make sure the camera you use is compatible with the software.

The following part will introduce you to how to connect a security camera to phone in minutes, whether there is WiFi/Internet or not.

Connect Security Camera to Android/iOS with WiFi or Internet

If you have WiFi or Internet, connecting a security camera to your mobile phone will be as easy as a breeze. Here we take a Reolink camera as an example.

Step 1. Download and lauch the App (i.e, Reolink App) on your phone.

Step 2. Add the security camera to the Reolink app by scanning the QR code or entering the UID.

Step 3. Complete the initial setup of the camera, including the user name and password. After you finish this step, your camera is successfully connected to your phone.

Step 4 (Optional). Configure the camera’s settings like recording schedule, motion detection sensitivity, notifications, privacy zones, etc, according to your preferences.

This video demonstrates how to set up motion detection via the phone app:

Connect Security Camera to Phone without WiFi

Is it possible to use a security camera without WiFi?

Definitely yes. WiFi network is important, but not necessary. You can remotely access and control the camera on your property without WiFi. The simple trick is to get a 4G LTE mobile security camera that runs on cellular data.

Reolink Go Plus

Smart Wireless 4G Battery Camera

Rechargeable Battery/Solar Powered, Person/Vehicle Detection, 2K 4MP Super HD, Two-Way Audio, High-Quality Night Vision, Live View Anytime.

Learn More

But before you connect a 4G security camera to your phone, there are some preparations to be done.

Check whether your SIM card camera has a pre-installed SIM card. If yes, make sure with the sales team that it’s activated. If not, you need to purchase a SIM card and a data plan for it.
Insert the SIM card into the camera. In most cases, a SIM card is activated once you insert it in place. But some SIM cards may require APN imported to work. Click to learn how to import APN information to Reolink 4G cameras.
Now your camera and mobile phone are on the Network. You can follow the steps above to connect the 4G camera to your phone and access the camera from anywhere.

Connect Wireless Camera to Mobile Phone without Internet

Is it even possible to have a wireless camera linked to phone without WiFi or Internet?

Yes, but in a limited way. There are two methods for you.

One is to connect the security camera to a router (no need for an active Internet connection), and then you can access the camera on your phone without Internet as long as the camera and phone are on the same local network (LAN).

This method only works when the camera and your cell phone are within the range of your router network. When you are away, the camera will disconnect from your phone.

The other method is to create a WiFi network for your wireless WiFi camera with your phone’s hotspot. You can follow the steps below.

Go to the settings of your mobile phone and turn on the “hotspot” function. Set a password for the hotspot connection.
When you configure the WiFi for the camera during the initial setup process, enter the SSID and password of your phone’s hotspot.
Now the WiFi camera is connected to your phone’s hotspot, and you can use it normally because your smartphone enables the camera to transmit data.

This method requires that the wireless camera is always within the range of your phone’s hotspot. And it doesn’t apply to all wireless WiFi cameras because some of them can’t work with hotspot devices. For Reolink, only battery-powered WiFi cameras like Argus 3 Pro can use this method.

Want to see the burglar’s face clearly on your phone and catch him or her? Think of listening to what’s going on in your home and talking to your loved ones directly via the camera?

You can realize them all if you choose a quality security camera with the following key features.

1. High resolution

The image quality of a security camera is the prominent factor that affects your experience when watching live views.

Do you know that the resolution of human eyes is 576 megapixels (but really only about 7 megapixels matter)? So how could a security camera keep an “eye” on your property without high definition?

High-resolution security cameras connected to phones offer you a better user experience both in remote live viewing and playback.

You can see the faces of everyone passing by clearly, which can be a clue when you find illegal dumping on your lawn. More importantly, the clear images captured by high-definition security cameras can be very effective when prosecution is needed.

To protect your property, you need a security camera that could at least identify the human face and license plate number. It needs to be 1080p and above resolution. The higher, the better.

Reolink has been offering all types of 1080p, 4MP (1440p), 8MP, and even 12MP cameras, providing you with a much clearer and sharper view of all the objects. You may learn more details at the security camera store.

2. Excellent night vision

Want to see what’s going on outside your home in the dark night or have a look at your little ones in their sleep at your fingertips on the phone?

A security camera with excellent night vision can help you a lot.

With IR security cameras connected to your phone, you can check the monitoring place even in the dark. Before purchasing, take a special look at the number of IR LEDs that determine the night vision distance and clarity. The more IR LEDs, the better the night vision quality.

For better night vision quality, you can also search for security cameras with spotlights. The motion-activated spotlights can illuminate the monitoring area and enable the camera to capture clear and full-color images in low-light conditions.

Don’t worry if you want color night vision but only have an IR security camera. You can invest in a floodlight and put it near the camera. The floodlight can shed light on your front door or backyard. And they are more powerful than spotlights with higher lumens.

3. Smart detection & instant alerts

An instant alert before a crime happens is so much essential. It can help homeowners deter intruders and take quick action to call the police. In this way, they can protect the valuables and avoid injuries as soon as possible.

That’s why you should choose a smart security camera connected to phone and bring your home security to a new height.

Most security cameras can detect motions, but the smart ones can recognize people, vehicles, or even pets and packages. A security camera with smart detection can reduce false alarms to a great extent and allow you to focus on events that really matter.

The most important is the instant alerts, which can appear in various ways such as push notifications, emails, etc. After you connect the camera to phone, you can get an alert as soon as the camera detects an event. This gives you precious time to handle the issue and save everything.

4. Two-way audio

Whether for remote communication or for home security, security cameras with two-way audio can make a big difference.

You can warn the uninvited visitors verbally and ask them to leave through the camera’s built-in microphone. Wherever you are, you can stop theft or vandalism before any damage is caused.

Actually, security cameras with two-way audio can do far more than protect your property. For example, you can also listen to what’s going on around your house and keep the company of your loved ones by talking to them, even when you are miles away.

Besides, you can manage your package in the cafe with the two-way audio security cameras linked to your mobile phone.

5. Security camera phone app with easy navigation

An easily navigated security camera phone app (both for iPhones and Android phones) can save you a lot of trouble. And it is of exceptional importance for the elders and children who need special protection but could get puzzled by the complex configurations.

If all the monitoring can be easily handled, you will rest assured when your parents and children are left alone at home.

Reolink has tried every effort to make its mobile app easy to use and friendly to people of all ages. You will only need three simple steps to link Reolink security cameras to your phone: Install the free Reolink App on your phone, launch the app, and then add the camera to phone and get a live view.

There are instructions on the app for every step. With a clear interface and full functions, Reolink App helps you monitor your home and property remotely in a comfortable way.

Hot Questions about Security Cameras Connected to Phone

With a security camera linked to phone, remote monitoring is handy. Yet you may still have some concerns about the security cameras connected to phone.

Check the following frequently asked ones and quick answers and feel free to add yours in the comment area.

1. Can I connect my security camera to my phone without WiFi?

Yes. Not all security cameras need WiFi to work. The most simple way is to choose a 4G cellular camera that can works in any place without WiFi. With an activated SIM card, the 4G camera can work perfectly and connect to your mobile phone easily. You can get a live view from anywhere.

For some wireless WiFi security cameras like Reolink Argus 3 Pro, you can enable your mobile phone’s hotspot and provide a WiFi network to the camera. And then you can add the camera to the phone app easily.

2. What if I fail to connect my camera to cell phone?

Here are some common troubleshooting tips if you are unable to connect the camera to phone or view live streams:

Check the security camera network and power connection
Make sure the network connection is stable by testing with other network devices.
Reboot the security camera to fix issues
Reset the security camera to Its factory default

If none of the above tips works, you can ask the manufacturer’s support for help. There are some other tips for you: Security Camera Won’t Work – Top 10 Solutions to Fix.

3. Will hackers control my security camera connected to phone?

You may be concerned about safety issues after you connect the camera to phone. Is it possible for hackers to control the camera on your phone.

The short answer is NO, at least not for Reolink with the private safety protocol. No one can access the camera without your permission and the right password.

The easiest way to prevent your security camera from being hacked is to change the default password and don’t make it too simple. Here are a few tips to help make the camera hack-proof.

Conclusion

Nowadays most cameras are accessible through cell phones and tablets, which provides us with great convenience in monitoring home security in real time and helps us make the most out of the camera.

Connecting the security camera to phone can make it a lot more useful and the process is painless. If you have any ideas to share or have any questions, leave a comment below and we’ll reply as soon as possible.

How to Connect Security Cameras to Your Phone in 5 Painless Steps (with Pictures)

Smart devices have made security efforts more efficient and useful than ever. Most security cameras on the market now feature native smartphone support through apps, allowing users to connect security devices to phones to view camera feeds, alter settings, and interact with the camera—any time, any place.

Don’t know how to connect a security camera to a phone? Read on and find out how in just 5 simple steps.

Table of Contents

Step 1: Download the App

The vast majority of leading security camera brands develop their own apps for use with their products. This includes Google Nest, Wyze, Reolink, Ring, and, of course, AlfredCamera.

Any popular security camera bought recently is more than likely compatible with its own app. Find out the name on the box or in the instruction manual, and download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).

Download AlfredCamera for free on iOS and Android devices to get started.

For CCTV used alongside a DVR, there are a number of third party apps available that claim to link DVR streams to phones. XMEye and NVSIP are examples.

It’s hard not to notice that the majority of these apps have mixed reviews. That’s because not all DVRs are compatible, meaning trial and error will be necessary to find an app that actually works.

Credit: Ventech Videos

First and foremost, the DVR will need to be internet-enabled. Traditional DVRs cannot be linked to mobile devices. We would recommend purchasing an IP camera if mobile viewing is important to you.

If the DVR is internet-enabled, there’s a high chance that the manufacturer already has an app of its own. Check with customer support if unsure as to how to find the app before attempting to use a third party app. Always use brand-affiliated apps over third party ones, which, aside from being hit-and-miss, may also come with privacy risks.

Step 2: Sign Up

Once the app is downloaded, open it and sign up for an account. Most viewing apps require this, but some, like Reolink, don’t. Speed up the process by linking an existing account, like a Google or Facebook account, if possible.

Read through and agree to terms and conditions when prompted. Users may also be given the choice to opt in or out of data sharing. Even a quick read of this is important to know exactly what’s being shared.

Pro Tip
Being more aware of data sharing and privacy practices can help protect users from data breaches and hacks.

Step 3: Add a Camera

Once the account is set up, users will either be presented with the main menu of the app or prompted to provide some preferences.

A prompt to add the camera will be obvious, and it’ll usually look like a plus sign in the top corner or text reading ‘Add Camera’ or ‘Add a Device’. Tap it, and the app will provide the steps necessary to pair a device.

A common way of adding a camera (and the method which AlfredCamera uses) is for the app to generate a QR code.

Once the camera device is turned on and the status LED indicates that it is ready for use, hold up the QR code for the security camera to scan. This will then pair the device.

Adding a device on AlfredCamera. The app guides users through with simple steps, and uses a QR code to pair the camera to the phone.

Other security camera apps require users to select the camera as if it were a wireless network.

This means going into the phone’s Wi-Fi settings. Much like when connecting to a new Wi-Fi network, find the camera in the list. Tap it and connect, then return to the app, where the device will be paired.

Adding a device on Kasa. Rather than using a QR code, users have to first allow the app local network access, allocate a Wi-Fi network in the app, and then connect to the camera device within your phone’s Wi-Fi settings.

It’s usually possible to name the camera once it’s been added. These might be default options, like ‘Front Door Camera’, or it might allow users to type a unique name.

Naming the camera after its location is a good idea if intent on having multiple cameras monitor a space, as it can quickly get confusing with preset names like ‘Camera 1’.

Step 4: Share access to your device

Whether the security camera is monitoring a family home, a rented apartment, or an office space, multiple users are likely to want access to the camera. It’s only logical that having more eyes on the camera increases a sense of ease and improves the effectiveness of the device.

However, giving out passwords makes the device super vulnerable. Most apps now provide the option to add additional users to the camera feed without giving out sensitive information.

Look for this in the app’s settings menu, where there will be a prompt to invite additional users. This might also be found on the camera’s feed. Users can safely invite family members, housemates, or coworkers to have access to the feed via their email or by having them scan a QR code, thereby not sacrificing the password.

Step 5: Automate and Adjust

Security camera apps provide various automation options, whether that’s integration with voice assistants or scheduling when a camera comes on or off. Automating security products can make them work more intelligently.

Though the option to do all this may be given during initial setup, we’d actually recommend skipping the majority of this. Spend some time with the device first to discover what works well and what doesn’t work so well.

Gradually, adjust different settings and preferences, including motion detection sensitivity, notifications, schedules, and even how the camera interacts with other products, like smart lighting. This can all be managed from the app’s settings and can be changed as and when you want.

Examples of settings and automations that can be changed. From left to right: enabling push notifications in AlfredCamera; changing motion detection settings in Wyze.

AlfredCamera is available for free on the App Store and Google Play Store.

FAQ

How do I connect my video camera to my phone?

Connect a video camera to a phone by downloading the camera manufacturer’s app from the App Store or Google Play Store. If there isn’t one, it may be possible to use a third party app so long as the camera has internet-enabled features. But it’s always recommended to use official applications purpose-built for products.

How do I connect my camera to my phone wirelessly?

Download the camera’s app from the App Store or Google Play Store, sign up for an account, and tap ‘add device’. Pair the camera via a QR code or by connecting to it as a wireless network.

How do you pair a security camera?

Pairing a security camera to an app usually happens by scanning a generated QR code with the camera’s lens, or by connecting to it as a wireless network on the phone. It might also be paired via Bluetooth.

How can I view my security cameras online?

Download the camera’s app from the App Store or Google Play Store, sign up for an account, and tap ‘add device’. Instructions will then be provided on how to pair the device. Make sure the camera is connected to a wireless network and that the phone is connected to the internet.

How to connect CCTV cameras to phones without the internet?

CCTV cameras that do not have internet-enabled features cannot connect to a phone. Consider buying a DVR that can be connected to the internet if it is compatible with the camera device. The DVR manufacturer will likely have a corresponding app that can be downloaded for efficient mobile viewing.

Conclusion

Connecting a security camera to a phone lets users get the most out of it. Users can enjoy easy automation, push notifications, and 24/7 access to the camera’s livestream from anywhere in the world.

In short, it makes the security camera a lot more useful, and will allow users to avoid endless sifting through footage.

Looking for a new wireless security camera ready to connect to your phone? Check out our favorites of the year.

Recommended reading:
How to Turn Old Phones into Security Cameras | Top 5 Apps on the Market
How to Install Wireless Security Cameras Indoors in 8 Easy Steps (with Pictures)
How to Install Outdoor Security Cameras in 7 Simple Steps (with Pictures)

How to connect a CCTV camera to a

phone

Contents of the article

How CCTV cameras connected to a

phone work

P2P connection
Connecting the camcorder to a smartphone via IP address
DVR connection for analog cameras
Nuances of video surveillance through telephone

With the development of modern surveillance and video surveillance systems, their technical capabilities are becoming more diverse, and the convenience of their use is also increasing. One of these options is the ability to connect to the system of a regular smartphone, which almost every person now has. Let’s take a closer look at how to connect a surveillance camera to your phone.

The principle of operation of surveillance cameras connected to the phone

Connecting to surveillance cameras via a phone becomes possible when using the Internet or local networks, access to which is possible through the modem built into the smartphone. So, you can organize a connection using fixed Wi-Fi or using cellular networks of the 3G, 4G, 5G generation.

When using digital cameras operating using the IP protocol or P2P protocol, the connection is made directly with the camera itself, which has a dedicated address and is also connected to the router. For analog cameras, the connection is made through a router. In any case, for the connection, both the equipment transmitting the video signal and the receiving smartphone must have access to the network.

P2P connection

P2P protocol is a network communication protocol, cameras must support this technology in order to use it, as specified in the equipment specification. Connecting a video surveillance camera to a phone using the P2P protocol will require connecting the camera and smartphone to the Internet. To connect devices, you will need to download the appropriate application to your phone, and then enter the camera ID number.

A feature of such systems is that data transfer is possible from a limited number of devices, so it is recommended to connect no more than 2 cameras, otherwise signal desynchronization may occur.

Connecting a camcorder to a smartphone via an IP address

Connecting via an IP address is the most modern and functional solution. The connection will also require Internet access, the smartphone docks with the camera by entering the IP address assigned to the tracking device. Connection is possible through a browser or a special application.

With this docking method, it is possible to connect to an unlimited number of cameras located in a common network. The quality of the broadcast directly depends on the data transfer rate and equipment settings.

Connection via DVR for analog cameras

When using analog security cameras, there is also the possibility of remote monitoring via smartphone. In this case, it will not be possible to connect directly to the video surveillance camera from the phone, since the analog signal cannot be reproduced by a digital device. The connection occurs through a video recorder, which is a mandatory component of any such network. Docking takes place via the Internet using a special application or IP protocol, after which access to all devices connected to the DVR is provided.

The nuances of video surveillance through the phone

When organizing a remote connection to a smartphone, the video quality largely depends on the reliability and speed of the connection. The higher the picture quality, the wider the bandwidth should be.

If the Internet speed is not high enough, it is recommended to use video compression or make adjustments to the camera settings, in particular, lowering their resolution to the desired level.

Our company Infotech offers a wide range of equipment for video surveillance systems. So, you can order dome cameras, wall-mounted, hidden compact devices, video recorders for analog systems and much more. We carry out installation, configuration of equipment and much more. Call us to get more information or place an order for services on the company’s website.

How to connect a CCTV camera to a

phone

Contents of the article

How CCTV cameras connected to a

phone work

P2P connection
Connecting the camcorder to a smartphone via IP address
DVR connection for analog cameras
Nuances of video surveillance through telephone

The principle of operation of surveillance cameras connected to the phone

P2P connection

A feature of such systems is that data transfer is possible from a limited number of devices, so it is recommended to connect no more than 2 cameras, otherwise signal desynchronization may occur.

Connecting a camcorder to a smartphone via an IP address

Connection via DVR for analog cameras

The nuances of video surveillance through the phone

When organizing a remote connection to a smartphone, the video quality largely depends on the reliability and speed of the connection.