Most security cameras feature native smartphone support, allowing users to connect security devices to phones to view camera feeds, change 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, and you’ll have your security camera connected to your phone in less than 10 minutes.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Download the App
The majority of leading security camera brands develop apps for use alongside their products. This includes Google Nest, Wyze, Reolink, Ring, and, of course, AlfredCamera.
Any popular security camera bought recently likely requires the user to download an app to use the camera at all.
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).
Guess what? You don’t actually need a security camera to get a surveillance system connected to your phone. Download AlfredCamera for free on iOS and Android devices to start using an old phone, tablet, or even a webcam as a free security camera that connects to your phone.
Step 2: Sign Up
Once the app is downloaded, open it and sign up for an account. Most apps require this, but some don’t.
Speed up the process by linking an existing account, like a Google or Facebook account, where possible.
Read and agree to terms and conditions when prompted. Users may also be given the choice to opt in or out of data sharing.
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
You’ll probably need to provide some preferences before being greeted with the main menu.
A prompt to add the camera will be obvious, and you may have been given the chance to add the device already during initial setup. If not, it’ll usually look like a plus + sign in the top corner, or text reading ‘Add a Camera’ or ‘Add a Device’.
Tap the prompt, and the app will provide the steps necessary to pair the device.
Tap ‘Add a Camera’ to introduce a new camera device to your account. In AlfredCamera, the prompt appears underneath any existing feeds on the main tab. If you have a lot of cameras already connected, you may need to scroll down to find it.
Pairing with QR Codes
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 phone for the security camera to scan the QR code. 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.
Pro Tip: Why QR Codes?
QR codes are an easy and fast way to securely connect a security camera to your phone.
AlfredCamera generates QR codes not only because it’s quicker than other methods of pairing, but because it allows users to bypass logging in on their spare device.
Old phones and tablets can be temperamental. Touchscreens fail, or a dead pixel or two might muddy the display. That’s why it’s usually easier for users to bypass login on the Camera device and simply scan the QR code Alfred generates on their current phone.
Other pairing methods
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, you’ll 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.
Why won’t my security camera connect to my phone?
Common reasons for security cameras failing to connect to phones are:
1. Weak Wi-Fi
Poor Wi-Fi or a wireless network that has dozens of different devices using it at once will make it difficult to connect your security camera to your phone. Try moving the camera so it is closer to the router and disconnecting/disabling unused devices. For weak Wi-Fi, reducing quality settings will be necessary to view live feeds.
2. Brightness causing issues with QR code scanning
Direct sunlight or other sources of light can make it difficult to scan QR codes to connect security cameras to phones. Experiment with lighting in real life as well on the phone itself, reducing or increasing brightness as necessary.
3. The phone is connected to a different wireless network
Many security cameras will only pair to a phone that is on the same wireless network as it is. If that’s the case, make sure they are both connected to the same router when pairing, and double check that the phone isn’t using mobile data instead of Wi-Fi to connect to the Internet.
Step 4: Go Live!
With the device paired, you’ve figured out how to connect a camera to your phone for live streaming. Now it’s time to test it and experience what it can do!
Simply tap on the feed you want to see from the app’s main tab, and you’ll start live streaming the security camera footage.
If the footage is lagging significantly, experiment with camera placement, favoring locations close to the wireless network it’s connected to. Other wireless devices commonly cause interference in the home, so some may need to be turned off.
Once you’ve found a sweet spot that balances surveillance needs and connectivity, you can begin to experiment with other things, like automation options that can be accessed at any time in the app’s settings.
Live is one of the main features of AlfredCamera. Simply click on the feed in the main tab to view security camera footage in real time.
Motion Detection Zone, Schedule, and Zoom
Alfred Premium users get access to advanced features that can deepen their security experience with Alfred.
Motion Detection Zones allow users to establish specific areas for motion detection to work, and parts of the frame for it to ignore, which can be helpful in avoiding unnecessary notifications triggered by animals or distant movement.
Premium users can also create Schedules for their devices, so that they only observe at specified times. Meanwhile, Zoom allows for a closer look at whatever Alfred happens to capture.
Want more from Alfred? Discover how Premium adds more to your experience.
Step 5: Share Access
Whether the security camera is monitoring a family home, an office, or your pets, multiple users are likely to want access to the camera.
Having more eyes on the camera increases a sense of safety and improves the effectiveness of the device, especially when it comes to baby monitoring and pet cam use.
Giving out passwords makes your account vulnerable. AlfredCamera allows users to share camera feeds with others by creating a Trust Circle (an invite-only group) instead of giving out passwords.
Users can safely invite family members, housemates, or coworkers to their Trust Circle and they’ll have total access to the feeds. Premium users will get direct access to the feed at any time, even if up to 3 users are watching it at the same time.
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 to connect camera to phone without wifi
Connecting a security camera to a phone without Wi-Fi is not possible using the majority of security cameras.
Security cameras often need to be connected to the same wireless network as the phone for them to pair successfully. Exceptions are limited to 4G security cameras, which connect to the internet via a SIM card.
Curious about using mobile data for surveillance? Discover our favorite LTE security cameras.
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.
Conclusion
Connecting a security camera to a phone lets users get the most out of it. Enjoy easy automation, push notifications, and 24/7 access to the camera’s livestream from anywhere in the world thanks to the power of apps.
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)