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Knowing how to connect security cameras to phones allows you to monitor your place in real time. The best part is that it works from anywhere in the world if you have internet connectivity. This article focuses on requirements for setting up connectable security cameras, with different key connection methods, and how to fix connection issues.
Preparation Before Connecting Security Camera to Phone
This preparation starts with finding the right camera. It also involves sorting out your network preferences and managing power for the camera.
Choosing the right security camera
Before connection, you should check to see if your security camera works with phone permitting remote access.
Reolink Altas PT Ultra: This camera is a 4K battery-powered security camera designed to deliver exceptional video quality. It can continuously record in 4K while running on battery power. Thanks to its powerful battery, it lasts up to 12 days with eight hours of daily use. As a Wi-Fi 6 camera, it offers outstanding speed, security, and stability for reliable performance.
Reolink Argus 4 Pro: This camera is a dual-lens security camera offering 4K resolution and a 180° field of view, allowing it to cover a wide area with exceptional video quality. Featuring Reolink ColorX technology, it captures vivid color even in low-light and nighttime conditions. Its advanced smart detection ensures accurate motion detection and rapid alerts.
Note: Reolink wired/wireless security cameras will be offered at significant discounts during the Black Friday Sales. Pick your favorite model and take advantage of unbeatable prices during the event.
Prepare Network Requirements
Streaming live footage from most security cameras requires a network connection so it can be viewed on a phone. This is the most common option for cameras on the border of the range of your Wi-Fi router. If you’re at a location where there is no Wi-Fi, a camera attached to a 4G. An alternative to both these is using a mobile hotspot.
Set Up a Power Source
Wired cameras are powered directly from a power outlet, so there’s always power. Make sure outdoor cameras are wired safely and waterproof. Otherwise, the rechargeable batteries found in many wireless models, such as the Argus 4 Pro, are the norm. Their setup is simple, but make sure to get the battery charged first, or set up solar panels for continuous charging.
How to Connect Security Camera to Phone?
We’ll go over the methods of connecting a security camera to your phone ranging from Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to alternative setups when Wi-Fi is not possible.
How to connect security camera with Wi-Fi?
For Reolink Wi-Fi cameras, follow these steps to connect to your phone via Wi-Fi:
1. You can get the Reolink app on Google Play or the App Store and download it for free. After the download is complete, launch your app and create an account.
2. When on the Reolink app, tap on “Add Device”, and scan the QR code on your camera.
3. It asks you to pick a Wi-Fi network. Then enter the Wi-Fi credentials, and you should connect to the camera within seconds.
How to connect security camera with Bluetooth?
For Bluetooth-supported models, setup can be simplified via these steps.
Here’s how to connect via Bluetooth using Reolink as an example:
1. Turn on Bluetooth on your camera and your phone.
2. Go to the app and log in, then hit Add Device.
3. Bluetooth-based configuration is done by scanning the QR or entering the camera ID. Then you can select Bluetooth connection.
4. Connect the phone and camera through Bluetooth. You may have to confirm and allow different permissions.
Once paired, the app helps you choose a Wi-Fi network to use while you’re not connected to the Internet.
How to Connect Security Camera to Phone without Wi-Fi?
If there is no Wi-Fi, then there are multiple other possibilities you can use to connect your camera to a phone.
Via 4G Camera
4G-enabled cameras, without Wi-Fi, will work as they send data through a cellular connection. To use 4G, plug a SIM card into the camera by following the steps below:
1. Insert the sim card in the camera’s sim card slot and power it on.
2. Launch your Reolink app and tap the + button. Now enter the camera UID or scan camera QR code.
3. Create login credentials and click next. Now proceed with naming the camera and tap next.
Now your camera is connected to your phone, and you can watch its stream using the Reolink app.
Via HotSpot
If Wi-Fi is down, set up your phone’s mobile hotspot. If you have the hotspot on and connect the camera to it the same as if you had Wi-Fi by following the steps below:
1. Go to your phone’s settings and enable its mobile hotspot.
2. Power on your camera.
3. Open the Reolink app and tap the + button then enter your camera’s UID or scan its QR code.
4. Proceed by providing the credentials for your mobile hotspot and once you are done your camera will be connected to your phone via hotspot.
Why Does My Security Camera Fail to Connect to My Phone?
If the camera fails to connect, common issues might be:
· Poor Wi-Fi Signal: This can also result in no stable connection at all. You may want to put up a Wi-Fi extender.
· Incorrect Network Credentials: Ensure you typed the Wi-Fi (SSID) name, and the password correctly.
· Outdated Firmware: Through the app check that the firmware of the camera has been updated.
· Incompatible Network Settings: Some of these cameras will need a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection. Check in the settings of the app if it is compatible with the network.
FAQs
1. Which app is used to connect a CCTV camera to a phone?
The best app for connecting your Reolink CCTV cameras to your phone is the Reolink app. It is available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store where you can download it for free.
2. Is there a free security camera app?
Yes, when you use the Reolink security cameras, you can use them with the Reolink mobile app. It is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store where you can download it for free. This app has no subscription charges so you can keep using it for free.
Conclusion
With stable connectivity, apps allow real-time access, control, troubleshooting options and so much more. If you are interested in making your security better, then at least get the product that allows you to stream camera footage to your phone and learn how to connect security cameras to phones. With this guide, we hope that you can easily connect your Reolink camera to your phone via Wi-Fi, Hotspot, and 4G Cellular data.