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CCTV: viewing your cameras on a phone
Most modern CCTV systems can be watched on a phone, live and from recordings. Whether yours can depends on a few things being in place.
What you need
- A recorder, usually an NVR for network cameras or a DVR for older analogue cameras, connected to your office network.
- An internet connection at the site, with enough upload speed for the number of cameras you want to watch at once.
- The manufacturer’s app on your phone, or the app recommended by your installer.
- A user account on the recorder for each person who needs to view, ideally with view-only rights.
Setting it up, in general terms
- Make sure the recorder shows all cameras on a local screen first.
- Connect the recorder to the network and confirm it can reach the internet.
- Use the manufacturer’s cloud service to link the recorder to the app, usually by scanning a code from the recorder’s menu.
- Sign in to the app on your phone and add the device.
Keep it secure
- Change any default passwords and use a strong, unique password.
- Keep the recorder and cameras on current firmware.
- Avoid opening ports on your router to the recorder unless your installer has secured it properly.
- Remove accounts for people who no longer need access.
If it stops working
If the app says the device is offline, check that the site has internet and power, and restart the recorder. Slow or blurry video on a phone usually means limited upload speed. Most apps let you choose a lower quality stream for remote viewing.
Still stuck?
Download the remote support tool from our remote support page and call us on +264 83 376 4016, Monday to Friday 08:00 to 17:00. You can also email info@microtechnamibia.com.