When buying a security camera, people prefer to have the remote viewing feature. That way, they can easily monitor any area from a distant location through the Internet.
In this article, we will explain what a remote-viewing camera is and how it works. We will explain how you can remotely view an IP camera or your smartphone or display. We will also share some excellent remote-viewing cameras you can use.
What is Remote Viewing Camera?
What Does Remote Camera Mean?
A remote camera allows you to see the live preview from any location. It does not require wiring, and you can access the preview no matter where you are.
It is used for surveillance and monitoring. For instance, if you want to monitor your commercial property/office from your home, you can do that through your smartphone.
How Does Remote Camera Work?
A remote camera works through the internet. It can be connected to the internet through Wi-Fi or PoE. It captures videos and events and transmits the data to a server.
The user accesses the server after successful authentication. They can access it through a web browser or application. Once the server is accessed, the live preview is available. You can access the service from any location in the world if you have the user credentials.
Note: Reolink is offering great discounts on the Black Friday Sales. Grab your remote viewing security camera at a discounted price.
How to View IP Camera Remotely on Android Phone/iPhone?
Viewing an IP camera through a smartphone is pretty simple. Let’s take Reolink cameras as an example.
Step 1: Download the Reolink application on your smartphone.
Step 2: Open the application and tap the “+” button. Enter the camera’s UID number to add it to the app.
Step 3: Complete the setup. You also need to enter a password. After initialization, you will see the camera on the app.
Step 4: Tap the camera and see the live preview.
How to View Security Cameras Online via Port Forward?
Here are the simple steps you need to follow to access your camera via port forwarding.
Step 1: Know the IP address of your security camera. It’s usually written on the box or camera itself. Moreover, you can also head over to the desktop client or relevant software where the camera is connected to know the IP address. In the Reolink client, go to Device Settings > Network, and you will see the IP address.
Step 2: Check the WAN IP address of your home network. But if it’s a dynamic IP address, you should use the DDNS service. It will allocate a host name to the camera for easier access without the IP address.
Step 3: From the camera device settings, you need to obtain the HTTP Port and RTMP Port. Now configure the cameras for remote viewing by setting up the port forwarding rules into the web interface.
Step 4: Open your browser. Enter your WAN IP address. Then append “:” and your HTTP port. Hit enter to view the remote view of the camera.
Top Remote Viewing Camera Recommendations
Wireless Remote Viewing Camera: Reolink Altas PT Ultra
Reolink Altas PT Ultra is a Wi-Fi 6 security camera. It’s the industry-leading battery-powered camera that records continuous videos. It offers real-time live previews you can access from any location. You can also control the pan and tilt and see the area you want. It offers a lag-free 4K video, which enhances user experience.
Pros:
- 4K resolution for optimal clarity and rich details
- ColorX night vision to record true colors all-day
- 20,000mAh massive battery that lasts up to 12 days on eight hours of continuous use daily
- 360-degree preview and auto-tracking
- High-speed view and Wi-Fi stability
Cons:
- Non-removable battery
Outdoor Use Remote Viewing Camera: Reolink TrackMix Wi-Fi
Reolink TrackMix is another Wi-Fi camera with a remote-viewing feature. It works on dual Wi-Fi bands to ensure high speed and stability. It contains dual lenses to record the wide-angle and zoomed view at the same time, and you can see both in the live preview. It also tracks the motion of objects and allows you to manually control the pan and tilt remotely.
Pros:
- 4K resolution and dual view for more details
- Tracks and focuses objects automatically
- Smart detection and real-time alerts
- Multiple and flexible storage options
- Dual night vision—colored and black-and-white
Cons:
- A little bulky
Indoor Wireless Remote Viewing Camera: Reolink E1 Zoom
Reolink E1 Zoom is an extremely compact yet powerful Wi-Fi camera. It records videos in 5MP Super HD resolution and shows smooth live previews. It can detect the movement of pets and persons and track their motion. You receive real-time alerts on your devices. You can control the pan, tilt, and zoom from any location.
Pros:
- Quite easy to set up and place—compact and portable
- 3X optimal zoom for exceptional details
- Smooth live streaming through dual-band Wi-Fi
- Integrates seamlessly with smart home hubs
- Flexible recording options
Cons:
- Only black-and-white night vision
FAQs
Why can’t view IP camera remotely?
You must set up your IP camera through the application to view it remotely. If everything is perfect, there could be an issue with the Wi-Fi or camera itself.
How can you tell if someone is watching a security camera?
You should check the camera logs. If you see any suspicious activity, such as an unknown IP address, it means someone is watching your security camera. Change the password of the camera immediately.
Is remote viewing legit?
Yes, remote viewing is legit. It is essential for security and surveillance. However, it should be placed at a location where people do not expect privacy. And only cover your property without invading other privacy.
Final Words
Remote viewing is a must-have feature as it allows you to see the live preview from any location. You can check the preview and even control the pan-tilt, zoom, and talk to the person remotely. We have explained how remote viewing works and how to connect such cameras seamlessly. If you are looking for some excellent remote viewing cameras, consider the options we have shared for an incredible experience.