“Is there a Wi-Fi camera that connects directly to your phone?” “How to connect your security camera to your phone without Wi-Fi?” These two questions are frequently asked on Reddit and Quora. People prefer to connect security cameras on their phones.
Yes, you can find Wi-Fi cameras that can be connected to your phone via Wi-Fi or without it.
In this article, we will discuss about top choices for cameras that connect to phone. We will also share the step-by-step process of connecting a camera to a smartphone.
Can a Camera Be Connected to a Phone?
Yes, a camera can be connected to a phone if it uses Wi-Fi or 4G for networking.
Wi-Fi cameras can be connected to the existing Wi-Fi network or mobile hotspot. They can be connected wirelessly to any smartphone.
4G cameras use the network data plan to work. They can be directly connected to phones.
For this connection, the native app of the camera is used. It provides remote access to the camera and helps control the camera through the smartphone.
Why Choose a Camera That Connects to Phone?
If the camera can be connected to a phone, access and management become a lot easier. You can access the live preview or recordings of the camera from your device. You control the zoom, pan & tilt, night vision, siren, and other features of the camera just through the app.
The camera can be connected to multiple phones. All you need to do is download the compatible app and connect the camera. For that, you need login credentials.
You also receive instant alerts on your devices. If any motion is detected, you get real-time notifications. It can detect persons, vehicles, and pets. Therefore, you can take action at the right time. Some cameras also use two-way talk, which allows users to talk to the person in front of the camera through the mobile app.
Camera That Connects to Phone: Top 3 to Pick
We have hand-picked some of the best cameras that you can connect to a phone and enjoy outstanding features.
Wireless Camera that Connects to Phone – Argus Track
Reolink Argus Track is a dual-lens Wi-Fi camera that captures every detail with its 4K resolution. Its pan and tilt help you cover a wider area, and the 6X hybrid zoom feature gives a close-up view. The intricate details offer clear facial features and even license plates. Even at night, it unveils true colors with optimal clarity.
The camera works on Wi-Fi 6 dual bands that ensure high speed and reliable performance. It has a built-in rechargeable battery, which can also be charged using a solar panel. It’s a smart camera that sends real-time accurate alerts and two-way audio to facilitate communication. It can work indoors and outdoors and in all weather conditions.
Pros:
- 24/7 security of a wider area
- 6X zoom for an immersive experience and close-up details
- Tracks object automatically with auto-zoom
- Eco-friendly and economical
- Stable and fast Wi-Fi dual bands
- No subscription and storage hub needed
Cons:
- It can work in all weather conditions but is not IP-67 rated
Trail Camera that Connects to Phone – KEEN Ranger PT
KEEN Ranger PT is a trail security camera. It is specifically made to capture wild and outdoor views. It offers 360⁰ live streaming; you can manually adjust what you want to see. In case of any movements, you get instant alerts on your devices. Its 2K resolution gives crystal-clear videos with true colors. It is a standalone camera that can work with a 4G network and be powered through a solar panel.
Pros:
- Can work in remote places like wild and farmland
- A standalone device that can charge with a solar panel and work on 4G
- Harsh weather resistant to work in all conditions
- Intelligent and accurate animal detection
- Two-way audio to talk with the person in front of the camera
- Captures fast-running animals with 0.5s fast trigger speed
Cons:
- Battery life varies with the network service provider
In House Camera that Connects to Phone – Reolink Duo 3 PoE
Duo 3 PoE is a 16MP camera that captures intricate details and offers crisp and clear videos. Its dual-lens covers a 180⁰ panoramic view and captures extra details in a single frame. It offers color night vision, smart detection, double warning, two-way audio, time-lapse, IP-67 rating, and tons of features for optimal security.
Pros:
- A robust and durable camera for indoor and outdoor surveillance
- Ultra-High-Definition for exceptional image quality and clear details
- Covers every corner through two lenses
- Motion tracking to track objects over time
- Flexible storage and mounting options
Cons:
- This camera doesn’t work with cloud storage.
How to Connect Security Camera to Phone
You can connect your security camera to a phone using Wi-Fi, 4G, and mobile hotspot. Let’s take a look at the detailed steps you need to follow to connect Reolink cameras.
How to Connect Security Camera to Phone with Wi-Fi
Before you connect a security camera to your phone, you need to complete the initialization setup.
- Connect the camera to power and your Wi-Fi router using an Ethernet cable.
- Download the Reolink app on your smartphone and connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the app, scan the QR code on the camera, enter the password, and give the camera a name. Then, you can view the live preview and manage the camera from the app.
How to Connect Camera to Phone Without Wi-Fi
If you have a 4G camera, you can directly connect it to a phone just by initializing the device. But if you want to connect a Wi-Fi camera to the phone via Wi-Fi, you can use your phone’s hotspot.
Let’s check out the steps.
Connect 4G Camera
Step 1: Turn on the camera and insert the SIM card.
Step 2: Open the Reolink app on your phone and tap the “+” button.
Step 3: Scan the QR code on the camera and complete the initialization setup. Then, your camera will be added to the app.
Connect via Hotspot
Once you turn on the hotspot, your device will appear as a Wi-Fi device to connect the camera.
- Go to your phone settings and turn on Cellular Data.
- Access Personal Hotspot, enable “Allow Others to Join,” and note the Wi-Fi password.
- In the Reolink app, go to camera settings, tap Network, select your phone’s hotspot, and enter the password to connect the camera without Wi-Fi.
FAQs
- How do security cameras work with cell phone?
Security cameras are connected to a phone through Wi-Fi, 4G, or the mobile hotspot. The app connects them to the phone and provides access to the live preview.
- Is there a free security camera app?
The Reolink security camera app is free and available on the Google Play Store and App Store. There is no subscription or payment required to download and use the app. You can enjoy all the features without a recurring payment.
Conclusion
Cameras that connect to phones are ideal for security. They offer instant alerts on devices and can be controlled and accessed through a smartphone. You can monitor the live preview anywhere, anytime. They are extremely easy to use and control. We have shared some of the best cameras you can use, along with the step-by-step procedure to connect them to a phone.
You may also like to check out:
- Jailbreak iOS 17.4 On iPhone And iPad [Latest Update]
- Download: iOS 17.4 Final IPSW Links, OTA Update Released
- How To Fix Bad iOS 17 Battery Life Drain [Guide]
You can follow us on Twitter, or Instagram, and even like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple, and the Web.
