How to Connect a Wi-Fi or CCTV Camera to Your Mobile
Almost every security camera can be watched on your phone. The steps are similar for every brand: install the brand's app, add the camera, and connect it to Wi-Fi or to your recorder.
Updated 10 November 2026
Wi-Fi camera setup (Tapo, EZVIZ, Imou, Xiaomi, V380)
- Install the app: Tapo, EZVIZ, Imou Life, Xiaomi Home or V380 Pro.
- Power the camera and wait for the voice prompt.
- Tap Add device and scan the QR code on the camera.
- Choose your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and enter the password (most home cameras do not use 5 GHz).
- Insert a microSD card or start a cloud plan to save recordings.
Hikvision camera or DVR / NVR on mobile
Install Hik-Connect, create an account, then add the recorder or camera by scanning its QR code (on the label or in the recorder menu under Network → Platform Access). New Hikvision cameras have no default password: you must "activate" them and set a password with the SADP tool or the recorder. The usual default IP of a Hikvision IP camera is 192.168.1.64. On a PC use iVMS-4200.
Dahua camera or DVR / NVR on mobile
Install DMSS (gDMSS on older phones), add the device by its QR code / serial number (P2P), and log in. New Dahua devices ask you to initialise a password; older ones used admin / admin. The usual default IP of a Dahua IP camera is 192.168.1.108; Dahua ConfigTool finds cameras on your network.
Resetting a camera
Most Wi-Fi cameras have a reset button: hold it for about 5–10 seconds until the camera speaks or the light flashes. Hikvision and Dahua cameras without a button can be reset from the recorder or with the brand's tools; some models need the brand's support.
Camera offline or not working
- Check power and the Wi-Fi signal near the camera.
- Make sure the Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz and the password has not changed.
- Update the app and the camera firmware.
- Restart the router and the camera.
- For DVR/NVR, check that the recorder has internet and the cloud/P2P service is enabled.
Connecting to a computer or TV
Use the brand's PC software (iVMS-4200, SmartPSS, EZVIZ Studio) or a browser with the camera's IP address. A DVR or NVR connects to a TV or monitor by HDMI or VGA.
Cameras that are easiest to set up
TP-Link Tapo C500 PTZ Camera (Rs 18,800), EZVIZ C8C PTZ Camera (Rs 10,800) and Reolink E1 Pro Wi-Fi Camera (Rs 12,000). See all Wi-Fi cameras.
