Did you know that you can install “security cameras” in your home…
Without buying an actual camera?
I know it may sound a little silly. But thanks to tech geniuses…
You can now use your old mobile device as a CCTV camera at home.
Wanna know how? Well, then…
Continue reading to discover:
- Which devices you can use as a viewing device.
- How to view CCTV real-time footage using a VLC player.
- Which are the best video settings for a mobile CCTV camera.
- 11 steps to use your mobile as a CCTV camera without internet.
- And that’s only the beginning…
How to use a mobile as a CCTV camera without internet?
To use a mobile as a CCTV camera without internet, download the IP Webcam app. Next, enable the mobile hotspot on your mobile and connect it to your viewing device. After that, install a VLC player on your viewing device. Then, enter the IP address displayed on the IP Webcam app, and click “Play.”
11 steps to use mobile as CCTV camera without internet
#1: Ensure that your mobile has enough battery charge
Since you’re using your mobile as a CCTV camera…
You must ensure that it has a battery charge. Otherwise, your CCTV footage will be cut off.
This is important, knowing that a camera app that’s running for several hours eats up a lot of power.
So, make sure to fully charge your device before proceeding with the actual process.
Pro tip: Connect your mobile to a power source.
That way, you won’t have to recharge it every day. And worry about it from running out of charge when you’re away from home.
#2: Turn ON the mobile hotspot on your mobile
Okay, our goal is to connect your CCTV devices without the internet.
And you can do that by pairing your devices via mobile hotspot.
So, for the next step, enable the mobile hotspot on your device.
Here’s how you can do that:
Note: The actual steps may vary slightly depending on your mobile brand and model.
- Open your mobile.
- Go to settings.
- Select “Mobile Network.”
- Click “Personal Hotspot” or similar.
- Then, toggle ON the hotspot button.
After that, you should see the hotspot icon on your device’s notification banner. It looks like a WiFi icon, except that it’s rounded.
#3: Download the IP Webcam app on it
On your mobile, install the IP Webcam app.
Important note: This app only works with Android devices.
IP Webcam is a free app that allows users to use their mobile devices like CCTV cameras.
By installing the app, you give it access to your phone’s camera and recorder. Which are necessary for the app to function as a CCTV camera.
“Can I use a different app?”
You can. But keep in mind that most CCTV camera apps in the app store require a WiFi connection.
So, if you want a wireless and hassle-free setup, use the IP Webcam app.
You might also be interested in: 5 Best Security Cameras Without Internet
#4: Adjust the video settings on the app
When you open the app, it’ll display several settings.
Suppose you want to secure your footage, go to the “Connection settings.”
Then, generate a password for local broadcasting. And create an Ivideon account if you want to save your files on cloud storage.
After that, proceed to the “IP Webcam settings” to adjust your camera settings.
Here are the most important things you should set up:
- Video resolution.
- Photo resolution.
- Video orientation.
- Video format (for recording).
For the best resolution, set your video resolution at 2336×1080. This is the highest possible resolution that supports camera switching.
And for the photo resolution, go for at least 1920×1080.
Note: Depending on your mobile camera’s specs, the resolution range may vary.
You can also watch this video to see what the IP Webcam app looks like:
#5: Click “Start Server”
After configuring your desired setting, scroll down at the bottom of the app homepage…
Then, click “Start Server.” This will open your mobile camera app.
On the top-right corner, you can access more settings, such as:
- Stop: stops the app from running.
- Disguise: disguises the app as a web browser.
- Fade: turns off the screen display to save energy.
- Toggle LED: opens the camera’s flash as a light source.
#6: Copy the IP address displayed on the camera app
On the same page, you can also see a series of numbers at the bottom. These are your mobile’s IP addresses.
Note: Depending on your device, it may show both an IPv4 and IPv6 address.
But take note that for this process, you’ll only need the IPv4 webpage address. (The shorter one).
So, make sure to copy that one.
Write it on a sheet of paper. Or copy it to your clipboard and send it to any of your accounts.
To do that:
Step 1: Tap “Actions…” on the top-right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Look for and click “Share IP.”
Step 3: Then, choose where you want to send it.
#7: Connect your mobile to your viewing device
Next, connect your mobile to another device where you’d want to view your footage via hotspot.
Note: You can use a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or PC as a viewing device.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: On the viewing device, go to its WiFi settings.
Step 2: Under the “Available networks,” search for your mobile’s hotspot name.
Step 3: Tap it once, and click “Connect.”
After this, you should see a “Connected” label next to your mobile hotspot name. This indicates that your device is now paired with each other.
#8: Download a VLC Player on your viewing device
Now, to view the real-time footage on your mobile…
Download a VLC player on your viewing device.
“Why does it have to be a VLC Player?”
Simply because a VLC player allows offline streaming. Making it possible for you to monitor your mobile CCTV camera without the internet.
Plus, it’s free and compatible with most devices. And you can download it on both your Android and Windows device.
Learn more: What is the difference between a smartphone and an Android?
#9: Go to the “Open Network Stream” settings
Once you’ve installed the VLC Player on your viewing device…
Play the footage of your mobile CCTV camera.
Here’s how you can do that:
- Open the VLC player.
- Tap “Media” at the top-left corner.
- Then, select “Open Network Stream.”
A pop-up screen will appear. Make sure that it displays the “Network” tab.
#10: Enter the IP address displayed on the app
Remember the IP address you copied earlier? Here’s where you’d use it.
On the pop-up screen, you’ll see a URL tab.
Tap on it once, and enter the IP address of your mobile CCTV camera. Make sure to include the “http://” at the beginning.
Once you’ve pasted it, type “/video” after the last digit.
Otherwise, the VLC player will display an error. And so, you won’t be able to see the footage on your mobile.
Here’s an example of how it should look like: “http://192.xxx.xxx.xxx:xxxx/video”
#11: Tap “Play”
Finally, tap “Play” on the screen.
Or, if you’re using a laptop or PC, press the ENTER button on the keyboard.
Right after that, the VLC player should display the real-time footage from your mobile.
Note: Since your devices are connected without the internet, expect a 2-second delay.
Suppose you get an error, redo steps 9 to 11.
If you want to record footage, follow these instructions:
- Click “Media.”
- Select “Convert/Save.”
- Tap “Network.”
- Enter the same IP address.
- Choose your desired file destination.
- Then, press “Convert/Save.”
And you’re done! You’ve now successfully utilized your mobile device as a CCTV camera.
Check out: 7 Best Doorbell Cameras Without WiFi