Step-by-Step Guide to View A Security Camera Remotely

Having security systems installed in your homes is a must these days. But what if you could access the recording from anywhere? Yes, there are advanced cameras that allow remote viewing using the internet or Wi-Fi on your personal computer or smartphone.  Some home monitoring cameras can let you view your security camera recordings and even live feed from anywhere as long as you are connected to the internet. In this detailed guide, you will understand more about such cameras and find out how to set up on-demand access for such security systems. 

Let’s take it step-by-step!

Can A CCTV Be Viewed Remotely?

The answer is yes- remote monitoring is possible on a residential or commercial CCTV camera system. With the advancements in technology, today’s security cameras offer on-demand access to live feeds and recorded footage as long as you have an active internet connection. Modern days IP cameras all offer this benefit, and some advanced versions of analog cameras also allow access from the web. You can check with the manufacturer before purchasing a CCTV system and also check it in detailed camera specifications.

How Does A Remote Security Camera Access Work?

Accessing cameras remotely basically refers to the wifi camera monitoring system at your home or office. Here’s an overview of how it works:

• You have a camera with internet access using a Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable.
• Your router is configured to allow remote access.
• Your camera has a unique IP address on your local network.
• You have configured the network settings on your camera.
• The device you will use to monitor your place has the remote access software installed.
• Some systems may offer web interfaces where you can access your live feed or recorded footage.

This is how you can access and monitor video feeds from your camera and keep track of real-time activity to make sure everything around you is secure.

How Do I Set Up and Connect My CCTV To the Internet?

You can easily set up and connect your CCTV camera to the internet and monitor your property remotely. You just need the right equipment and a working internet connection. After that, the following steps follow suit:

Gather Your Equipment

Ensure you have everything you need, including the CCTV Cameras, an NVR or DVR, a router, and the necessary cables.

Install and Position The Cameras

You can now install your cameras in the desired location for a clear view of the areas you wish to monitor. Also, connect your cameras to an active power source.

Connect Them To The Recorder

In the next step, connect the cameras to the NVR or DVR using a Wi-Fi connection as per the instruction manual.

Connect the Recorder To a Router

After connecting the cameras to a recorder, connect your recorder to a router using an Ethernet cable.

Configure Network Settings

Use a monitor or TV to view the recorder interface and set up your login. Enable DHCP if you want the router to assign an IP address automatically or set a static IP address.

Access Router Settings

Login to your router’s web interface using its IP address in your browser. The login credentials are available in the user manual or the router label.

Set Up Port Forwarding

Find the port forwarding section and add a new rule to forward the ports used by your recorder. Enter your recorder’s IP address as the destination.

Test Local Access

Open a web browser on the device connected to the same network and check if you can access the live feeds or recordings.

Set Up Remote Access

Download the manufacturer’s mobile app or web access interface and create an account. After that, follow the instructions to add your device. Also, test the remote access before finalizing.

Secure Your System

Change the default usernames and passwords for your camera, recorder, and router. Enable encryption (SSL/TLS) and check for regular updates to keep your devices safe from any vulnerabilities.

Various Ways I Can View My CCTV Camera Recordings

Once you set up your cameras and configure them for internet access, it’s time to check the on-demand access. You have multiple options to view your camera feeds remotely. Let’s get started:

Smartphone App

Many camera companies offer smartphone apps that are available for both Android and iOS devices, which help you access the recorder feed remotely without a hassle. These apps have features like push notifications, two-way audio, and playback services that offer ease of access.

Steps to View CCTV Footage Remotely Using the Mobile Apps

• Download the manufacturer’s app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
• Install the app on your smartphone.
• Launch the app on your device.
• Scan the QR code on your camera or recorder using the app.
• Follow the app instructions to add your camera or recorder.
• Start viewing the live feed from your camera through the app.

PC & Mac Software

If you need comprehensive management while you view the recorder footage from your home monitoring cameras, you can also do that on a PC or MAC software. Such softwares helps you access multiple camera feeds at the same time, manage the recorded footage, and use advanced camera settings or change them directly.

Steps to View The Camera Footage Using A PC Software Remotely

• Install the software provided by the camera manufacturer on your PC or Mac.
• Launch the installed software on your computer.
• Add your cameras using their IP addresses or by scanning QR codes provided with the camera system.
• Use the software interface to monitor live feeds from your cameras.
• Access and manage your camera recordings through the software.

Web Browser

Modern web browsers also allow you to access your camera feeds without any additional plugin requirements. You can use your camera system’s IP address in the browser and log in to view the live feeds and recordings.

Quick Steps for On-Demand CCTV Footage Access Using Web Browser

• Determine your camera system’s public IP address.
• Open a web browser on your computer or mobile device.
• Enter the public IP address followed by the port number in the address bar.
• Log in with your camera system credentials.
• Access the camera interface to view live feeds and recordings.

Check the detailed steps to view a CCTV recording from the web in the below section.

You can use these easy steps to access your CCTV camera footage and live feeds whenever you need from anywhere in the world. Just make sure to set up everything properly for ease of access, and you won’t face any problems. 

How Do I Monitor My Home Monitoring Cameras System Remotely On The Web?

After setting up your live cameras and connecting them to the internet, your security system is ready for remote access. You can easily monitor it remotely in a few simple steps. Here are the details you need to know about:

1. Check If Your Home Monitoring Cameras System Is Online

Make sure all your cameras are connected to the NVR/DVR and that these recorders are connected to the router. After that, verify the network settings on your video recorder and the IP camera or Analog Security Camera (if you are using one). These recorder settings should be properly configured for internet access.

2. Set Up A Dynamic DNS (You can also Skip This Part)

If your internet service provider assigns a dynamic IP, you can map it using a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service to a fixed domain name. To do so, go to the NVR/DVR’s network settings and enter your DDNS credentials.

3. Open Ports On Your Router

Ensure that the necessary ports, such as the HTTP port and media port, are forwarded to your IP camera system’s NVR/DVR’s IP address in your router settings. Commonly used ports include the HTTP port (default is 80) and the media port (default is 37777).

4. Access Your CCTV System Via a Web Browser

Find your public IP address by searching for What is my IP on your web browser or the DDNS address. You must enter this IP or DDNS address followed by a colon and the port number to access the home monitoring cameras.

5. Login to Your NVR/DVR Interface

Once you are directed to the login page, you can use the username and password of your NVR for an IP camera system and DVR for an Analog Camera system. And make sure these are secure and not the default settings.

6. Monitor Your Camera Feeds

The Live View Tab Is Located in the NVR/DVR interface. You can also access recorded footage from the Playback of Recordings tab. Use the search tools to find and view anything you wish to monitor.

Common Issues With Accessing Home Monitoring Cameras and Troubleshooting Options

When setting up and accessing your IP camera system remotely, you might encounter some common problems. Here are solutions and tips to help resolve connectivity or access issues:

Problem 1: Unable to Connect to the Camera Remotely

Solution:  If you can not connect to the camera remotely, don’t worry; it’s a common problem, and you can follow the steps below to check and troubleshoot any problems:

• • You can check and confirm that your camera, as well as NVR/DVR is connected to the internet.

• Review whether port forwarding is correctly set up on your router for the necessary ports. 
• Also, verify that the IP address and DDNS settings are correct.

Pro Tip: To avoid this problem, Test the remote viewing and access properly when installing the security camera system.

Problem 2: Poor Video Quality or Lagging Streams

Solution: If your home monitoring system lags during remote viewing or has poor video quality, you can follow these steps to troubleshoot:

• Check your Wi-Fi connection to see if its stable and has enough bandwidth to display the video recordings.
• After that, you can adjust the video quality by accessing the camera settings in the system.
• Check for Camera Firmware updates and download the latest versions.

Pro Tip:  Purchase the system with up-to-the-mark CCTV camera resolution for the finest quality videos. You should also have a reliable internet connection where your cameras are installed.

Problem 3: Forgotten Passwords

Solution: Use the password recovery feature in your camera’s app or interface. If this isn’t available, reset the camera to its factory settings and reconfigure it.

Pro Tip: Keep notes both digitally and a hard copy of your camera access passwords to avoid any such troubles when you forget them,

Problem 4: No Live Feed Displayed

Solution: If you can not see the live cameras feed when accessing the security camera from a remote location, here are the steps you can take:

• Recheck that your camera power is on and is connected to the internet.
• Check the camera’s IP address to see whether it matches the one configured in your remote viewing app.
• Restart your router and camera to reload the settings and view again.

Problem 5: Delayed Notifications

Solution: Check the app’s notification settings to ensure they are correctly configured. Ensure that your mobile device has internet access and that battery-saving settings aren’t restricting app notifications.

In Conclusion

Setting up and viewing home monitoring cameras remotely is easier with the information above. Thanks to modern technology and advanced security systems, you can keep an eye on your property even from far away. Revlight security ensures that you can properly set up your cameras at home or offices. We even provide free camera installation in Singapore to make the process smoother for you. 

Just remember to set up your cameras properly to enjoy peace of mind, knowing that everything that happens on your property is under your surveillance. Monitor every little activity that goes around from anywhere and at any time.