To get your security cameras linked to phone and see what’s going on out there, you need a security camera (system) and a surveillance app for Android and iOS systems.
And the essential thing to get it to work is to have both devices on the network. No worries, you can connect the CCTV to phone with or without WiFi network:
How to Connect Security Camera to Phone with WiFi
So how do I connect a CCTV camera to a mobile phone?
Basically 3 simple steps if the WiFi is available. I’ll take Reolink cameras as an example.
Step 1. Install and launch the Reolink phone app on your device;
Step 2. Add security cameras to your phone app by scanning the QR code or entering the camera UID;
Step 3. Click on the security camera linked to phone and the live view will appear;
Step 4. (Optional) Set configurations (like alerts frequency, motion detection mode, upload path, etc) to meet your specific monitoring needs.
This video demonstrates how to connect a home security camera to cell phone:
Reolink Argus 2E
Wire-Free, Battery or Solar Powered IP Camera
Rechargeable Battery & Solar Powered; 1080 Full HD; Stunning Night Vision; Built-In Siren; 120° Wide Viewing Angle; Two-Way Audio.
Side note: This is by far the easiest and best way to connect CCTV to phone (with the manufacturer customized app like Reolink app at hand).
Another way to have your security camera linked to phone is to use the 3rd party software, but there could be some extra configuration and compatibility issues involved.
Bonus: Here is a PDF file on how to connect CCTV camera to mobile phone that helps you set up security camera on phone in minutes (with process pictures).
How to Connect CCTV Camera to Mobile Without WiFi
Is it possible to use a security camera without WiFi?
Short answer: YES. You don’t have to use WiFi for wireless security cameras.
But how do I connect a CCTV camera to a mobile phone without a cable or WiFi?
The simple trick is to get a 4G LTE mobile security camera that runs on cellular data instead of WiFi.
All you need to do to connect the CCTV to phone is to purchase a SIM card, open a data plan for it, and insert the SIM card in place, then you can connect CCTV camera from anywhere using the Internet.
Reolink Go Plus
Smart Wireless 4G Battery Camera
Rechargeable Battery/Solar Powered, Person/Vehicle Detection, 2K 4MP Super HD, Two-Way Audio, High-Quality Night Vision, Live View Anytime.
Here is how to connect CCTV to phone without WiFi network in steps, taking the 4G camera Reolink Go Plus as an example.
Step 1. Purchase a SIM card and open a data plan for it.
Step 2. Insert the SIM card into the SIM card slot of the security camera.
Step 3. Free download and launch the Reolink phone app on your device;
Step 4. Add security cameras to your phone app by scanning the QR code or entering the camera UID;
Step 5. Click on the security camera linked to phone to see the live feed.
With all these done, you can link to and access the camera from anywhere, and even talk to the person on screen via security camera connected to phone.
Here's a video shared by a real user of Reolink Go Plus camera:
How to Connect CCTV Camera to Mobile Without Internet
Is it even possible have CCTV camera linked to phone without Internet?
Short answer: Yes, but in a limited way.
Here is how it works: Connect the security camera to a router (no need for an active Internet connection), then you can access the camera on your phone without Internet, as long as the camera and phone are on the same local network.
That’s to say, you can connect CCTV camera to cell phone without Internet within the range of your router network. When you are away, the camera will not connect.
So if you want to have your security camera linked to phone and access it from anywhere (for example, when you are away from home which is the most typical case), the above two methods is the way to go.
Security Camera Connected to Phone: Best Picks
Security cameras from many brands can be connected to mobile phone and their difference lies in the apps and features coming with them.
With the manufacturer customized Reolink app, Reolink offers you a wide selection of security cameras linked phone with top user experience for home and business.
Actually, Reolink cameras have already covered users from over 200 countries, with proven smooth and clear videos in both iPhone and Android phones like the Lenovo K4 note, Samsung Galaxy S7, Huawei Mate 10 Pro, HTC One M8, Motorola Droid Bionic, and etc.
Home Security Cameras Connected to Phone – Reolink Argus 2E
Reolink Argus 2E
Wire-Free, Battery or Solar Powered IP Camera
Rechargeable Battery & Solar Powered; 1080 Full HD; Stunning Night Vision; Built-In Siren; 120° Wide Viewing Angle; Two-Way Audio.
Featured in the top-tier review platform Tech.co, ZDNet, Techradar.pro as an “impressive & affordable truly wireless camera” and awarded as the “ Innovative Product ” by Indiegogo, Reolink Argus has become one of the best sellers worldwide in the wire-free security camera world.
Reolink Argus 2E is upgraded on top of that and it has more fantastic functions and performs better.
And the best part of this security camera linked to cell phone is that it works without wire hassles, even in poor network conditions.
Check out the fox fight captured by this security camera:
If you are looking for an indoor/outdoor security camera linked to smartphone to keep tabs on your loved ones or keep an eye on the front door, backyard, and garage, but do not want to get confused by the wiring work, Reolink Argus 2E is the best choice.
Outdoor Security Camera Linked to Phone – Reolink RLC-810A
Reolink RLC-810A
4K PoE IP Camera with Person/Vehicle Detection
Smart Person/Vehicle Alerts; 4K UHD Day & Night; 100ft Night Vision; Time Lapse; IP66 Certified Weatherproof; Audio Recording.
As the most popular wired security camera linked to the phone, the Reolink RLC-810A will definitely not let you down.
After we launched the #ReolinkCaptures program, the video feedback just poured in which shows its great video performance both day and night.
If you want a wired security camera linked to mobile phone that is plug and play and play and have no idea which one to choose, Reolink RLC-810A won’t be wrong with the most attractive price tag!
And I bet the Reolink RLC-810a will surprise you with all the below great features that you couldn’t get elsewhere at the same cost.
Wireless Security Camera That Links to Your Phone – Reolink RLC-410W
Reolink RLC-410W
Dual-Band Wireless Security Camera with Audio
5MP/4MP Super HD, Outdoor/Indoor Protection, Dual-Band WiFi 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, Audio Recording, and SD Card Storage.
If you are looking for a wireless security camera linked to phone, then you can’t go wrong with the Reolink RLC-410W, which is the wireless counterpart of RLC-410.
Here is an unboxing video of the Reolink RLC-410W 5MP security camera for your reference.
Security Camera System Linked to Phone: Reolink RLK8-810B4-A
Reolink RLK8-810B4-A
Smart 4K 8-Channel PoE Security System
4 pcs 4K Ultral HD Security Cameras with Person/Vehicle Detection; 2TB HDD 8-Channel NVR for 24/7 Recording; Plug & Play.
When it comes to security camera system linked to phone, it’s important to make sure all the security cameras could be easily added to your phone and accessed remotely without slowing your network down.
Reolink security kit RLK8-810B4-A makes the whole process easy for you. Just connect the cameras to the NVR, link the NVR to your phone (by scanning the QR code) and it will deliver the live stream to your screen immediately.
More importantly, this security camera system linked to phone allows you to choose different live view mode (clear, balanced or fluent) to best suit your network condition.
WAIT! Check out these Special Deals before you leave:
Right now, you can get EXCLUSIVE & BIG discounts on a wide range of Reolink security cameras & systems, wire-free & plugged-in, indoors & outdoors.
Top Security Cameras Linked to Phone: 5 Features to Consider
What you can do with your security cameras connected to phone is determined by their features, in fact.
Want to see the burglar’s face clearly on your phone and catch him or her? Think of listening to what’s going on in your home and talk to your loved ones directly via phone?
You can realize them all if you choose the security cameras linked to phone with the following features.
#1. Security Cameras Connected to Phone with HD Images
The image quality of security cameras linked to phone is the prominent factor that affects your experience when watching live view.
Do you know that the resolution of human eyes is 576 megapixels (but really only about 7 megapixels matter)? So how could a security camera keep an “eye” on your property without high definition?
High resolution of security cameras connected to phone offers you better user experience in remote viewing:
You can thereby see the facial expressions clearly when your loved ones get home and know whether they had a good day, and you will have a clue when you find the illegal dumping on your lawn and stop it.
More importantly, the clearer image captured by security cameras connected to cell phone could be much more effective when prosecute is needed.
To protect your property, you need the cameras that could at least identify the human face and plate number, which means 1080p and above resolution.
Reolink has been offering all types of 1080p, 4MP (1440p) and 5MP cameras linked to phone, providing you a much clearer and sharper view of the objects. You may learn more details at the security camera store.
Reolink Argus 2E
Wire-Free, Battery or Solar Powered IP Camera
Rechargeable Battery & Solar Powered; 1080 Full HD; Stunning Night Vision; Built-In Siren; 120° Wide Viewing Angle; Two-Way Audio.
#2. Security Cameras to Your Phone with Excellent Night Vision
Want to see what’s going on outside your home in the dark night or check in on your little ones in their sleep at fingertips on your phone?
You can easily realize this with security cameras linked to phone that is night vision enabled.
With IR security cameras connected to your phone, you can check all the monitoring places even in the dark. But make sure you get the real night vision enabled camera. Before purchasing, do compare the number of LED lights that determines the night vision distance and its viewing angle.
Reolink RLC-810A
4K PoE IP Camera with Person/Vehicle Detection
Smart Person/Vehicle Alerts; 4K UHD Day & Night; 100ft Night Vision; Time Lapse; IP66 Certified Weatherproof; Audio Recording.
“Cat war.” – Captured by the security camera linked to cell phone Reolink RLC-810A.
#3. Security Cameras Linked to Mobile Phone with Two-Way Audio
Have you ever heard the news that the stolen property was lost forever even if the thieves were caught?
Now things will be different if you have a security camera linked to phone that is two-way audio enabled:
You can then warn the uninvited verbally by phone through the built-in microphone and stop the theft or vandalism before any damage was caused.
Actually, security cameras linked to phone with two-way audio can do far more than property protection. For example, you can also listen to what’s going on inside your house and keep your loved ones company by talking to them, even when you are miles away.
And manage your package in the cafe with the security cameras Reolink Argus 2E linked to the mobile phone.
#4. Security Camera Phone App with Easy Navigation
An easy navigated security camera phone app (both for iPhone and Android phone) can save you a lot of trouble. And it is of exceptional importance for the elders and children who need special protection but could get puzzled by the complex configurations.
If all the monitoring can be easily handled, you will be rest-assured when your parents and children are left alone at home.
Reolink has tried every effort to make its mobile client easy to use. You will only need three simple steps to link Reolink security cameras to your phone: Install free Reolink app on your phone, launch the app, and then click the cameras linked to phone and get live view.
#5. Security Cameras Connected to Phone That Is Network Friendly
One concern for security cameras that link to your phone may be the network problem.
It’s true that the live view on your phone relies on and will eat up the bandwidth, and therefore the performance of your security camera to your phone may get affected.
Here Reolink has worked out a way to eliminate the network influence of security cameras to your phone:
You can switch between clear, balanced and fluent mode on Reolink app according to your network conditions. The clear mode gives you the highest resolution and the fluent mode can record at the highest speed when the network is crowded.
Hot Q&As about linking Security Cameras to Phone
With a security camera linked to phone, the remote monitoring is handy. Yet you may still have some concerns about the security cameras connected to phone.
Check the following frequently asked ones and quick answers. (Feel free to add yours in the comment area, and I’ll get back to you very soon.)
#1. Can’t connect to my camera via my cell phone
“Phone Apps will not connect. Please assist.” There are anxious users every day on the forum asking for help to connect cameras to the cell phone.
And here are some common troubleshooting tips if you are unable to view cameras on connected app:
- Check the security camera connection and power
- Make sure the network connection is stable by testing with other network devices.
- Reboot the security camera to fix issues
- Reset the security camera to Its factory default
See more troubleshooting tips: Security Camera Won’t Work – Top 10 Solutions to Fix
#2. Will hackers control my security camera through the phone?
After you have decided a satisfying security camera that linked to phone, the last thing you may worry about is safety issues. You may wonder if it is possible for hackers to control the camera on your phone.
The short answer is NO, at least not for Reolink with the private safety protocol. That’s to say no one can access the camera without your permission and the right password.
And last but not least, make sure your camera is not the one in this Unsecured IP Camera List.
Editor’s Note: If you want to turn your old phones into security cameras, read our detailed step-by-step guidance in our previous post for both Android phones and iPhones.