What Frigate NVR is for
Frigate is open-source NVR software for managing compatible camera video on hardware you operate. It can record locally and expose a restream for another local viewer, so a viewer does not have to open a separate connection to every camera.
Start with the exact camera model, firmware and a documented local source. ONVIF discovery can help find a compatible camera on the same LAN; a working ONVIF result does not guarantee every codec, event or control is supported by every NVR or viewer.
A safe local Frigate workflow
1. Plan the host
Use a host that can stay online, has supported storage and can be updated. Docker Compose is Frigate's recommended installation path.
2. Validate one camera
Test one exact camera locally with its own account before adding more. Do not depend on an undocumented stream template or default credentials.
3. Configure go2rtc
Give each camera a stable, meaningful stream name. Frigate can use the local restream instead of asking the camera for multiple copies of the same feed.
4. Keep access private
Use unique accounts, current firmware and a private LAN. For remote viewing, connect by VPN instead of forwarding camera, NVR, ONVIF or RTSP ports to the public internet.
Frigate go2rtc RTSP restream URL
For a configured camera, Frigate documents the go2rtc restream pattern below. The camera name is the configured stream name, not a guessed URL path.
rtsp://FRIGATE_HOST:8554/CAMERA_NAMEPort 8554 exposes RTSP restreaming and is unauthenticated by default unless you configure go2rtc RTSP credentials. Treat it as a private LAN service, use dedicated credentials if other local clients need access, and do not publish it on the internet.
Connect Frigate to Home Assistant
Install the official Frigate integration after MQTT is configured. Frigate and Home Assistant need to use the same MQTT broker for many integration entities to work. Use the authenticated Frigate port for a separate-machine LAN setup when your deployment supports it.
The Frigate App and the Home Assistant integration are different components. Follow the current official documentation for your chosen installation type and verify the connection privately before using it for daily monitoring.
Private access and privacy
Local recording can keep compatible camera video on storage you manage and can reduce reliance on a mandatory camera cloud relay. It still needs an operational security plan: protected storage, least-privilege accounts and software updates.
For remote access, use a VPN or trusted private network. Do not expose port 8554, a Frigate dashboard, a camera web page or ONVIF discovery service directly to the public internet.
Frigate and SmartRTSP: separate roles
Use the recorder for managed storage and compatible local integrations; use a native RTSP viewer for focused live monitoring where a supported local stream is available.
| Need | Frigate NVR | SmartRTSP |
|---|---|---|
| Recording and retention | Manages locally configured recordings and storage on your host. | Live viewer; it does not replace a recorder's storage plan. |
| Home automation | Can integrate with Home Assistant when configured with the required components. | Uses a compatible local RTSP or ONVIF source for viewing. |
| Camera connection | Uses configured camera sources and can provide a go2rtc RTSP restream. | Connects to a compatible local camera or Frigate restream. |
| Apple-device monitoring | Provides the configured stream source. | Views compatible sources on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV. |
View a compatible Frigate stream with SmartRTSP
After testing the local restream, add its documented address in SmartRTSP on iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV. Use the Frigate host address reachable from that device, the configured stream name and the dedicated credentials when you enabled authentication. SmartRTSP performs playback on your device and does not require a camera cloud relay for a compatible local stream.
Try SmartRTSP freeFrigate NVR FAQ
What is the Frigate NVR RTSP URL?
For a configured stream, Frigate documents rtsp://FRIGATE_HOST:8554/CAMERA_NAME. Use the actual configured name and protect the endpoint with private networking and authentication when appropriate.
Does Frigate work with Home Assistant?
Yes. The official integration requires Home Assistant MQTT configuration, and Frigate and Home Assistant must use the same MQTT broker for many integration entities.
Can SmartRTSP view a Frigate camera?
Yes, when the Frigate restream, network, credentials and media format are compatible. Add the local RTSP address in SmartRTSP and test it from the same private network first.
Should I expose Frigate port 8554 to the internet?
No. Keep RTSP and administrative services private. Use a VPN or another private network method for remote access instead of direct public port forwarding.