Add a Camera
Three methods to add a compatible RTSP or ONVIF camera. Start with ONVIF discovery.
Method 1 — ONVIF Auto-Discovery Recommended
SmartRTSP broadcasts on your network and cameras respond automatically — no URL needed.
- 1Tap + on the camera list.
- 2Select ONVIF Scan.
- 3Wait 3–5 seconds. Cameras with their IP and model appear in the list.
- 4Tap your camera and enter username / password.
Method 2 — Manual RTSP URL
Use this when ONVIF scan doesn't find your camera, or for fine-grained stream control.
- 1Tap + → Manual.
- 2
Enter the RTSP URL:rtsp://username:password@192.168.1.100:554/stream-pathFor encrypted RTSP (TLS):
rtsps://...on port 322 - 3Give the camera a name, tap Connect.
| Brand | Main Stream URL | Sub Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Hikvision | rtsp://user:pass@IP/Streaming/Channels/101 | /Channels/102 |
| Reolink | rtsp://user:pass@IP/h264Preview_01_main | _sub |
| Dahua | rtsp://user:pass@IP/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0 | subtype=1 |
| Tapo | rtsp://user:pass@IP/stream1 | /stream2 |
| Axis | rtsp://user:pass@IP/axis-media/media.amp | ?videocodec=h264 |
| Amcrest | rtsp://user:pass@IP/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0 | subtype=1 |
See brand-specific guides: Hikvision · Reolink · Dahua · Tapo
Method 3 — Brand Template
SmartRTSP includes templates for popular brands. Just fill in IP, username, and password — the URL is pre-filled.
- 1Tap + → Brand Templates.
- 2Select your camera brand from the list.
- 3Enter IP address, username, and password. Tap Connect.
Camera Settings
Sub stream (lower resolution) saves bandwidth and battery. Recommended when viewing 4+ cameras simultaneously.
TCP is more reliable over Wi-Fi. Switch to UDP if you experience high latency. Default: TCP.
Time before SmartRTSP gives up and tries to reconnect. Increase for cameras on slow or distant networks.
Add unlimited cameras. View up to 20 simultaneously in Multi-Camera Grid.
Quick Troubleshooting
Confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and subnet. Check that ONVIF is enabled in the camera's web interface. Tapo cameras need ONVIF enabled via the Tapo app.
Double-check the IP address, port (default 554), username, and password. Test the same URL in VLC on the same network to isolate the issue.
Try switching to Sub Stream or change the video codec. Some cameras default to H.265 — switch to H.264 if the device doesn't support H.265 hardware decoding.