Being able to see what is happening at your property when you are not there is one of the most useful features of a modern CCTV system. With remote access CCTV, you can securely view your cameras from a compatible smartphone, tablet or computer, whether you are at work, away from home or responsible for a business premises elsewhere.
Modern remote access CCTV viewing can offer much more than simply watching a live camera feed. Depending on your system, you may be able to review recorded footage, receive notifications and manage multiple cameras or premises remotely.
At Lenz Security, remote viewing is included with our new CCTV installations, and we help customers set up the relevant apps on their smartphones and tablets as part of the installation.
This guide explains how remote access CCTV works, what you can do with it and what to consider when choosing a system for your home or business.
What is remote access CCTV?
Remote access CCTV is a CCTV system that allows authorised users to view their cameras when they are away from the property.
Instead of needing to be physically in front of the CCTV recorder or a dedicated monitor, you can access compatible cameras and recordings using an app or software on an internet-connected device.
For example, a homeowner could check their cameras while away on holiday, while a business owner could view their premises after closing for the day.
The exact features available will depend on the CCTV equipment and how the system has been configured, but remote access has become an important part of modern CCTV.
How does remote access CCTV viewing work?
A remote access CCTV system normally consists of cameras connected to recording equipment at your property. The CCTV system is then connected to the internet, allowing authorised devices to communicate with it remotely.
Once the appropriate app or software has been securely configured, you can access your remote access CCTV system using a compatible smartphone, tablet or computer with an internet connection.
This means you don’t have to be connected to the same network as your remote access CCTV system to view it.
For most users, the technical side should be relatively straightforward once everything has been professionally installed and configured. With Lenz Security installations, we set up remote viewing on compatible devices and provide a demonstration of the system’s features so you know how to use it.
Can I view my CCTV cameras from my phone?
Yes. Modern CCTV systems can allow you to view your cameras through a compatible smartphone app.
This can provide access to your CCTV wherever you have a suitable internet connection, rather than limiting you to viewing cameras from a monitor inside the property.
Depending on your CCTV system and its configuration, remote access can allow you to:
- View live camera feeds
- Review previously recorded footage
- Switch between different cameras
- Receive relevant alerts or notifications
- Monitor more than one area or premises
- Access your system from compatible smartphones or tablets
This can be particularly useful when something happens while you’re away. Instead of waiting until you return to the property to investigate, remote access may allow you to check the relevant cameras straight away.
What can you do with a remote access CCTV system?
View live CCTV footage
Remote viewing allows you to check what your cameras are seeing in real time.
A homeowner might use this to check their property while away, while a business owner or authorised member of staff could check the premises outside normal operating hours.
Review recorded footage
Depending on the system, you may also be able to remotely access footage that has already been recorded.
This means that if you need to see what happened earlier, you don’t necessarily have to return to the premises and access the CCTV recorder directly.
Receive notifications
Compatible CCTV systems can provide notifications or alerts to a mobile device. This can help draw your attention to activity without requiring you to continually watch your cameras.
The type of notification and detection available will depend on the equipment installed and how the system has been configured.
Monitor multiple cameras
If your property has several cameras, remote viewing can provide access to different areas from within the same system.
This is useful for larger homes and particularly valuable for businesses where cameras may cover entrances, external areas and other important parts of the premises.
Check more than one premises
Some remote access CCTV systems can also make it possible for authorised users to manage or view cameras across multiple locations.
For somebody responsible for several business premises or sites, this can make CCTV considerably more convenient than relying solely on local viewing at each location.
Do you need Wi-Fi for remote access CCTV viewing?
Your CCTV system needs an appropriate internet connection if you want to access it remotely, but the device you’re viewing it from does not necessarily need to be connected to your property’s Wi-Fi.
For example, once a compatible system has been properly connected and configured, you could potentially view your CCTV through your smartphone using mobile data or another secure internet connection while away from the property.
The quality and reliability of remote viewing can be affected by internet connectivity at both ends. A professional CCTV survey can therefore consider not only camera positioning and recording requirements, but also how you intend to access the system remotely.
Mobile data charges may apply when accessing CCTV away from Wi-Fi.
Is remote access CCTV secure?
Remote access is convenient, but it also makes correct configuration and account security important.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends taking steps to secure internet-connected devices, including using secure passwords, enabling two-step verification where available and keeping devices and apps updated.
Other sensible precautions include limiting access to people who genuinely need it and removing access when somebody no longer requires it.
It is also worth avoiding unnecessary sharing of CCTV login details between multiple people.
Professional installation can help ensure the remote viewing functionality is configured correctly and that you understand how to manage access to your system.
Remote access CCTV for your home
Remote CCTV viewing can be useful in many everyday situations.
You might want to check your property while you’re at work, see what is happening outside after receiving an alert or simply check your home while you’re away for a few days.
It can also form part of a wider home security system. Lenz Security offers smart home security systems with mobile control and notification capabilities alongside CCTV solutions.
CCTV should, however, be designed around the property rather than simply installing as many cameras as possible. Camera positioning, image quality, night-time performance, recording requirements and the areas that genuinely need monitoring should all be considered.
Remote access CCTV for businesses
Remote access CCTV can be particularly useful for business owners, facilities managers and other authorised personnel who aren’t always physically present at a site.
Depending on the requirements of the premises, remote viewing could help you check a building outside working hours, review an incident or monitor relevant areas without needing to travel to the site simply to access the CCTV recorder.
Businesses with more than one location may also benefit from having appropriately configured remote access to their CCTV systems.
The right solution will depend on the size and layout of the premises, the areas that need monitoring and who requires authorised access.
Can an existing CCTV system be upgraded for remote viewing?
Potentially, but it depends on the equipment you already have.
Some existing CCTV systems may be capable of remote access once the appropriate equipment and connectivity have been configured. Older systems may have limitations or require equipment to be upgraded before modern remote viewing features can be used.
Rather than assuming an entire CCTV system needs replacing, it is worth having the existing equipment assessed first.
Lenz Security can inspect your current CCTV setup and advise whether remote access is possible with the existing equipment or whether an upgrade would provide a more suitable solution.
What should I look for in a remote access CCTV system?
Remote viewing is an important feature, but it shouldn’t be considered in isolation. A CCTV system still needs to provide suitable coverage and dependable recordings at the property itself.
When comparing systems, consider:
- Ease of remote viewing: Is the app straightforward for the people who will actually use it?
- Live and recorded footage: Can you access the functionality you need remotely?
- Image quality: Will the cameras provide useful images for the areas being monitored?
- Night-time performance: Consider how effectively important areas can be monitored after dark.
- Recording and storage: How much footage does the system need to retain?
- Notifications: Does the system provide the type of alerts that would be useful to you?
- Connectivity: Is the property’s internet connection suitable for the remote functionality required?
- Support: What happens if you have difficulty accessing or operating the system later?
A professional survey can help establish these requirements before equipment is selected, rather than trying to make a standard CCTV package fit every property.
Remote access CCTV installation in Colchester and Essex
Remote access has transformed CCTV from something you could only review at the property into a security tool you can use while you’re away.
But the effectiveness of any CCTV system still comes down to choosing appropriate equipment, positioning cameras correctly and configuring the system around the needs of the property and the people using it.
Lenz Security installs CCTV systems for homes and businesses in Colchester and across Essex, with coverage also extending into surrounding areas. Our CCTV installations include remote viewing, app setup on compatible smartphones and tablets, and a demonstration of the system’s features.
If you’re considering a new CCTV system, or want to find out whether an existing system can provide remote viewing, contact Lenz Security for advice and a CCTV solution tailored to your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch my CCTV cameras when I’m away from home?
Yes, if your CCTV system has been configured for remote access and both the system and your viewing device have suitable internet connectivity. You can then use the relevant app or software to access compatible CCTV cameras while away.
Can I view CCTV on my phone without being connected to my home Wi-Fi?
Yes. A remotely accessible CCTV system can be viewed from a compatible smartphone using another internet connection, including mobile data. The CCTV equipment at your property will still need the appropriate internet connectivity.
Can more than one person access CCTV remotely?
This depends on the CCTV system and how access has been configured. Where multiple users are required, access should be managed carefully so that only authorised people can view the system.
Can I watch recorded CCTV footage remotely?
Compatible CCTV systems can allow you to review recorded footage remotely as well as view live cameras. The exact functionality will depend on the equipment and configuration.
Can an old CCTV system be upgraded for remote viewing?
Sometimes. Whether an existing CCTV system can support remote access depends on factors including the cameras, recording equipment and connectivity. Having the existing system assessed is the best way to establish whether it can be upgraded or whether replacement equipment is required.
Is remote access CCTV viewing secure?
Remote viewing can be used securely when the system is correctly configured and sensible account-security practices are followed. Use strong unique passwords, control who has access and keep relevant software and equipment updated.
Does remote access CCTV have a monthly fee?
This depends on the system and any additional services being used. Lenz Security’s current CCTV service information states that its CCTV systems have no annual fee and that remote viewing is offered on new installations. Specific requirements and any optional services should be confirmed when discussing your installation.