8.3. Connecting specific camera brands

How do I enable ONVIF on HikVision cameras?

By default, the ONVIF protocol may be disabled on HikVision cameras. To enable it, access the camera's web interface and follow the steps described in the manufacturer's documentation:

  1. Log into the camera's web interface (usually at the camera's IP address in a browser).

  2. Navigate to Configuration → Network → Advanced Settings → Integration Protocol.

  3. Enable the ONVIF protocol.

  4. Set or verify the ONVIF user credentials (username and password).

For detailed step-by-step instructions, see the HikVision documentation or the article at: https://www.cctv-outlet.com/news/enable-hikvision-onvif/

How do I connect Amcrest cameras (e.g. ASH47-W)?

Amcrest cameras support ONVIF and RTSP protocols out of the box. To connect an Amcrest camera to AnyCam:

  1. Make sure the camera is powered on and connected to your local network.

  2. Find the camera's IP address using the Amcrest IP Config tool or your router's device list.

  3. In AnyCam, click the + button to add a new camera and enter the camera's IP address. AnyCam will automatically discover the camera via ONVIF.

Figure 8.3.1. Connecting the camera via ONVIF protocol.

If automatic discovery does not work, you can connect manually using the RTSP URL:

rtsp://{camera_ip}:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0

For the sub-stream (lower resolution, less bandwidth):

rtsp://{camera_ip}:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=1
Figure 8.3.2. Connecting the camera via RTSP protocol.

The default username is admin. The password is the one you set during initial camera setup via the Amcrest web interface or app.

Tip: If you need PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) control, connect via ONVIF rather than RTSP. ONVIF provides full PTZ functionality, while RTSP only delivers the video stream.

How do I connect Dahua cameras (e.g. DH-SD49225XA-HNR)?

Dahua cameras fully support ONVIF and RTSP protocols. The DH-SD49225XA-HNR is a PTZ speed dome camera — for full PTZ control in AnyCam, use an ONVIF connection.

To connect:

  1. Make sure the camera is powered on and connected to your local network (via PoE or external power supply).

  2. Find the camera's IP address using the Dahua ConfigTool or your router's device list.

  3. In AnyCam, click the + button to add a new camera. Enter the camera's IP address and the application will attempt automatic ONVIF discovery.

Figure 8.3.3. Connecting the camera via ONVIF protocol.

If automatic discovery does not work, you can connect manually using the RTSP URL:

rtsp://{camera_ip}:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0

For the sub-stream:

rtsp://{camera_ip}:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=1
Figure 8.3.4. Connecting the camera via RTSP protocol.

The default username is admin. If you have not changed the password, the camera may prompt you to set one on first login via its web interface.

Tip: Dahua PTZ cameras like the DH-SD49225XA-HNR work best with ONVIF connections in AnyCam, which provide full pan, tilt, and zoom controls directly in the application.

How do I connect Tapo (TP-Link) cameras (e.g. C121, C530WS)?

Tapo cameras require enabling third-party application access before they can be used with AnyCam. This is done through the Tapo app:

  1. Open the Tapo app on your phone and tap your camera's card to open the Live View page.

  2. Tap the settings icon in the top right corner, then go to Advanced Settings → Camera Account.

  3. Read the notice and tap Understand and Agree to Use. Create a camera username and password (6—32 characters each). These credentials are separate from your Tapo account.

  4. In AnyCam, click the + button to add a new camera and enter the camera's IP address. AnyCam will discover the camera via ONVIF.

Figure 8.3.5. Connecting the camera via ONVIF protocol.

To connect manually via RTSP, use the following URL format:

rtsp://{camera_ip}:554/stream1

For the sub-stream (standard quality):

rtsp://{camera_ip}:554/stream2

You can find the camera's IP address in the Tapo app under Device Settings → Device Info, or in your router's DHCP client list.

Figure 8.3.6. Connecting the camera via RTSP protocol.

Tip: For PTZ-capable Tapo models (such as the C530WS), use an ONVIF connection in AnyCam to access pan and tilt controls.

For detailed instructions, see the TP-Link support article: https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/2680/

Can I connect Yi Home cameras?

Older Yi Home cameras (Yi Home 1080p, Yi Dome, Yi Outdoor, and similar models) do not provide standard RTSP or ONVIF streams by default. They use a proprietary protocol that only works with the Yi/Mi Home mobile app. AnyCam supports RTSP, ONVIF, and MJPEG — none of which stock Yi cameras provide.

However, if your Yi camera is compatible with custom firmware, you can enable RTSP support. One such firmware is yi-hack-v5 (https://github.com/roleoroleo/yi-hack-v5), which supports many Yi Home models. After flashing, the camera exposes an RTSP stream that can be added in AnyCam:

rtsp://{camera_ip}/ch0_0.h264

The login and password are configured in the yi-hack web interface.

Important: Custom firmware voids the camera's warranty and may render the device unusable if the wrong version is flashed. Before proceeding, verify your exact camera model on the yi-hack compatibility list. Some newer Yi cameras have locked bootloaders that prevent custom firmware installation entirely.

If you are not comfortable flashing custom firmware, Yi cameras are not compatible with AnyCam.

Unfortunately, Nest cameras do not support connecting third-party applications via the RTSP protocol by default. These cameras are designed to work exclusively with their proprietary cloud services.

Similarly, battery-powered cloud cameras like Blink do not support RTSP streams — the video feed is sent directly to the manufacturer's cloud servers and is not accessible from local network applications.