Turning Your Smartphone into a Security Camera: LiveCam with Synology Surveillance Station

In today’s connected world, video surveillance is no longer limited to dedicated IP cameras. With Synology’s LiveCam app, any iOS device can be transformed into a fully functional surveillance camera that integrates seamlessly with Surveillance Station, Synology’s powerful video management system. This feature offers flexibility, mobility, and cost savings for both home and business users.

What is LiveCam?

LiveCam is a free mobile application developed by Synology. Available exclusively for iOS, the app allows your iPhone or iPad to act as an IP camera. When paired with Surveillance Station running on a Synology NAS, your mobile device streams video footage directly into the central management platform.

This means you can start recording instantly without purchasing an additional camera—ideal for temporary setups, small-scale surveillance needs, or as a backup solution.

Key Features

• Instant camera setup: No complex configuration is required. Simply install the app, connect it to your Synology NAS, and assign it to Surveillance Station.
• Integrated management: Recordings from LiveCam are stored centrally in Surveillance Station, making them available for review, live viewing, and analysis alongside footage from other IP cameras.
• Mobile flexibility: Because your phone is portable, you can place it anywhere in your home or office to cover blind spots or temporary areas.
• Events and alerts: Footage from LiveCam can be tied into Surveillance Station’s event detection, notifications, and customizable security rules.
• Cost-effective: Rather than investing in additional IP cameras, you can repurpose a spare device as a surveillance unit.

Use Cases

• Temporary setups: Monitoring a construction project, renovation, or short-term event without installing permanent equipment.
• Entry-level surveillance: For users just starting with Synology’s surveillance solutions, LiveCam offers a zero-cost way to explore the system.
• Redundancy: Provides a backup video source if another camera goes offline.
• Mobile monitoring: Place the device in a spot for quick surveillance, then easily relocate it when no longer needed.

Integration with Surveillance Station

Surveillance Station acts as the command center for all connected cameras, including LiveCam-enabled devices. Users can:

• View live feeds from multiple sources in one interface.
• Configure motion detection or event-based recording with LiveCam as one of the inputs.
• Store, archive, and review footage directly from the Synology NAS.
• Access recordings remotely via the Surveillance Station web client or the DS Cam mobile app.

It’s important to note that LiveCam uses the same license system as regular IP cameras. Depending on your NAS, only two camera licenses are included by default; additional licenses may be required if you plan to connect multiple devices.

In addition to its practical uses, LiveCam also offers seamless integration with other Synology services and smart home systems. By leveraging Surveillance Station’s extensive API, users can link LiveCam feeds to automated actions such as turning on lights when motion is detected or activating alarms. This makes LiveCam not only a flexible surveillance tool but also a vital part of an intelligent, integrated security network that is easily expandable and customizable to evolving needs.

LiveCam’s user-friendly interface and straightforward setup make it accessible for users of all technical levels. Whether you are a seasoned security professional or a homeowner looking to enhance your property’s safety, LiveCam provides a low-barrier entry point into advanced surveillance systems. The app’s real-time video streaming, combined with Surveillance Station’s robust recording features, ensures that critical moments are captured and easily accessible whenever needed.

Conclusion

The Synology LiveCam app is a clever and practical extension of Surveillance Station. By transforming a spare iOS device into a surveillance camera, Synology enables users to expand their security system affordably and flexibly. Whether for temporary monitoring, entry-level surveillance, or as an additional eye in your security network, LiveCam delivers an accessible and effective solution.