4G & 5G Camera Setup Guide

Get your SIM-based CCTV camera live and streaming over mobile data in under 20 minutes.

This guide covers everything from inserting your data SIM to viewing footage remotely on your phone. You will need the camera and its power supply or mount, an activated data SIM sized to fit the camera, and a smartphone with the viewing app installed. No WiFi or broadband is required once set up.

Setting it up, step by step

• Fully charge or connect the camera to power before you begin, so it stays on throughout the pairing process.
• Open the SIM slot behind the cover or beneath the base, and insert an activated, unpinned data SIM the correct way round until it clicks into place.
• Power the camera on and wait a minute or two for it to search for and register on the mobile network, watching for the status light described in the manual.
• Download the viewing app named on the product page or listed in the camera manual, then create an account and log in.
• Add the camera in the app by scanning the QR code on the camera body or in its manual, or by entering its device ID manually if prompted.
• If the app asks you to connect over the camera hotspot or a temporary WiFi step first, follow that on-screen prompt to complete pairing, after which the camera runs over 4G or 5G on its own.
• Mount the camera in its final position, angling it to cover the area you want and avoiding pointing it straight at bright light or the sun.
• Confirm you can see a live view, then set your recording mode to continuous or motion-triggered and enable motion alerts so you get push notifications.
• Insert a microSD card or confirm your cloud plan so footage is actually saved, then test by walking through the scene to check alerts arrive.

Which SIM and data plan?

Choose a data-only SIM that fits your camera slot, usually standard, micro or nano size. A continuously streaming HD camera can use large amounts of data, so a plan with a generous or unlimited monthly allowance is safest, while a motion-only camera needs far less. Ensure the SIM is activated and PIN-locking is turned off before inserting it. A roaming or multi-network data SIM is worth considering for rural or remote sites where a single network may have patchy coverage.

Frequently asked questions

The camera will not connect to the mobile network. What should I check?

Confirm the SIM is activated, has data credit and is inserted the correct way round. Check the camera is in an area with 4G or 5G coverage, as thick walls and remote spots weaken signal. Give it a few minutes after powering on, and restart the camera if the status light still shows no connection.

The app cannot find or add my camera. How do I fix it?

Make sure the camera is powered on and its status light shows it is online first. Scan the QR code in good light, or type the device ID exactly as printed. Ensure your phone has an internet connection, then close and reopen the app and try adding again. A camera restart often clears a stuck pairing.

Live view keeps buffering or drops out. Why?

This is almost always signal or data related. Weak mobile coverage at the camera location limits streaming, so try relocating it or fitting an external antenna if supported. Lower the stream to a standard rather than high-definition quality in the app, and confirm your data plan has not run out or been throttled.

I am not receiving motion alerts. What is wrong?

Check that motion detection and push notifications are both switched on in the app, and that notifications are allowed for the app in your phone settings. Adjust the detection sensitivity and zones so the camera is actually watching the right area, and confirm the camera is online rather than offline when the movement happens.

Nothing is being recorded. Where is my footage?

The camera needs somewhere to save clips. Insert a compatible microSD card, formatted in the app if required, or subscribe to the cloud storage plan. Check the app to confirm storage is detected and not full, and verify your recording mode is set so it captures either continuously or on motion as you intended.