I Pro Mobile App Can't Connect? A Guide to Remote Viewing
Connecting to a professional I Pro surveillance system with a mobile app is often more complex than with consumer-grade products. These systems prioritise security and direct connection over cloud-based convenience, which means the setup requires careful network configuration. If your I Pro mobile app is failing to connect, this guide will walk you through the essential steps involving DDNS, port forwarding, and app settings.
This guide is for users who want to view their cameras from outside their local network (e.g., using mobile data).
1. Understanding the Connection Method
Unlike many modern systems that connect through a manufacturer's cloud server, most I Pro setups require a direct connection from your phone to your NVR. This means your app needs to know your network's public IP address and the correct 'port' to knock on.
- Public IP Address: Your internet service provider assigns a public IP address to your router. This is the address of your network on the internet.
- Port Forwarding: This is a setting on your router that directs incoming traffic on a specific port to a particular device on your internal network (in this case, your NVR).
2. Setting Up DDNS (Dynamic DNS)
Most residential internet connections have a dynamic public IP address, meaning it can change periodically. This is a problem, as your app's settings would become outdated. DDNS solves this.
- What it Does: A DDNS service provides you with a fixed hostname (e.g.,
my-cctv.ddns.net) that automatically updates whenever your public IP address changes. - How to Set It Up:
- Sign up for a DDNS service (many are free, like No-IP or Dynu).
- Create a unique hostname.
- Configure the DDNS settings either in your NVR or, more commonly, in your router's administration panel. You will enter your DDNS provider, hostname, username, and password. This allows your router to keep the DDNS service updated.
3. Configuring Port Forwarding on Your Router
This is the most critical technical step. You must tell your router to forward the necessary traffic to your I Pro NVR.
- Find Your NVR's IP Address: First, you need the local IP address of your NVR (e.g.,
192.168.1.100). It's best to configure this as a static IP in your NVR's network settings so it never changes. - Identify the Ports: You will typically need to forward two ports:
- HTTP Port: For managing the device (usually port 80).
- RTSP Port: For the video stream itself (usually port 554).
- Consult your NVR's manual for the exact port numbers.
- Create the Rules: Log in to your router's admin panel and find the 'Port Forwarding' or 'Virtual Server' section. Create a new rule for each port, specifying the port number and the local IP address of your NVR.
4. Configuring the Mobile App
Now, with the networking in place, you can configure the app on your phone.
- Use the Correct Address: In the app's device or server settings, do not use the local IP address (
192.168.1.100). You must use your DDNS hostname (e.g.,my-cctv.ddns.net). - Enter the Port: The app will have a field for the port number. Enter the HTTP port you forwarded (e.g., 80).
- Enter Credentials: Use the same username and password that you use to log in to the NVR directly. Ensure this user account has permissions for remote access.
If the app works on your local Wi-Fi but not on mobile data, the problem is almost certainly with your DDNS or port forwarding setup. Double-check every step, ensure the rules are saved on your router, and confirm your DDNS hostname is correctly pointing to your current public IP address.