Modern video surveillance systems are no longer the preserve of professionals, but rather an accessible tool for home and office security. Often, access to the video stream is needed not only by the device owner but also by other family members, such as a spouse or children, or security personnel. In such cases, the question arises: how to connect a second user to a Wi-Fi camera without losing image quality or compromising system security.
The process of adding a new device or account directly depends on the architecture of a specific video surveillance system, whether it is a manufacturer's cloud service or a local network with ONVIF protocol. Understanding the principles of operation administrator and ordinary user Allows you to flexibly manage access rights, preventing outsiders from changing critical settings or, conversely, granting full control to trusted individuals.
In this guide, we'll cover various connection scenarios, from popular Chinese ecosystems to professional NVR recorders. You'll learn about the limitations on the number of simultaneous connections and how to properly configure permissions to avoid access conflicts.
Types of video surveillance systems and access principles
Before you begin setting up your camera, you need to clearly understand what type it is, as this will determine the procedure. Most modern consumer models operate using a P2P (peer-to-peer) model via the manufacturer's cloud server, where control is achieved via a unique QR code or serial number. In systems such as Hik-Connect or Tuya Smart, adding a second user often means giving them permission to view an existing device through their personal account.
There's also a classic local network setup, where the camera has its own IP address and web interface. Here, connecting a second user requires creating a new account directly in the camera's menu or on the DVR. This is a more complex but also more flexible method, allowing you to specify detailed access rights for each specific device. login.
The third option is to use a protocol RTSP or ONVIF, which allows you to broadcast a video stream to third-party programs such as VLC Player or IP Cam ViewerIn this case, "connecting a second user" simply means entering the stream address and password on the second device, while the camera itself may not even be aware of the second observer's existence, considering it just another connection to the data stream.
⚠️ Attention: Protocol RTSP This feature is often disabled by default on new cameras for security reasons. Before attempting to connect via third-party software, be sure to enable this feature in the device's web interface.
It's important to distinguish between "sharing" and "multi-user access." In the former, the owner shares the device; in the latter, each user logs in with their own username. The choice of strategy depends on whether the second user needs to be able to change settings or only view the archive.
Preparing to add a new device or account
Successfully connecting a second user is impossible without first preparing the main system. The first step is always updating the camera's firmware to the latest version, as manufacturers often patch security vulnerabilities and bugs that prevent the sharing function from working correctly in older software versions.
Make sure you have physical access to the primary smartphone that has the camera configured and receives push notifications. This device will act as administrator, granting permissions. Also, check the stability of your Wi-Fi connection: adding a new user may temporarily increase the camera's bandwidth usage.
☑️ Preparing to add a user
Agree with the second user in advance which app they will use. If you are using an ecosystem Xiaomi Mi HomeThe second person must also have the app installed and their own Mi Account registered. Using the same account on two phones at the same time often leads to conflicts and disconnections.
If your camera supports storing recordings on an SD card, check its status. When a second user connects and also wants to view the archive, the card's read load will increase. On some budget models, simultaneous access to the archive from two devices can cause playback lag.
Setting up shared access in mobile applications (P2P schemes)
The most common scenario is using the manufacturer's proprietary app. Let's look at the algorithm using popular platforms such as Tuya, Ezviz or TapoThe logic is the same: the device owner (Administrator) must find the desired camera in the menu and select the "Share" or "Add Family Member" option.
After selecting the function, the system will prompt you to enter the second user's details. This could be their phone number linked to their account or their email address. Some apps generate a special QR code or a digital code that the second user must scan or enter in their app under "Add Device" -> "Accept Sharing".
- 📱 Tuya Smart / Smart Life app: Go to the camera settings, click "Share Device," and enter the second user's email or phone number. They will receive a notification that they will need to confirm.
- 🔒 Ezviz app: In the main menu, select "Share" and enter the login (usually an email) of the second user. It's important that the second user already has an Ezviz account.
- 🏠 Tapo app (TP-Link):** You can add up to 4 users in the "Account" -> "Share Device" section. They will have viewing access but will not be able to delete recordings or change Wi-Fi settings.
It's worth noting an important detail: the second user connected via the "Sharing" feature typically has limited rights. They cannot delete the camera from the owner's account, change the Wi-Fi password, or reset the device. This ensures the system is secure from accidental or malicious actions.
Some systems limit the number of users who can view the stream simultaneously. Typically, this is 3-4 for cloud cameras. If you try to connect a fifth user, the original users may receive a channel overload or access denied message.
Creating local users via the web interface
More advanced cameras and IP video recorders (NVRs) offer the ability to create full accounts within the system itself. To do this, log in to the camera's web interface. Enter the device's IP address in the address bar of a browser on a computer connected to the same network.
After logging in with your login admin Go to the configuration section. Look for a tab called System (System) or User (User). Here you will see a list of current accounts. Click the "Add" or "Create User" button. You will need to enter a name for the new user (e.g. user2) and set a complex password for it.
Path to settings (example):
Configuration → System → User Management → Add
The key here is setting up access rights (Permissions). The system will prompt you to select which functions the new user will have access to. You can only check the boxes next to Live View (live viewing) and Playback (reproduction), but remove rights to Configuration (on