Adding Devices

Add new cameras and recorders to your Night Owl Protect account.

Before You Begin

Ensure you have:

  • βœ… Night Owl Protect app installed

  • βœ… Account created and verified

  • βœ… Device powered on

  • βœ… Device connected to network (for NVR/DVR)

  • βœ… WiFi password ready (for wireless cameras)

Adding via Device ID

If QR scanning doesn’t work:

  1. Tap + β†’ Manual Setup

  2. Select device type:

    • Camera

    • NVR/DVR

    • Doorbell

  3. Enter Device ID (found on device label)

  4. Enter device password (default or custom)

  5. Tap Connect

Adding WiFi Cameras

Smart Config Mode

  1. Ensure camera is in setup mode (indicator blinking)

  2. Open app β†’ + β†’ Smart Config

  3. Enter your WiFi name and password

  4. Wait for connection

  5. Configure camera settings

AP Mode (Direct Connection)

  1. Put camera in AP mode (press reset 5 seconds)

  2. Go to phone WiFi settings

  3. Connect to camera hotspot (Night_Owl_XXXXX)

  4. Return to Night Owl Protect

  5. Tap + β†’ AP Mode Setup

  6. Enter your home WiFi credentials

  7. Camera connects to your network

Adding Wired Cameras

PoE Cameras (NVR)

  1. Connect camera to NVR’s PoE port

  2. Camera powers on automatically

  3. Open Night Owl Protect

  4. Go to your NVR

  5. Camera appears in device list

  6. Configure camera settings

BNC Cameras (DVR)

  1. Connect BNC cable from camera to DVR

  2. Connect power adapter to camera

  3. Camera appears on DVR channel

  4. Access via Night Owl Protect

Adding Additional Recorders

New NVR/DVR

  1. Complete initial recorder setup

  2. Connect to internet

  3. In Night Owl Protect, tap +

  4. Scan QR code or enter manually

  5. Enter admin password

  6. All connected cameras appear automatically

Sharing Device Access

Invite Family Members

  1. Go to device Settings β†’ Sharing

  2. Tap Invite User

  3. Enter email address

  4. Choose permission level:

    • Admin - Full control

    • User - View and control, no settings

    • Viewer - View only

  5. Send invitation

Accepting Invitations

  1. Receive email invitation

  2. Install Night Owl Protect (if needed)

  3. Create account or sign in

  4. Shared devices appear automatically

Troubleshooting

Camera Won’t Connect

  • Ensure camera is in setup mode (LED blinking)

  • Check WiFi password is correct

  • Verify 2.4GHz network (many cameras don’t support 5GHz)

  • Move closer to router

  • Restart camera and try again

QR Code Not Scanning

  • Clean camera lens

  • Improve lighting

  • Hold phone steady

  • Try entering Device ID manually

Device Shows Offline

  • Check power connection

  • Verify network connectivity

  • Restart device

  • Check router firewall settings

Need help? Visit Troubleshooting or Contact Support.