How to View My SwitchBot Camera's Videos via Home Assistant?

Our Pan/Tilt Cam Plus 2K, and Pan/Tilt Cam Plus 3K support integration with third-party platforms via RTSP/ONVIF, such as Home Assistant.

Important notes:

1. Use this feature only on trusted local networks with encrypted Wi-Fi. Avoid public networks.

Prerequisites:

1. Create a secure Camera Account in the SwitchBot app (use a strong, unique password).

2. Ensure the Camera Account feature is turned on in the app.

3. Find the camera’s IP address in your router’s DHCP list or the SwitchBot App (under Wi-Fi Settings).

4. Ensure your computer/mobile device and camera are on the same network or can access the camera’s public IP/port.

Step 1: Create a camera account in the SwitchBot app.

1. Open the SwitchBot app and select your camera from the homepage.

2. Click the Settings icon in the upper right corner to enter the device settings page.

3. Click More Features, select Camera Account, and set your camera's login credentials on the third-party platform.

Step 2: Add your camera to Home Assistant.

SwitchBot cameras support RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) and ONVIF for video streaming and pan/tilt control.

Option 1: RTSP/ONVIF via Home Assistant

1. Run the Home Assistant software on your computer.

2. Go to "Settings" → "Devices and Services" → "Add Integration".

3. Search and select "ONVIF" or "Generic Camera".

4. If you choose "ONVIF":

• Select corresponding camera's IP address.
• Enter the camera's credentials created in the SwitchBot app.

5. If you choose "Generic Camera":

Enter the RTSP address. URL format: rtsp://[IP Address]: [Port]/[Streampath]

Select to verify the SSL certificate.

6. Once added, Home Assistant will detect the camera, allowing live viewing, motion logs, and pan/tilt control (for Pan/Tilt Cam Plus models).

Option 2: RTSP via VLC

1. Open the VLC software and select Media > Enable Network Stream.

2. Fill in the URL of your SwitchBot camera.

3. URL for RTSP real-time streams of a SwitchBot camera:

Standard definition:
rtsp://admin: 123456@192.168.1.100: 554/live1

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. "Unable to Access" error

• Check if the IP/port is reachable, confirm that the username and password are correct, and turn off the camera firewall or VPN.
• Toggle off and on the Camera Account option.
• Reset the username and password in the SwitchBot app. Delete the device on the third-party platform and then add it again.

2. Video delay or lag

Real-time viewing on third-party platforms will be delayed by 1-2s than normal. If there is a long time lag or lag, try the substream (replacelive0in the RTSP path withlive1).

3. RTSP/ONVIF ports for SwitchBot cameras

ONVIF: 220

RTSP: 554

4. Device not recognized

• Confirm that the firmware of the camera device, SwitchBot app, and the third-party platform software are upgraded to the latest versions.
• Contact customer service for camera models and platform logs.