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Guard Viewer - IPC Geek
Score Overview
3.0
Overall Rating
2.8
App Store
3.1
Google Play
500K+Google Play Downloads
Guard Viewer
KeyLife International Technology LimitedFree
Guard Viewer — Professional mobile surveillance app for IP cameras, NVRs, and speed domes. Live view, recorded playback, push alarm notifications, PTZ control, two-way audio, and cloud device management on iOS and Android.
Live View Streaming — Access real-time video feeds from network cameras, speed domes, and NVRs with main stream and sub stream switching, digital zoom, and multi-channel grid layouts for monitoring multiple cameras simultaneously
Recorded Video Playback — Browse and play back recorded footage using calendar-based search and timeline scrubbing, with support for SD card playback on compatible SDK3 protocol devices
Push Alarm Notifications — Receive instant push notifications for motion detection, human body detection, cross-line detection, and intrusion detection events, with filtering by alarm type, time range, and specific device
PTZ Camera Control — Full pan, tilt, zoom, focus, and iris control for speed domes and motorized cameras, enabling precise camera positioning and tracking from your mobile device
Two-Way Audio Communication — Talk and listen through NVR-connected cameras for real-time bidirectional audio communication with people at the monitored location
Cloud P2P Device Management — Add and manage surveillance devices through cloud accounts with simple QR code scanning or manual device entry, eliminating complex port forwarding setup
Advanced AI Detection — Configure motion detection zones, human body detection, auto tracking, cross-line detection, intrusion detection, and smart illumination settings directly from the app
Multi-Site Monitoring — Organize cameras into favorites and groups for quick access across multiple locations, ideal for businesses managing surveillance across several properties
Local Recording & Export — Capture snapshots and record video clips locally on your phone, then share or export footage directly from the app for evidence or documentation
Fisheye Camera Support — View and dewarp fisheye camera feeds with multiple viewing modes, providing full panoramic coverage with corrected perspective views
Introduction
Remote surveillance has become essential for businesses, property managers, and security-conscious homeowners who need reliable eyes on their premises around the clock. Guard Viewer is a dedicated mobile surveillance client app that connects your smartphone directly to professional-grade network cameras, speed domes, and NVRs — giving you live video feeds, recorded playback, and instant alarm notifications wherever you are.
Developed by KeyLife International Technology Limited, Guard Viewer has earned over 500,000 downloads on Google Play and serves a global user base of installers, integrators, and end users who depend on it daily to monitor sites ranging from single-camera home setups to enterprise deployments with 150+ NVRs across multiple locations.
What Is Guard Viewer?
Guard Viewer is a free mobile surveillance client app designed for viewing and managing network surveillance devices. It supports IP cameras (IPC), network speed domes, and Network Video Recorders (NVR) from brands that use the Star4Live / Guard Viewer platform. The app connects to devices over local LAN or remotely via P2P cloud, letting you watch live video, play back recordings, receive push alarms, and configure device settings — all from your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone.
Unlike consumer smart-home camera apps, Guard Viewer is built for professional and prosumer surveillance systems. It handles multi-channel NVR playback, PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) controls, fisheye camera dewarping, and advanced alarm rules including motion detection, human body detection, cross-line detection, and intrusion detection.
Core Features
Guard Viewer provides a comprehensive set of surveillance tools:
Live View — Stream real-time video from cameras and NVRs with support for main stream and sub stream switching, digital zoom, and multi-channel grid layouts
Recorded Playback — Browse and play back recorded footage with calendar-based search, timeline scrubbing, and SD card playback support on compatible devices
Alarm Notifications — Receive push notifications for motion detection, human body detection, cross-line detection, and intrusion events with filtering by type, time, and device
Guard Viewer is a free mobile surveillance client app that lets you view live video, play back recordings, receive alarm notifications, and manage network cameras (IPC), speed domes, and NVRs from your smartphone. It is designed for professional surveillance systems using the Star4Live/Guard Viewer platform.
Is Guard Viewer free to download and use?
Yes, Guard Viewer is completely free to download and use on both iOS and Android. There are no subscription fees or in-app purchases. The app works with compatible network cameras and NVRs that support the Star4Live/Guard Viewer cloud platform.
How do I add a camera or NVR to Guard Viewer?
You can add devices by scanning the QR code found on the device body or in the device menu (IPC: Setup → Network → P2P; NVR: System → Network → P2P). Alternatively, you can manually enter the device serial number, IP address, or cloud ID. Sign up for a cloud account to enable remote access and push notifications.
Can I view my cameras remotely over the internet?
Yes, Guard Viewer supports remote viewing via P2P cloud connectivity. Once your device is added to your cloud account and has an internet connection, you can view live feeds and playback recordings from anywhere. For best results, ensure your camera or NVR has adequate upload bandwidth and use sub-stream mode for smoother remote viewing.
Why is my camera showing offline in Guard Viewer?
Camera offline status is usually caused by network issues. Check that your camera/NVR is powered on and connected to the internet, verify that P2P cloud service is enabled in the device settings, restart the device if needed, and ensure your phone has a stable internet connection. If the issue persists, try removing and re-adding the device.
Does Guard Viewer support two-way audio?
Yes, Guard Viewer supports two-way audio communication on compatible devices. This feature works with NVR-connected cameras that have built-in microphones and speakers. Two-way audio allows you to talk and listen through the camera in real time.
What is the difference between SDK3 and other protocol versions?
SDK3 is the newer protocol that enables advanced features including SD card playback, remote device configuration, local recording with audio, calendar-based playback search, and fisheye camera viewing. Older protocol versions provide basic live view and playback. If your device supports SDK3, it is recommended to use it for the best experience.
Is there a Guard Viewer app for PC or Mac?
Guard Viewer itself is a mobile-only app for iOS and Android. However, the companion desktop software called Guard Station is available for Windows and Mac, providing multi-channel viewing and device management on your computer. You can download Guard Station from the official website guardviewer.net.
Why can't I export H.265 video on my iPhone?
H.265 (HEVC) video export may fail on some iPhones and Android phones due to hardware codec limitations. If you experience export issues with H.265 recordings, try switching the camera's recording codec to H.264 in the device settings, or use the Guard Station desktop software to export H.265 footage.
How do I receive push alarm notifications?
Push notifications are available for devices added to your cloud account. To enable them: sign in to your cloud account in the app, ensure your device's alarm detection features (motion detection, human body detection, etc.) are enabled, and allow Guard Viewer to send notifications in your phone's system settings. Note that devices added in local-only mode without a cloud account do not support push notifications.
User Reviews
TTruffin2007
Truffin2007
App Store
My company uses this app almost exclusively which includes over 150 NVRs or DVRs, and 98% are connected right now. Most connection issues are internet/cell signal related and has nothing to do with the app. This app has been much more reliable and usable than some past providers. Functionally, it works great in my opinion.
Pricing InfoFree to download and use. No subscription fees, no in-app purchases. All features including live view, playback, alarms, and PTZ control are available at no cost.
I've tried multiple CCTV apps and this one works great. No pop-up ads, doesn't interrupt my podcasts. Does exactly what it needs to do — lets me check my cameras quickly and reliably. Please don't change anything!
App Store
I manage several cameras in two different cities and have been using Guard Viewer for over a year with no issues. Playback and live video work perfectly. Very reliable app for multi-site surveillance management.
App Store
Works perfect for daily monitoring. Would love to see the alarm notification menu include preview images for quicker morning reviews of overnight movement events. Otherwise, flawless operation for my needs.
App Store
Solid app for professional surveillance work. I use it to commission and maintain NVR systems for my clients. QR code setup makes adding devices easy. PTZ controls are responsive. Could use a better UI but the functionality is all there.
Google Play
Still getting used to the app, but overall it is great compared to the other app used for my cheaper security system. The big issue I'm having is trying to set a detection area — the controls overlap with phone navigation. Please fix this! Otherwise a very capable surveillance app.
Google Play
Been using Guard Viewer for my warehouse cameras for 6 months now. Very stable connection, playback works well on local network. The alarm notification feature helps me stay on top of after-hours activity. Recommended for business use.
Google Play
Good app for viewing NVR cameras remotely. I manage 3 locations with about 40 cameras total. Live view is reliable, playback sometimes needs better bandwidth. Sub-stream mode helps a lot when on cellular. Free with no ads is a big plus.
Google Play
App works fine for basic live viewing and playback. Interface could be more modern but it gets the job done. Remote access through P2P is convenient. Would rate higher if the UI was updated and H.265 export worked better on Android.
Google Play
As a security system installer, I rely on Guard Viewer daily. The QR code device setup is fast and the cloud P2P connection is reliable. Two-way audio works well with compatible NVRs. Fisheye dewarping is a nice touch for panoramic cameras.
3.0
Google Play Downloads500K+
Version2.60.100
Size106.7 MB
Last Updated2025/09/18
Age Rating4+
Supported DevicesNetwork IP Cameras (IPC), Network Speed Domes, Network Video Recorders (NVR), DVRs — compatible with Star4Live / Guard Viewer platform devices
PTZ Control — Full pan, tilt, zoom, focus, and iris control for speed domes and motorized cameras
Two-Way Audio — Talk and listen through NVR-connected cameras for real-time communication
Cloud Device Management — Add and manage devices through cloud accounts with QR code scanning or manual device entry
Favorites & Groups — Organize cameras into favorites for quick access across multiple sites
Export & Share — Capture snapshots, record local video clips, and share or export footage directly from the app
How to Set Up Guard Viewer
Getting started with Guard Viewer is straightforward:
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play
Sign up for a cloud account or use the app without an account for local-only access
Add a device by scanning the QR code on your camera or NVR (found on the device body, or in device menus: IPC → Setup → Network → P2P; NVR → System → Network → P2P)
Enter credentials — input the device username and password
Start viewing — your camera feed appears in the live view
For remote access over the internet, Guard Viewer uses P2P cloud connectivity, eliminating the need for complex port forwarding in most cases. Devices added via cloud account support push notifications for alarm events.
Advanced Detection & Configuration
Guard Viewer supports SDK3 protocol devices with advanced configuration options directly from the app:
Motion Detection — Define detection areas and sensitivity levels to trigger alerts when movement is detected
Human Body Detection — AI-powered people detection reduces false alarms from animals, vehicles, or environmental movement
Auto Tracking — Cameras with auto-tracking capability follow detected objects across the field of view
Cross-Line Detection — Set virtual tripwire lines that trigger alerts when crossed
Intrusion Detection — Define protected zones and receive alerts when objects enter or remain in restricted areas
Smart Illumination — Control built-in white light and infrared LEDs for day/night operation
Recording Schedules — Configure recording schedules and storage settings remotely
Remote Access & Troubleshooting
Guard Viewer works best when your network is properly configured. For remote viewing over cellular or external Wi-Fi:
Ensure your NVR or camera has a stable internet connection with sufficient upload bandwidth
Use sub-stream mode for smoother remote viewing over limited bandwidth connections
If experiencing connection issues, verify that your device supports P2P and that cloud services are enabled
For networks with strict firewall rules, port forwarding may be needed as a fallback
Common troubleshooting steps include switching between SDK3 and other protocol versions, resetting the app cache, and verifying APN settings on cellular connections.
Guard Viewer for PC
While Guard Viewer is primarily a mobile app, the companion desktop software Guard Station is available for Windows and Mac users who need to monitor surveillance feeds on a larger screen. Guard Station provides multi-channel viewing, recording management, and device configuration from your computer.
Privacy & Data Safety
KeyLife International Technology Limited publishes a privacy policy at star4live.com. The app collects contact information (email, phone) and user IDs linked to your identity. Location data and device identifiers are collected but not linked to your identity. Video data is transmitted and stored according to your device and cloud account settings. All data is encrypted in transit.
Who Is Guard Viewer For?
Guard Viewer serves a diverse range of users:
Security installers & integrators who need a reliable mobile client for commissioning and maintaining surveillance systems
Business owners & facility managers monitoring commercial properties, warehouses, retail locations, and offices
Property managers overseeing multiple residential or commercial buildings
Homeowners with professional-grade NVR/camera systems who want mobile access to their security feeds
IT administrators responsible for corporate security camera infrastructure
Developer Background
KeyLife International Technology Limited is the publisher behind Guard Viewer and related apps including Guard Live and YouKey Life. The company provides the Star4Live cloud platform that powers device connectivity and cloud account management. Technical support is available via email at [email protected], and the official website at guardviewer.net provides setup guides, FAQs, tips, and function documentation.
