XIAODOU — Free IP camera monitoring app for home and office security. Features real-time live video streaming, snapshot capture, video recording, remote camera configuration, night vision switching, TF card video playback, and device sharing via QR code. Compatible with various IP cameras.
Real-time live video streaming from connected IP cameras
Snapshot capture and local video recording
Remote camera configuration and settings management
Infrared night vision mode switching for low-light monitoring
TF card (MicroSD) video playback for recorded footage review
Device sharing via QR code for multi-user access
Video definition and quality adjustment controls
Full-screen viewing mode with image flip support
Audio monitoring and listening capabilities
AP hotspot mode for direct camera-to-phone connection
Introduction
XIAODOU is a free IP camera monitoring mobile application designed for home and office security surveillance. Developed by Hangzhou Meari Technology Co., Ltd. (杭州觅睿科技股份有限公司), XIAODOU provides users with a simple, lightweight tool for real-time video monitoring, snapshot capture, video recording, and remote camera management — all without any subscription fees or in-app purchases.
Whether you need to keep an eye on your living room, monitor a small office, or check on a retail shop, the XIAODOU app offers basic but reliable IP camera connectivity from your smartphone or tablet.
What Is XIAODOU?
XIAODOU is a companion app for IP cameras that support the XIAODOU connection protocol. It serves as the primary interface between users and their camera hardware, handling everything from initial camera pairing via AP hotspot mode to daily live monitoring and TF card video playback.
The app has been available since 2015 and supports a range of camera types including indoor pan-tilt cameras, outdoor weatherproof cameras, mini cameras, and video doorbells. Unlike many modern camera apps, XIAODOU is completely free — there are no subscriptions, cloud storage fees, or premium tiers. The app weighs only about 25 MB, making it one of the lightest camera apps available.
How XIAODOU Works
Setting up a camera with the XIAODOU camera app involves two primary connection methods:
AP Hotspot Mode — Connect your phone directly to the camera's Wi-Fi hotspot (named XIAODOU-XXXXXX-XXXXX, default password: 6666), then configure the camera through the app
WiFi Remote Mode — Connect the camera to your home 2.4GHz WiFi network through the app for remote access from anywhere
Important notes for XIAODOU camera setup:
Only 2.4GHz WiFi networks are supported (5GHz is not compatible)
WiFi network names (SSIDs) must contain only letters and numbers — special characters are not supported
The camera's default hotspot password is 6666
Camera hotspot names follow the format:
Technical Specifications
PlatformiOS, Android
iOS RequirementiOS 7.0 or later
Android RequirementAndroid 4.4 or later
App Size (iOS)25.1 MB
iOS Version3.4
Compatible DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac (Apple M1+), Apple Vision Pro
Camera ConnectivityWi-Fi (2.4 GHz only)
StorageTF card (MicroSD) — no cloud storage
Developer瑶 朱 (Hangzhou Meari Technology)
Package Name (iOS)shix.ipdoor.camera
Package Name (Android)com.nehbwy.xiaodou
Initial ReleaseJuly 28, 2015
FAQ
What is XIAODOU and what does it do?
XIAODOU is a free mobile app for monitoring IP cameras installed in your home or office. It provides real-time live video streaming, snapshot capture, video recording, remote camera configuration, and TF card playback — all from your smartphone or tablet.
Is XIAODOU free to use?
Yes, XIAODOU is completely free to download and use. There are no subscription fees, monthly charges, or in-app purchases. All features are available at no cost.
What cameras are compatible with XIAODOU?
XIAODOU works with IP cameras that use the XIAODOU connection protocol. Compatible cameras include indoor pan-tilt cameras, outdoor weatherproof cameras, mini cameras, and video doorbells. The camera's Wi-Fi hotspot name typically follows the format XIAODOU-XXXXXX-XXXXX.
How do I connect my camera to the XIAODOU app?
You can connect your camera using AP hotspot mode (connect directly to the camera's Wi-Fi hotspot named XIAODOU-XXXXXX-XXXXX, default password is 6666) or WiFi remote mode (connect the camera to your home 2.4GHz WiFi network through the app). Note that only 2.4GHz WiFi networks with alphanumeric SSIDs are supported.
Does XIAODOU support night vision?
Yes, XIAODOU supports infrared night vision switching. You can toggle between day mode and night vision mode directly from the app to monitor in low-light conditions.
Can I share my camera with family members?
Yes, XIAODOU supports device sharing via QR code. You can generate a QR code within the app that other users can scan to gain access to your camera feed.
Does XIAODOU support cloud storage?
No, XIAODOU does not support cloud storage. Video recordings are stored locally on a TF card (MicroSD card) inserted into the camera. You can play back recorded footage through the app's TF card playback feature.
Can I use XIAODOU on both iPhone and Android?
Yes, XIAODOU is available on both iOS (requires iOS 7.0 or later) and Android (requires Android 4.4 or later). The iOS version is also compatible with iPad, iPod touch, and Mac with Apple M1 chip.
Does XIAODOU work with 5GHz WiFi?
No, XIAODOU only supports 2.4GHz WiFi networks. Additionally, the WiFi network name (SSID) must contain only letters and numbers — special characters are not supported.
Pricing InfoFree to download and use. No subscription fees, monthly charges, or in-app purchases required. All features including live streaming, snapshot capture, video recording, remote configuration, and TF card playback are available at no cost.
Basic functionality works fine. The video quality depends on the camera hardware. Night vision switching is a useful feature.
App Store
Using this to monitor my shop. The QR code sharing feature makes it easy to give access to my employees. Free and reliable.
App Store
Does what it says — basic camera monitoring. The TF card playback is handy for reviewing footage. Would like cloud storage support.
App Store
Easy to set up with the AP hotspot mode. Connected my camera in minutes. The interface is simple and clean.
Google Play
Good basic camera app. Works well for what it is. The snapshot and recording features are useful. No ads which is great.
Google Play
Decent for office monitoring. Real-time video works smoothly. Wish it had motion detection alerts though.
Google Play
Using this to keep an eye on the baby room. Night vision mode works well. Simple and does the job.
Google Play
Completely free with no hidden costs. Perfect for budget-conscious users who just need basic camera monitoring.
Google Play
Works for basic monitoring but lacks advanced features. No cloud storage or smart detection. OK for simple needs.
2.0
Google Play Downloads1K+
Version3.4
Size25.1 MB
Last Updated2022/03/19
Age Rating4+
Supported DevicesVarious IP cameras compatible with XIAODOU protocol, including indoor pan-tilt cameras, outdoor weatherproof cameras, mini cameras, and video doorbells
CompatibilityiOS 7.0 or later (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac with Apple M1 chip, Apple Vision Pro); Android 4.4 or later
Published date2026/03/28
XIAODOU-XXXXXX-XXXXX
Once connected, cameras appear on your device list where you can tap to enter live view with various monitoring controls.
Live Video Streaming
The core feature of the XIAODOU app is real-time live video streaming from connected IP cameras. The app supports:
Real-time video feeds from connected cameras
Full-screen viewing mode for detailed monitoring
Video definition adjustment to balance quality and bandwidth
Image flip support for cameras mounted in different orientations
Audio monitoring to listen to sounds from the camera's environment
Live streams can be viewed from anywhere with an internet connection when the camera is connected via WiFi remote mode.
Video Recording and Playback
XIAODOU provides essential recording and playback capabilities:
Snapshot capture — take still photos from the live video feed
Local video recording — record video clips to your device
TF card (MicroSD) playback — review footage stored on the camera's memory card
On-demand recording — start and stop recording manually from the app
Note that XIAODOU does not support cloud storage. All recorded footage is stored either locally on your phone or on a TF card (MicroSD) inserted into the camera.
Night Vision
XIAODOU supports infrared night vision mode switching, allowing you to:
Toggle between day mode and night vision mode directly from the app
Monitor in low-light or complete darkness conditions
Switch IR LEDs on or off based on your monitoring needs
Night vision capabilities depend on the camera hardware — most compatible cameras include built-in infrared LEDs for adequate nighttime visibility.
Remote Configuration
The app allows you to remotely configure camera settings without physical access to the device:
Adjust video definition and quality settings
Switch between day and night vision modes
Flip or mirror the camera image
Manage camera network settings
Device Sharing
XIAODOU supports device sharing via QR code, making it easy to grant camera access to family members, roommates, or colleagues:
Generate a sharing QR code within the app
Other users scan the QR code with their XIAODOU app to gain access
No need to share passwords or account credentials
Supported Cameras
XIAODOU works with various IP cameras that support the XIAODOU connection protocol, including:
Indoor pan-tilt cameras — for home monitoring with remote direction control
Outdoor weatherproof cameras — for exterior surveillance
Mini cameras — compact models for discreet monitoring
Video doorbells — for front door monitoring
Compatible cameras can be identified by their Wi-Fi hotspot name, which follows the format XIAODOU-XXXXXX-XXXXX. The app does not support ONVIF, RTSP, or third-party camera protocols.
Privacy and Data Security
According to the developer's disclosures:
The app collects basic device data for camera connectivity
Video data is stored locally on TF cards or the user's device — no cloud storage
A privacy policy is available through the app's settings
The app does not support web portal access or PC software
XIAODOU is developed by 瑶 朱 (Yao Zhu), associated with Hangzhou Meari Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese technology company specializing in smart home camera solutions.
Who Is XIAODOU For?
XIAODOU is designed for:
Budget-conscious users who want free, no-subscription camera monitoring
Home users seeking simple surveillance for rooms, baby monitoring, or pet watching
Small office and shop owners who need basic security monitoring
Users who prefer local storage over cloud-based solutions
Anyone with XIAODOU-compatible cameras looking for a lightweight, straightforward monitoring app
The app provides a practical, zero-cost alternative for users who need basic IP camera monitoring without the complexity or expense of premium security ecosystems. While it lacks advanced features like cloud storage, AI detection, or smart home integration, its simplicity and reliability make it a solid choice for straightforward surveillance needs.
