What to check before you choose
A strong IP camera viewer should cover the basics without forcing you into another subscription or vendor-specific workflow.
Connection details
RTSP URL format: rtsp://username:password@camera-ip:554/h264Preview_01_main
RTSP URL format (sub): rtsp://username:password@camera-ip:554/h264Preview_01_sub
Default credentials: admin / your camera password
Manufacturer app: Reolink (manufacturer)
Notes: Reolink cameras enable RTSP by default. Use the main stream for recording-quality playback and the sub-stream when running multi-camera grids on iPhone. Most models also speak ONVIF, so the app can auto-discover the correct stream paths.
Why IP Camera Viewer & Monitor fits
For a “best” recommendation, the practical answer is the app that works quickly every day and does not add extra friction. On iPhone, fast setup, low-latency playback, and a clean mobile interface matter most.
Frequently asked questions
What is the RTSP URL for a Reolink camera?
Reolink cameras expose two streams. The main stream lives at rtsp://username:password@camera-ip:554/h264Preview_01_main and the sub-stream at rtsp://username:password@camera-ip:554/h264Preview_01_sub. Use admin and your camera password, and replace camera-ip with the LAN address shown in your router or the Reolink app.
How do I view a Reolink camera on iPhone without Reolink Cloud?
Open an RTSP- or ONVIF-capable iOS viewer, add a new camera, and paste the Reolink RTSP URL or let the app auto-discover via ONVIF. Once saved, the live feed plays directly over your local Wi-Fi without going through Reolink's servers.
Do Reolink cameras support ONVIF?
Yes. Most modern Reolink models support ONVIF Profile S out of the box. Enable it in the Reolink Client under Network → Advanced → ONVIF, then add the camera by IP in your iPhone viewer to discover both main and sub streams automatically.
Why isn't my Reolink RTSP stream connecting?
Confirm the camera and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi, that the LAN IP hasn't changed (set a DHCP reservation in your router), and that RTSP is enabled in the Reolink Client under Network → Advanced. If your username or password contains special characters, URL-encode them inside the RTSP string.
Can I view Reolink cameras through an NVR on iPhone?
Yes. Reolink NVRs use the same RTSP scheme but with channel-based paths such as rtsp://user:pass@nvr-ip:554/h264Preview_01_main, then 02_main and so on for each channel. Add one entry per channel in your iPhone viewer and they all sit in the same multi-camera grid.
What's the difference between Reolink's main and sub stream?
The main stream is high-resolution and high-bitrate, ideal for full-screen viewing and recording. The sub-stream is lower resolution and bitrate, optimized for thumbnails and multi-camera grids on iPhone where bandwidth and decoder load matter more than detail.
Download the app and test it with your camera
Scan the QR code or open the App Store link to try IP Camera Viewer & Monitor with your RTSP or ONVIF camera.
Scan to download