Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about LocalNanny
What is LocalNanny?
LocalNanny turns affordable network cameras into a private baby monitor on your iOS device. Unlike cloud-based baby monitors, all video stays on your local network for complete privacy. It supports H.264/H.265 RTSP cameras and uses ONVIF to automatically discover cameras on your network. You can also add cameras manually if needed.
How much does it cost?
LocalNanny is free to download and monitor one camera with a 60-second background audio preview. Premium is a one-time purchase that unlocks unlimited cameras and unlimited background audio. No subscriptions, no recurring fees. Check the App Store for current pricing.
What cameras work with LocalNanny?
LocalNanny works with any IP camera that supports H.264 or H.265 video over RTSP. Most cameras also support ONVIF, which lets LocalNanny auto-discover them on your network. If your camera doesn't support ONVIF, you can still add it manually. We've tested it with Amcrest, Lorex, and Reolink cameras with great results. You might already own a camera that works!
Is my baby's video secure?
Yes. LocalNanny keeps all video on your local network — nothing is uploaded to the cloud or sent to external servers. Your feed is only accessible from devices on your home network.
Is my video encrypted?
No — the RTSP stream between your camera and your phone is not encrypted. However, it never leaves your local network, so the risk is minimal. For someone to intercept it, they'd need to already be on your home network. And if they've gotten that far, they could likely just access the camera directly anyway. This is the same tradeoff as most security cameras used in homes.
What's the difference between free and premium?
The free version lets you monitor one camera and includes a 60-second background audio preview so you can try it out. Premium is a one-time purchase that unlocks unlimited cameras and unlimited background audio monitoring.
What iOS version is required?
LocalNanny requires iOS 17.0 or later and works on both iPhone and iPad.
Can I access the camera when I'm away from home?
LocalNanny is designed for local network use only — your camera must be on the same WiFi network as your iOS device. This ensures your video streams stay private and never traverse the internet. Some advanced users set up VPN access to their home network, which may work but is not officially supported.
How is this better than expensive baby monitors?
Traditional baby monitors cost $100-300+ and often require monthly cloud subscription fees. They also come with a separate screen you have to keep charged and carry around. LocalNanny lets you use affordable network cameras ($30-80) you may already own, with just a one-time app purchase. Monitor on the iPhone or iPad you're already carrying, or dedicate an old device as a permanent baby monitor station. No extra hardware, no ongoing subscriptions, better privacy, and you save hundreds of dollars.
Are security cameras better than dedicated baby monitors?
In most ways, yes — especially at night. Security cameras are built to a much higher standard than dedicated baby monitors. They use real infrared LEDs, larger image sensors, and wide-angle lenses designed to cover an entire room in complete darkness. Most security cameras are also 1080p or higher, while many baby monitors still ship with lower resolution sensors. The result is a night vision feed that's genuinely clear, not just barely usable. Pair that with no subscription fees and full privacy, and it's a compelling upgrade.
How do I share camera settings with my spouse?
You can easily share camera settings with family members via QR code. No need to manually enter configuration details - just scan and you're connected.
What is ONVIF?
ONVIF is an open industry standard that makes it easy for IP cameras and video software to work together. LocalNanny uses ONVIF to automatically discover compatible cameras on your network, making setup simple and quick.
Can I record video or save clips?
LocalNanny is designed for live monitoring and supports taking screenshots, but does not record or save video clips. This keeps the app simple, respects your privacy, and ensures no video files are stored that could be a security risk. If your camera has built-in recording to an SD card or NVR, you can still use those features independently.
Does LocalNanny support two-way audio?
Two-way audio (talking back to the camera) is not currently supported. LocalNanny supports listening to audio from your camera, including background audio monitoring in the premium version, but does not support sending audio back to the camera at this time.
How does LocalNanny affect battery life?
In background audio mode, LocalNanny is very light on battery — only audio is decoded, so energy usage is minimal. You can leave it running for hours without a significant drain. When watching video in the foreground, the app uses hardware-accelerated decoding which is efficient, but actively displaying video does use more power than audio alone. Watching multiple cameras at once will use more than a single camera. If you want an always-on monitor, consider plugging in or dedicating an older device.
Does LocalNanny support Apple Family Sharing?
Yes! LocalNanny supports Apple Family Sharing. Buy the app once and everyone in your family group gets access at no additional cost. This is perfect for parents who both want to monitor the baby from their own devices.
How do I request a feature or report a bug?
We'd love to hear from you! Send feature requests, bug reports, or any feedback to support@localnanny.app. Your input helps shape the future of LocalNanny.