Lorex Camera Setup with LocalNanny

How to set up Lorex IP cameras as a baby monitor with LocalNanny — recommended models, ONVIF configuration, and RTSP paths.

Why Lorex?

Lorex cameras deliver excellent video quality with stunning 4K resolution and color night vision. While Lorex markets their cameras for security use, they make outstanding baby monitors when paired with LocalNanny — especially if you want the sharpest possible image.

Lorex 4K Outdoor IP Camera — Tested and verified with LocalNanny. 4K resolution with color night vision lets you see your baby naturally, not just in black and white. Excellent audio pickup. Despite the “outdoor” label, it works perfectly indoors.

Lorex vs Cloud Apps

Lorex sells their own cloud-connected app and services. With LocalNanny, you skip all of that:

Lorex Cloud App LocalNanny
Video storage Cloud (subscription) None needed — live monitoring
Privacy Video sent to Lorex servers Video stays on your local network
Monthly cost Subscription for full features One-time purchase
Baby monitor features Not designed for it Built for baby monitoring

You only need the Lorex app for initial camera setup (connecting to WiFi). After that, LocalNanny handles everything.

Initial Camera Setup

1. Connect the Camera to Your Network

PoE cameras: Connect an Ethernet cable from the camera to your PoE switch or NVR. The camera powers on and joins your network automatically.

WiFi cameras: Use the Lorex Home app for initial WiFi configuration. Once the camera is on your network, you can use LocalNanny instead.

2. Find the Camera’s IP Address

  • Check your router’s admin page for connected devices
  • The Lorex Home app shows the camera’s IP address in device settings
  • LocalNanny will discover it automatically via ONVIF

3. Access the Web Interface

Open a web browser and go to http://<camera-ip-address>. Log in with:

  • Default username: admin
  • Default password: Check the sticker on your camera or the documentation that came in the box

4. Enable ONVIF

Some Lorex cameras have ONVIF disabled by default. To enable it:

  1. Log into the camera’s web interface
  2. Navigate to Network → ONVIF (or Setup → Network → Platform Access)
  3. Enable ONVIF
  4. Set or note the ONVIF authentication credentials
  5. Save and reboot the camera if prompted

Connect with LocalNanny

  1. Open LocalNanny on your iPhone
  2. Tap Add Camera
  3. LocalNanny will discover your Lorex camera via ONVIF
  4. Select the camera from the list
  5. Enter the camera’s username and password
  6. Your live stream should appear immediately

RTSP Paths for Manual Setup

If auto-discovery doesn’t work, manually add your Lorex camera using its RTSP URL:

  • Main stream: rtsp://username:password@camera-ip:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0
  • Sub stream: rtsp://username:password@camera-ip:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=1

Some Lorex models use a different path format:

  • Alternative: rtsp://username:password@camera-ip:554/h264Preview_01_main
  • Alternative sub: rtsp://username:password@camera-ip:554/h264Preview_01_sub

If neither format works, check your camera’s documentation or the LocalNanny manual for additional RTSP path formats.

Tips for Baby Monitor Use

  • Color night vision: Lorex’s color night vision is a standout feature — you can see your baby in natural color even in low light, unlike traditional IR cameras that show only black and white.
  • 4K resolution: Lorex’s 4K cameras let you see incredible detail. Use the sub stream for smoother day-to-day monitoring and the main stream when you want to zoom in.
  • Audio: Most Lorex IP cameras include a microphone. Audio works with LocalNanny automatically.
  • Indoor use: “Outdoor” Lorex cameras work perfectly indoors. The weatherproofing doesn’t affect image quality, and you get a more robust camera.

Troubleshooting

Camera not discovered

  • Make sure ONVIF is enabled in the camera’s web interface
  • Verify your iPhone and camera are on the same network
  • Some Lorex cameras require a reboot after enabling ONVIF

RTSP connection fails

  • Try both RTSP path formats listed above
  • Verify the username and password are correct
  • Check that RTSP is enabled in the camera’s network settings

Video quality issues

  • Switch between main stream and sub stream
  • If using WiFi, consider a PoE connection for more reliable streaming
  • Check your WiFi signal strength near the camera

Note: Links to Lorex products are affiliate links that support LocalNanny development at no extra cost to you.

Next: LocalNanny Setup Guide · Network Basics · All Compatible Cameras