Using Home Monitoring in Camera Mode (Signed-In User)

Hestiaa lets you turn a compatible smartphone into a camera device for home monitoring. You can pair it with a Viewer device, access camera settings, and manage its connection to your account.

Step 1: Sign in and select Camera mode

Open Hestiaa and sign in using your registered email address and password.

When prompted to select a role, choose Camera on the smartphone you want to use as the monitoring camera.

The Viewer device is the smartphone you use to access the camera feed remotely.

Step 2: Review the requested permissions

Hestiaa displays a Permission Required screen explaining the access needed for camera operation.

The screen lists the following permission settings:

  • Camera: Allows the app to capture photos and videos for its supported features.
  • Microphone: Enables voice input for supported commands or in-app communication.
  • Battery Optimisation: Helps the app operate without excessive battery consumption.
  • Background Operation: Allows the app to perform supported tasks when it is not actively in use.

Review the descriptions and follow the instructions displayed in Hestiaa to configure the required permissions.

The availability and exact steps for changing permissions may vary by device and operating system.

Step 3: Pair the camera with your Viewer device

Follow the pairing instructions displayed in Hestiaa to connect the camera device to your Viewer device.

Keep both devices available during the pairing process and follow the on-screen instructions until pairing completes.

When pairing succeeds, Hestiaa displays the Device Successfully Paired screen.

Step 4: Review the device information

After pairing, review the information displayed on the device confirmation screen. This includes:

  • Device name: The name assigned to the camera.
  • Role: Confirms that the device is configured as Camera.
  • Account information: Shows the account associated with the device.
  • Linked devices: Displays the linked-device information shown by the app.

Tap Finish Setup to proceed to the camera interface.

Step 5: Access camera settings

Open the menu on the camera screen to access the available options, including Settings.

The Settings menu provides the following options:

  • Rename camera: Change the camera's displayed name.
  • Switch to viewer mode: Change the role of the same phone to Viewer without requiring a new pairing.
  • Unpair from account: Remove and unpair the camera from your account.

Review the consequences of a change before confirming it.

Rename your camera

  1. Open the camera screen.
  2. Open the menu and select Settings.
  3. Select Rename camera.
  4. Follow the instructions displayed in the app to update the name.

Switch to Viewer mode

  1. Open the menu and select Settings.
  2. Select Switch to viewer mode.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the role change.

The phone changes from Camera to Viewer mode. You do not need to pair it again solely because you changed its role.

Unpair the camera from your account

  1. Open the menu and select Settings.
  2. Select Unpair from account.
  3. Review the confirmation prompt and proceed only if you intend to remove the camera from your account.

Unpairing removes the camera's association with your account.

Troubleshooting camera issues

Camera access has been revoked

Hestiaa may display a Restore camera access message if camera access has been revoked.

  1. Select Open Settings on the prompt.
  2. Locate Hestiaa in your device settings.
  3. Restore the required camera permission.
  4. Return to Hestiaa and check whether camera access has been restored.

The exact settings path depends on your device and operating system.

Extremely low battery

When the device battery becomes extremely low, Hestiaa may disable streaming to conserve battery power.

Charge the phone before attempting to resume streaming. Follow any instructions shown in the app.

Device overheating

If the phone overheats, Hestiaa may pause streaming to protect the device.

Allow the phone to cool down before attempting to resume streaming. Avoid placing the device in direct sunlight or near other heat sources.

Need more help?

If you cannot complete setup or resolve a camera issue, note the message displayed in Hestiaa and consult the relevant troubleshooting guidance in the Help Centre.