How to Set Up a Mobile Camera

Unicam lets you turn any spare phone into a security camera in under a minute. All you need is your main phone with a Unicam account and a spare phone to use as the camera. Pairing is done instantly via QR code — no manual login required on the spare phone.

Requirements

Main phone: The phone you use day-to-day, with a Unicam account already set up.
Spare phone: An old or unused phone that will act as the security camera.
The Unicam app installed on both phones.
A charger and power outlet near where you plan to place the spare phone.

Setup Instructions

Step 1: Create a Unicam Account

If you haven't already, download Unicam on your main phone and create an account. This is the phone you'll use to view camera feeds and manage your cameras.

Step 2: Install the App on the Spare Phone

Download Unicam on the spare phone from the App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei AppGallery.

Step 3: Start QR Code Pairing

On the spare phone, open the Unicam app and tap "Scan QR code to set up as mobile camera".

On the main phone, open the Unicam app and go to Add Camera → Mobile Camera. A QR code will appear on your screen.

Step 4: Scan the QR Code

Point the spare phone's camera at the QR code displayed on your main phone. The spare phone will automatically log in and link to your account — no need to type in any credentials.

Step 5: Position the Spare Phone

Place the spare phone where you want to monitor. Make sure it has a clear view of the area and is plugged into a charger. Use a stable stand or mount to keep it secure.

Step 6: View the Camera Feed

Your main phone now has access to the spare phone's camera feed. Open the Unicam app on your main phone to start watching the live stream.

Important Tips

Keep the spare phone plugged in at all times. The camera runs continuously and will drain the battery quickly without a charger.
The app dims the screen to fully dark on the spare phone to save battery and reduce screen wear.
iOS: the app must stay in the foreground. If you switch to another app or go to the home screen, the camera will stop streaming. Do not close or background the app.
Android: the camera works in the background. You can navigate away from the app and the camera will continue streaming.
Camera and microphone permissions are required on the spare phone. The app will prompt you to grant these during setup. See the Permissions section below for details.

Troubleshooting

QR code won't scan:

Make sure the spare phone's camera is focused on the QR code and the screen is bright enough.
Ensure both phones are connected to the internet.
Try regenerating the QR code by going back and selecting Add Camera → Mobile Camera again on your main phone.

No video feed:

Check that the spare phone is connected to the internet and plugged into a charger.
On iOS, confirm the Unicam app is open and in the foreground on the spare phone.
Verify that camera and microphone permissions are granted on the spare phone.

Poor video quality:

Make sure the spare phone has a stable internet connection. Wi-Fi is recommended over mobile data.
Reposition the spare phone for better lighting and visibility.

App crashes or freezes:

Restart the Unicam app on both phones.
Make sure both phones are running the latest version of the app.

Permissions

The spare phone needs camera and microphone access for Unicam to stream video and audio.

iOS

Open Settings on the spare phone.
Scroll down and select Unicam (or use the search bar to find it).
Toggle on Camera and Microphone.

Android

Open Settings on the spare phone.
Tap Apps & notifications (or Apps on some devices).
Find and select Unicam.
Tap App Permissions.
Set Camera and Microphone to "Allow only while using the app".

For Android 11+ devices, go to the Unused apps section and disable "Remove permissions if app isn't used" to ensure Unicam retains its permissions.