Accessing Adt Cameras: Server Viewing Guide

ADT offers a range of indoor and outdoor home security cameras with intelligent features. ADT's Google Nest cameras allow you to check in from anywhere at any time. You can access your cameras through the ADT+ app or the ADT Pulse® app, which allows you to control your home or business security and automation system.

Using the ADT Pulse app

The ADT Pulse app allows you to control your home or business security and automation system from anywhere in the world. The app is available on both Android and iOS devices.

With the ADT Pulse app, you can manage your security system, surveillance cameras, lights, locks, thermostats, and more. You can arm or disarm your system remotely, turn on the lights before you arrive, and even set up custom smart home automations and schedules. For example, you can ensure that small appliances are turned off after you leave your home.

The app also provides peace of mind for parents, as it allows you to receive alerts when your children arrive home from school and view live video to check in on them. You can also adjust your thermostat or put it on a schedule and lock or unlock your doors remotely to allow visitors or service providers into your home when you're away.

To use the ADT Pulse app, you must be an active ADT customer and subscriber to ADT Pulse interactive services.

Setting up custom smart home automations

Choose an Open-Source Platform

Select an open-source platform to build your smart home ecosystem on. Popular options include Home Assistant, OpenHAB, and Node-RED. These platforms offer a wide range of customisation options, support for various devices, and active communities of users and developers.

Build Your Custom Smart Home System

Once you've chosen your platform, start building your custom smart home system by adding DIY smart devices. You can often create these devices using off-the-shelf components and easy-to-follow tutorials. Some popular DIY smart devices you can build include:

• Smart switches and outlets: Control lights and appliances with your smartphone.
• Smart thermostats: Adjust your home's temperature based on your schedule and preferences.
• Smart door locks: Monitor and control access to your home remotely.
• Smart cameras: Keep an eye on your home and receive notifications of unexpected activity.

Create Custom Automation Projects

After setting up your DIY smart devices, you can begin creating custom automation projects to make your smart home even smarter. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Turn lights on when you enter a room and off when you leave.
• Set your thermostat to turn off when you leave the house and on when you're returning.
• Automate your blinds to open in the morning and close at night.
• Receive notifications when your children arrive home from school.
• Turn off all lights with a single command at bedtime.

The possibilities for custom automation projects are endless, and you can tailor them to fit your unique lifestyle and preferences.

Control Your Smart Home Automation System

You can control your DIY smart home automation system using a smartphone app, voice control with a virtual assistant, or a custom-built control panel.

By following these steps, you can create a smart home ecosystem that perfectly fits your needs and preferences.

Using the ADT+ app

The ADT+ app allows you to access your ADT system, Nest cams, and Nest thermostats, all in one place. You can arm and disarm your ADT system and check its status from anywhere. The app also enables you to stream live video, speak to visitors with Talk and Listen, and view video event history from your Nest Cams.

With the ADT+ app, you can turn lights on and off, lock and unlock smart locks, adjust the thermostat, open or close your garage door, and more. You can also receive custom alerts via email or push notification and create custom automations for your smart devices. For example, you can set up custom rules to automate your security and smart Z-Wave devices.

The app offers peace of mind by allowing you to manage your home security and smart home devices from anywhere. You can receive alerts for people, packages, animals, and vehicles, and create custom settings to receive only the notifications you want.

The ADT+ app also includes the Trusted Neighbor™ feature, which lets eligible customers grant secure, temporary access to their home through the app. This feature gives trusted individuals access to your home while you're away, providing an extra layer of security and convenience.

Additionally, the ADT Control app is another interactive service that seamlessly connects key devices in customers' homes on one platform. It allows you to control your security system, locks, lights, garage doors, and thermostats, watch videos, and get alerts from a single screen.

Installing the Google Nest Cam

To watch your ADT cameras from the server, you can use the ADT+ app to control all your ADT security devices and compatible Google Nest cameras. You can also use the ADT Pulse app to control your home or business security and automation system from anywhere.

Now, here is a guide on installing the Google Nest Cam:

Before you begin, make sure you have the right app for your camera model. The Google Nest Cam with Floodlight, for example, requires the Google Home app, while other Nest cameras require the Nest app. Download the appropriate app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Step 1: Add Your Camera to the App

Open the Google Home app and sign in with your Google Account if prompted. Tap "Devices", then "Add Google Nest or partner device". Choose the home where you want to add your camera or create a new one. The app will then look for nearby devices. When prompted, select the camera model you have as the device you want to set up.

Use your phone's camera to scan the QR code on your camera. You can also tap "Continue without scanning" and enter the setup code. The app will then walk you through setup and installation.

Step 2: Set Up Your Camera

If you haven't already, decide on a spot to put your camera. Walk over to the intended spot with your phone or tablet and check if you can get a Wi-Fi signal. If there's no signal, you'll need to find another spot.

Consider the path of the power cable to the outlet, and use the included cable clips to attach it to walls, eaves, or other surfaces for a cleaner look. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause glare and heat up your camera beyond the recommended temperature.

Step 3: Plug In Your Camera

The Nest Cam Outdoor has a total power cable length of 25 feet (7.5m). You'll need to plug it into an outlet to stream video and send alerts. You can use an outdoor outlet or a light socket adapter that converts a porch or landscaping light into a power outlet.

Step 4: Mount Your Camera

The Nest Cam Outdoor has a versatile mounting magnet that allows you to point your camera exactly where you want. The back of the camera attaches magnetically to the double-sided magnet mount. You can stick the camera to a magnetic surface or install the included metal wall plate on a non-metal surface and stick the camera to that.

Step 5: Secure the Power Adapter and Cable

Attach the power adapter and cable to a wall or another surface to keep it secure and give it a tidy look. Install the first cable clip within 6 inches (15 cm) of your camera to secure its position and prevent damage if it's knocked off its mount. Drill pilot holes beforehand, then insert the cable into the clip and screw it into the wall or anchor.

Install the power adapter at least 18 inches (50 cm) above the ground to prevent damage from flooding or deep snow. Use the included adapter wall plate and attach it with a screw.

Install the second cable clip close to where the USB ring connects to the power adapter, and the third clip close to the outlet so that the cable is harder to unplug. Install additional clips as needed to route the cable from the camera to the outlet.

If you have extra cable length, you can coil it and secure it with the included velcro strap, then conceal it behind something like landscaping or an overhang. You can also install a junction box to contain the extra cable.

Step 6: Finalize Setup

Remove the sticker from your Nest Cam's lens if you haven't already, and wipe off any dust or dirt with a soft lint-free cloth. You can now start using your camera.

For more detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips, refer to the Google Nest Help website.

Using the ADT Command service

ADT Command is a wireless, interactive home security system that provides real protection for you and your family, along with smart and simple control of your home and other devices. The ADT Command Panel, which has a 7" touchscreen, can be used remotely via a smart device, tablet, or personal computer. The internet is not required for basic use of the panel but is necessary for app-based interactive services.

The ADT Command Panel has several features, including Bluetooth disarming when a user is close to the keypad (initially limited to one smartphone), LTE Cellular Radio with easy-to-swap access, and encrypted alarm sensors for added security and increased wireless range 2.5x further. The panel also has built-in how-to videos, dual-path communication for easier updating of new firmware (cell required, Wi-Fi optional), and the ability to add more than 10 Wi-Fi cameras.

ADT Command offers seamless remote interaction with the system, allowing customers to arm and disarm remotely through a smartphone. The ADT Control app, which works with the ADT Command Panels, offers geofencing services, unexpected activity alerts, and dawn and dusk features, which automatically turn lights on and off at sunrise and sunset. The ADT Control app can also be used to control the alarm and automation and is viewable on the Apple Watch.

ADT Command also offers a Starter Kit, which includes a Command panel, three door or window sensors, and a motion detector. This kit typically has various promotions available and can be modified to add different devices as needed.

Frequently asked questions