1. Start with placement
Point the camera only towards the area you need to protect. Avoid private spaces and minimise views of neighbouring property or public areas. For indoor cameras, consider whether household members and visitors will feel comfortable.
2. Protect the account
Use a unique, strong password and enable two-step verification when available. Do not share the main account password. Use proper household sharing or invited-user features instead.
3. Install updates
Keep the camera, related hub, app and phone operating system current. Updates can fix security problems and improve reliability. Enable automatic updates where this is suitable and available.
4. Configure privacy and activity zones
Privacy zones can block parts of the picture from view or recording on supported products. Activity zones limit where motion should create an alert. Check both settings carefully—they serve different purposes.
5. Understand recordings
Know where recordings are stored, how long they are kept, who can view them and what happens when storage fills up. If you use cloud storage, understand the plan. If you use local storage, consider what happens if the device is damaged or removed.
6. Review access regularly
Remove people who no longer need access. Check signed-in devices and account alerts where available. If a phone is lost or replaced, review the camera account promptly.
7. Tune notifications
Too many alerts lead people to ignore them. Adjust the motion area, sensitivity, event type and schedule so the notifications remain meaningful.
8. Repeat the check
Review these settings after app updates, router changes, adding household members or moving the camera. Privacy is not a one-time tick box.