This guide walks you through connecting Tinycam Pro to your Foscam 9900p via RTSP for smooth, reliable live streaming. You’ll learn camera setup, network configuration, app settings, and troubleshooting tips—all in simple, easy-to-follow steps.
Key Takeaways
- RTSP is essential for direct streaming: The Foscam 9900p supports RTSP, allowing Tinycam Pro to pull a live video feed without relying on cloud services.
- Proper network setup is critical: Both your phone and camera must be on the same local network (or properly forwarded if accessing remotely) for RTSP to work.
- Tinycam Pro offers advanced features: Once connected, you can record, motion detect, and view multiple cameras—all from one intuitive Android app.
- Use correct RTSP URL format: The Foscam 9900p requires a specific RTSP path like rtsp://[IP]:554/videoMain to access the main stream.
- Enable ONVIF for easier discovery: Turning on ONVIF in your Foscam settings helps Tinycam Pro auto-detect the camera and simplify setup.
- Troubleshooting common issues: Problems like black screens or connection timeouts often stem from incorrect credentials, firewall blocks, or outdated firmware.
- Security matters: Always change default passwords and consider using a VPN for remote access to protect your camera feed.
Introduction: Why Stream Your Foscam 9900p with Tinycam Pro?
If you own a Foscam 9900p security camera, you already know it’s a solid choice for home or office monitoring. But did you know you can unlock even more functionality by streaming its video feed directly into Tinycam Pro—a powerful Android app designed for IP camera management? By using the RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) feature, you bypass cloud delays, reduce dependency on Foscam’s servers, and gain access to advanced features like motion detection, recording, and multi-camera viewing.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step needed to get Tinycam Pro successfully streaming your Foscam 9900p via RTSP. Whether you’re a tech beginner or a seasoned DIYer, we’ve broken down the process into clear, actionable steps. You’ll learn how to configure your camera, set up your network, install and configure Tinycam Pro, and troubleshoot common issues—all while keeping your system secure and efficient.
What You’ll Need Before Starting
Before diving into the setup, make sure you have the following ready:
Visual guide about How to Get Tinycam Pro to Rtsp Stream Foscam 9900p
Image source: foscam.nl
- Foscam 9900p camera (firmware updated to the latest version)
- Android device (phone or tablet) with Tinycam Pro installed
- Stable Wi-Fi network that both your camera and Android device can connect to
- Router access (to check IP addresses and port settings if needed)
- Camera login credentials (default is usually admin/admin, but change this for security)
Pro Tip: Always update your Foscam 9900p firmware before starting. Older versions may have bugs or lack full RTSP support. Visit Foscam’s official support page to download the latest firmware.
Step 1: Configure Your Foscam 9900p for RTSP Streaming
The first step is ensuring your Foscam 9900p is properly configured to allow RTSP streaming. By default, RTSP may be enabled, but it’s best to verify and adjust settings as needed.
Access the Foscam Web Interface
Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network as your camera. Type the camera’s IP address into the address bar (e.g., 192.168.1.100). If you don’t know the IP, check your router’s connected devices list or use an IP scanner app.
Log in using your admin credentials. If you haven’t changed them, the defaults are typically:
- Username:
admin - Password:
admin(or blank)
Enable RTSP and ONVIF
Once logged in, navigate to Settings > Network > RTSP. Make sure RTSP is enabled. The default RTSP port is 554—leave this unless you have a specific reason to change it.
Next, go to Settings > Network > ONVIF and enable ONVIF. This protocol helps Tinycam Pro automatically detect your camera and simplifies setup. Set the ONVIF port to 8899 (default).
Note Your Camera’s IP Address and Stream Paths
Write down your camera’s local IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100). You’ll need this for Tinycam Pro.
The Foscam 9900p supports two RTSP streams:
- Main stream (high quality):
rtsp://[IP]:554/videoMain - Sub stream (lower quality, better for mobile):
rtsp://[IP]:554/videoSub
Replace [IP] with your camera’s actual IP address. For example: rtsp://192.168.1.100:554/videoMain.
Step 2: Install and Set Up Tinycam Pro on Android
Tinycam Pro is a premium Android app that supports hundreds of IP cameras, including Foscam models. It offers features like motion detection, cloud recording, and multi-camera grids—perfect for serious home monitoring.
Download Tinycam Pro
Open the Google Play Store on your Android device and search for “Tinycam Pro”. Download and install the app. Note that Tinycam Pro is a paid app (around $5), but it’s well worth the investment for its reliability and features. There’s also a free version (Tinycam Monitor), but it has limitations like ads and fewer camera slots.
Launch the App and Grant Permissions
Open Tinycam Pro. The first time you launch it, the app will ask for permissions like camera access, microphone, and storage. Grant these so the app can function properly.
Add a New Camera
Tap the + button to add a new camera. You’ll see several options. Since we’re using RTSP, select “Add IP Camera”.
Now, choose “Foscam” from the brand list. Tinycam Pro has built-in templates for Foscam cameras, which simplifies setup. However, since we’re using RTSP directly, we’ll customize the settings.
Step 3: Manually Configure RTSP Stream in Tinycam Pro
Even though Tinycam Pro recognizes Foscam cameras, we’ll manually enter the RTSP URL to ensure accuracy and flexibility.
Enter Camera Details
In the camera setup screen, fill in the following fields:
- Name: Give your camera a friendly name (e.g., “Front Door Cam”)
- IP Address: Enter your Foscam’s local IP (e.g.,
192.168.1.100) - Port:
554(default RTSP port) - Username: Your Foscam login username (usually
admin) - Password: Your Foscam password
Set the RTSP URL Path
Scroll down to the “Stream URL” or “RTSP Path” field. Enter one of the following:
- For high-quality main stream:
/videoMain - For lower-bandwidth sub stream:
/videoSub
Tinycam Pro will automatically prepend rtsp://[IP]:554, so the full URL becomes rtsp://192.168.1.100:554/videoMain.
Test the Connection
Tap “Test” or “Preview” to check if the stream works. If successful, you’ll see a live video feed. If not, double-check your IP, credentials, and RTSP path.
Tip: If the preview is laggy, try switching to the sub stream (/videoSub). It uses less bandwidth and is better for mobile viewing.
Step 4: Optimize Tinycam Pro Settings for Best Performance
Once your camera is connected, tweak Tinycam Pro settings to improve performance, reduce data usage, and enhance security.
Adjust Video Quality and Frame Rate
Go to the camera’s settings in Tinycam Pro and look for “Video” or “Stream” options. You can:
- Choose between main and sub streams
- Set maximum frame rate (e.g., 15 fps for smoother playback)
- Enable hardware decoding for better performance on older devices
Enable Motion Detection
Tinycam Pro has built-in motion detection that works even when the app is closed. To set it up:
- Go to “Motion Detection” in the camera settings
- Adjust sensitivity sliders
- Set up alerts (push notifications or email)
- Enable recording on motion (requires Tinycam Cloud or local storage)
This feature is great for security—get notified only when something moves, not every time a leaf blows by.
Set Up Recording (Optional)
You can record footage directly to your phone or use Tinycam Cloud for remote backup. To enable local recording:
- Go to “Recording” settings
- Choose “Record on motion” or “Continuous”
- Set storage location (internal or SD card)
Note: Continuous recording uses a lot of storage. Use motion-based recording to save space.
Step 5: Access Your Camera Remotely (Optional)
So far, we’ve set up local streaming. But what if you want to check your camera while away from home? Here’s how to access your Foscam 9900p remotely via Tinycam Pro.
Option 1: Port Forwarding (Advanced)
Log into your router and set up port forwarding:
- Forward external port
554to your camera’s internal IP and port554 - Use your public IP address in Tinycam Pro instead of the local IP
Warning: Port forwarding exposes your camera to the internet. Only do this if you understand the risks and use strong passwords.
Option 2: Use a VPN (Recommended)
Install a VPN server (like OpenVPN or WireGuard) on your home network. Connect your Android device to the VPN, and Tinycam Pro will see your camera as if it’s on the local network. This is much safer than port forwarding.
Option 3: Tinycam Cloud (Easiest)
Tinycam Pro offers a cloud service that tunnels your camera feed securely. Enable it in the app under “Cloud” settings. No router config needed—just sign up and link your camera.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful setup, you might run into problems. Here are solutions to the most common issues.
Black Screen or “Connection Failed”
- Check IP address: Ensure your camera’s IP hasn’t changed (DHCP may reassign it). Set a static IP in your router or camera settings.
- Verify credentials: Double-check username and password. Try logging into the Foscam web interface with the same details.
- Test RTSP URL: Use a media player like VLC to test
rtsp://[IP]:554/videoMain. If it doesn’t work there, the issue is with the camera, not Tinycam Pro.
Lag or Buffering
- Switch to the sub stream (
/videoSub) for lower bandwidth usage - Reduce frame rate in Tinycam Pro settings
- Ensure strong Wi-Fi signal—move closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi extender
Camera Not Detected by ONVIF
- Make sure ONVIF is enabled in Foscam settings
- Restart the camera and Tinycam Pro
- Manually add the camera using RTSP (as shown above)
“Authentication Failed” Error
- Reset your Foscam camera to factory settings and reconfigure
- Ensure you’re using the correct username/password (case-sensitive)
- Try disabling authentication temporarily in Foscam settings (not recommended for long)
Security Best Practices
Your security camera is only as safe as your network. Follow these tips to protect your privacy:
- Change default passwords: Never leave the admin password as “admin”.
- Use WPA3 encryption: Secure your Wi-Fi network with the strongest available encryption.
- Update firmware regularly: Foscam releases updates to fix security flaws.
- Avoid public IP exposure: Use a VPN or cloud service instead of port forwarding.
- Disable unused features: Turn off UPnP and remote access if not needed.
Conclusion: Enjoy Reliable, High-Quality Streaming
You’ve now successfully set up Tinycam Pro to stream your Foscam 9900p via RTSP. This setup gives you fast, reliable access to live video with advanced features like motion detection and recording—all from your Android device. Whether you’re monitoring your home, office, or pet, this configuration offers flexibility and control without relying on cloud services.
Remember, the key to success is attention to detail: correct IP addresses, proper RTSP paths, and secure network practices. If you run into issues, don’t panic—most problems have simple fixes. And with Tinycam Pro’s robust feature set, you’re well-equipped to build a smart, responsive surveillance system.
Now go enjoy your crystal-clear, real-time view of what matters most—right from your pocket.