Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Guardian Eye.
General
What is Guardian Eye?
Guardian Eye is an open-source video surveillance software that lets you monitor your home, office, or any space using webcams or IP cameras. It runs entirely on your computer — no cloud, no subscriptions.
Is Guardian Eye really free?
Yes! The Free version is fully functional with 1 camera support. There are optional paid licenses (Home, Pro) for more cameras and features, but the free version is not time-limited.
What operating systems are supported?
Guardian Eye supports Windows 10/11, macOS 12+, and popular Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian.
Cameras & Hardware
What cameras work with Guardian Eye?
Most USB webcams (Logitech, Microsoft, etc.) and IP cameras that support RTSP or ONVIF protocols. This includes popular brands like Hikvision, Dahua, Reolink, and many others.
How many cameras can I connect?
Free: 1 camera. Home ($29): up to 4 cameras. Pro ($79): unlimited cameras. The actual number depends on your computer's processing power.
Can I use my phone as a camera?
Not directly, but you can use apps like DroidCam or IP Webcam to turn your phone into an IP camera, then connect it to Guardian Eye.
Recording & Storage
Where are recordings stored?
All recordings are stored locally on your computer in a folder you choose. Nothing is uploaded to the cloud.
What video formats are supported?
Guardian Eye records in MP4 (H.264) by default, which is compatible with all major video players. MKV format is also available.
How much storage do I need?
It depends on resolution, frame rate, and recording mode. As a rough guide: continuous 1080p recording uses about 5-10 GB per camera per day. Motion-only recording uses significantly less.
Can I automatically delete old recordings?
Yes! You can set retention periods (e.g., keep last 7/30 days) or storage limits (e.g., max 100 GB). Old recordings are automatically cleaned up.
Privacy & Security
Is my video data sent to the cloud?
No. Guardian Eye processes and stores everything locally on your computer. We don't have access to your footage and never will.
Is the source code available?
Yes! Guardian Eye is open-source. You can view, audit, and contribute to the code on GitLab.
Do I need an account to use Guardian Eye?
No. You can download and use Guardian Eye without creating any account or signing up for anything.
Licensing & Payment
Is the license a subscription?
No! All licenses are one-time payments. Buy once, use forever. You also get all future updates for free.
Can I get a refund?
Yes, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied, contact us for a full refund.
Can I use one license on multiple computers?
Yes, personal licenses can be used on up to 3 computers you own. Pro license allows more — check the license terms.
How do I enter my license key?
Open Guardian Eye → Settings → License → Enter your key. The app will validate it online once, then work offline.