Android Stream Viewer

Turn your Android device into a network camera viewer with go2rtc integration and HTTP API for Home Assistant integration. The APK in Releases is generated by Github from the sourcecode in this repository.

Foreword

Android 14 introduces enhanced ADB security which disables and randomises the port used after sleep/reboot, breaking my automation setup. While Auto ADB Enable offers a workaround, Stream Viewer reduces ADB dependency with web-based configuration and REST API control.

Part of an ADB-free ecosystem:

• Auto ADB Enable - Temporary workaround
• Display Launcher - ADB-free app launching with intent extras
• Android Stream Viewer (this app) - ADB-free camera display

How they work together: Display Launcher launches Stream Viewer with a camera name passed as an intent extra (e.g., camera_name:FRONTDOOR). Stream Viewer loads its web-configured go2rtc URL and immediately displays the requested camera. All configuration happens through web interfaces—no ADB required. This approach is more reliable than ADB (no timeouts, persistent configuration) and integrates seamlessly with Home Assistant.

Caution

This application has NO built-in authentication or encryption. Much like go2rtc itself the web server runs on port 9090 with unrestricted access to anyone who can reach the device on your network.

❌ DO NOT expose this app directly to the internet
❌ DO NOT port forward 9090 to the internet
❌ DO NOT use on untrusted networks (public WiFi, etc.)
❌ DO NOT assume any built-in security exists

Important

⚠️ Burn-In Prevention Disclaimer: While this app includes a burn-in prevention feature that periodically blanks the screen to reduce the risk of screen burn-in, this feature may not be sufficient for all devices and usage scenarios. OLED and certain LCD displays are particularly susceptible to burn-in from static images displayed for extended periods. Users are responsible for implementing their own mitigation strategies appropriate to their specific device and usage patterns. Best practice: Regularly change the displayed content by using tour mode, setting reasonable display timeouts, or scheduling automatic camera rotations. Static camera views displayed 24/7, even with blanking enabled, can still result in permanent screen damage over time. I assume no responsibility for screen burn-in or damage resulting from use of this application.

Features

• Automatically indexes cameras from specified go2rtc server
• WebRTC & MSE protocol support
• Camera tour mode (cycle through enabled cameras)
• Burn-in protection (for displays)
• Web configuration interface
• Home Assistant integration via API
• Dynamic camera list API endpoint
• Intent-based camera launching - Launch specific cameras directly via Android intents from Home Assistant or other apps
• Persistent go2rtc server configuration

API Endpoints

Camera Management

• GET /api/cameras - Get all cameras (full JSON)
• GET /api/camera-names - Get camera names as comma-separated list
• POST /api/cameras - Save cameras
• POST /api/camera/{id}/toggle - Toggle camera enabled/disabled

Streaming

• POST /api/config - Configure stream
• GET /api/status - Get current stream status

Tour

• POST /api/tour/start - Start camera tour
• POST /api/tour/stop - Stop camera tour
• GET /api/tour/status - Get tour status

Configuration

• POST /api/discover - Discover cameras from go2rtc
• POST /api/save-server-url - Save go2rtc server URL
• POST /api/default - Set default camera
• GET /api/default - Get default camera

System

• GET /api/logs - Get server logs
• GET /api/burn-in/status - Get burn-in protection status
• POST /api/burn-in/toggle - Toggle burn-in protection

Intent Support

The app supports launching with specific cameras via Android intents. This enables direct camera selection from Home Assistant, automation tools, or other Android apps.

Intent Format

Action: android.intent.action.MAIN
Package: com.tpn.streamviewer
Extra: camera_name (String) - The camera name to load

Example ADB Command

adb shell am start -n com.tpn.streamviewer/.MainActivity --es camera_name "FRONTDOOR"

See the Home Assistant integration guide for automation examples.

Home Assistant Integration

See home-assistant/README.md for complete setup instructions including intent-based automation examples.

Installation

1. Download the APK from Releases
2. Enable "Install from Unknown Sources" on your Android device
3. Install APK via ADB, file manager, or browser
4. Configure go2rtc server URL in web interface

(Or build from source)

Compatible Devices

Tested on Amazon Echo Show 5 & Chromecast with Google TV 4K

Some devices may struggle with WebRTC. In which case use a lower bitrate/framerate/resolution or switch to MSE.

Building from Source

./gradlew assembleRelease

Credits

Developed with AI assistance. Uses go2rtc for stream handling and NanoHTTPD for the embedded web server.