Can an Intercom Send a Real-Time Push Notification with Video to a Smartphone?

By: Tim Bruxvoort

Articles

Yes, modern video intercom systems can send real-time push notifications with live video directly to your smartphone. When a visitor presses the intercom button, a video call is routed to a dedicated mobile app, allowing you to see, speak with, and grant access to visitors from anywhere.

To enable this feature, you must use either a cellular video intercom or an IP-based video intercom.

How Video Intercom Push Notifications Work

Whether installed in a multi-tenant apartment complex, a commercial business, or a single-family home, video intercoms rely on an internet connection to communicate with cloud servers, which then route push notifications to your smartphone.

1. Cellular Video Intercoms

Cellular intercoms utilize built-in LTE or 5G SIM cards to connect to cellular networks (such as AT&T or Verizon). They do not require an on-site internet router, making them ideal for properties where running data cables is difficult.

Best For: Multi-tenant apartment buildings, gated communities, and remote entry points.
Common Triggers: Ring alerts, motion detection, tamper alarms, and remote door/lock release.

2. IP-Based Video Intercoms

IP (Internet Protocol) intercoms connect directly to a local internet router. They translate analog video and audio signals into digital data packets to transmit them over the internet.

Connection Types: Can connect via Ethernet (Power over Ethernet/PoE is highly recommended) or Wi-Fi.
Best For: Single-family homes, small businesses, and commercial offices with existing network infrastructure.
Note: Wi-Fi is generally not recommended for multi-tenant or commercial properties due to potential signal interference and bandwidth limitations.

Key Features Supported by Smartphone Intercom Apps

Beyond basic video calling, the cloud-based apps paired with these intercoms offer several advanced security features:

Feature	Description
Live Video Preview	See who is at the door before answering the call.
Two-Way Audio	Speak with visitors in real-time via your phone's microphone and speaker.
Remote Unlock	Release the electronic door strike or gate lock directly from the app interface.
Event History & Logs	Review missed calls, captured snapshots, and time-stamped entry logs.

Quick Summary

Can you receive video intercom alerts on a phone? Yes, via dedicated iOS and Android apps connected to the cloud.
What hardware is required? An internet-connected video intercom (Cellular, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi) and an electronic lock mechanism if remote door release is desired.
Are there monthly fees? Yes, cellular intercoms require a cellular data plan, and many IP systems charge a cloud subscription fee for multi-tenant management.

About the Author: Tim Bruxvoort, a telecommunications veteran with over three decades of experience, is the President and Founder of IntercomsOnline.com, a Nashville-based specialty provider of commercial-grade communication systems. Leveraging his 22-year background at Nortel Networks, he established the e-commerce company in 2007 to offer expert-backed, high-performance intercom solutions for demanding industrial environments. Under his leadership, the company differentiates itself from typical online retailers by providing application-driven product selection, rich technical guidance, and free specialized support.