Install a VPN
SECURITY & REMOTE ACCESS
WireGuard Private Tunnel and Secure Notifications
To ensure total privacy, JanusEye should never be directly exposed to the internet. We use a WireGuard private tunnel for remote access and the NTFY service for instant alerts.
🛡️ Step 1: WireGuard Private Tunnel (via PiVPN)
WireGuard is the most modern security protocol. It creates a direct, encrypted link between your smartphone and your home. It requires opening a single port on your Router to establish the secure tunnel.
Type this code to install it:
curl -L https://install.pivpn.io | bash
This is the only port you need to open. Forward port 51820 (UDP) in your router settings to the local IP address of your Raspberry Pi.
pivpn add: Create a profile for a new phone.pivpn -qr ProfileName: Display the QR Code to scan with the WireGuard mobile app.pivpn -l: See who is connected in real-time.pivpn -d: Revoke access (in case of a lost phone).
Once the VPN is active on your phone, access your surveillance via:
http://10.6.0.1:5000(10.6.0.1 is the secure internal IP of the tunnel. Port 5000 is for JanusEye.)
🔄 Automation via VPN
For your automations (iPhone Shortcuts or MacroDroid) to work from anywhere, use the tunnel IP address:
http://10.6.0.1:5000/janus/arm?key=[PIN]&action=[ON/OFF]&device=[NAME]Parameter Details:
key=: Your security PIN code (e.g.,1234).action=: Useonto enable monitoring oroffto disable it.device=: The name of your smartphone (e.g.,iPhone_JohnorSamsung_S24). This name will appear in the logs so you know exactly which device armed the system.
Concrete Example to Arm the Alarm:
http://10.6.0.1:5000/janus/arm?key=1234&action=on&device=MyPhone
On iPhone, within the WireGuard app settings, enable "On-Demand". The tunnel will automatically activate as soon as you leave your Wi-Fi, ensuring your JanusEye commands always travel through the secure path.
🎨 Notifications & NTFY Topic
The Topic is the name of your private channel. On NTFY, there is no creation interface: the channel exists as soon as you start using it.
- Invent a secret name: Choose a complex name (e.g.,
januseye-secure-2026-Peter-x9). - Configure JanusEye: Enter this name in the SETTINGS tab of your server.
- Subscribe your smartphone:
- Open the ntfy app (iOS/Android).
- Click the "+" button.
- Enter your secret name and confirm.
Your channel is now operational and ready to receive photo alerts.
In the topic settings on your mobile app, you can assign a specific icon and a siren sound. Ideal for distinguishing an intrusion from a simple message.
