You can use your phone as a CCTV using Wi-Fi, and you can check the footage whenever you want through your phone. Nevertheless, the question is whether you can connect your camera to your phone without Wi-Fi.
Well, that depends on the camera; while some may require you to connect using Wi-Fi, others can be connected without using Wi-Fi.
You can connect your camera to your phone without the Wi-Fi; however, to do so, you’ll need to download some required apps.
In addition, you’ll also find some paid apps, but install the one that is free, like IP Webcam, as both will work the same way. Now that you’ll be using your mobile as a CCTV camera, I suggest you sync it to iCloud storage because your mobile will download the data continuously. If you’re wondering how to connect your camera to your phone without Wi-Fi, keep reading to find out.
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How Do I Connect My Camera Without Wi-Fi?
While almost all the cameras have Wi-Fi, which makes it easy for them to connect to a phone or laptop, there are a few cameras that don’t come with built-in Wi-Fi; however, you can also connect them to your phone/laptop, it’ll just require a little more work.
There are only a few steps that you’ll need to follow to connect your camera to your phone without Wi-Fi, which is explained below.
Download The Required App
The first step is to download a third-party app; you can find tons of them on the Play Store/App Store. While some may be paid, you can also find free ones, like IP Webcam.
I suggest you not waste your money on paid ones, as free ones work the same way and provide the same features and tools.
Join A Local Network Without An Internet Connection
Now that you have downloaded the app, join a local network with no internet connection. I recommend you use routers or Wi-Fi extenders to build a local network.
Link To The App
You have downloaded the app and joined a local network, and now it’s time to link the app to the camera.
Follow the steps carefully explained below to connect:
- Launch the App you download on your phone.
- Create a profile and opt for regional broadcasting.
- Now, choose a Video option from the menu.
- Select Save Video To, which can be located under Video Recording.
- Create a folder in which you’ll be saving all the recorded footage.
- Now, select Start-Server from the menu, and the app should be connected to your camera and start granting you access to its settings.
Watch this video to understand better the process of connecting CCTV cameras to your phone/computer without Wi-Fi:
Can Cameras Work Without the Internet?
Technology has evolved immensely. You can find all kinds of electronics that don’t need the internet. For instance, cameras. They usually don’t need the internet as these cameras record and save the footage on SD cards or hard drives.
How Do Wireless Cameras Work?
There are two types of security cameras: wired and wireless. In contrast, wired cameras aren’t dependent on Wi-Fi; wireless security cameras can only work properly if connected to Wi-Fi or any other network.
Wireless cameras may be able to record without a Wi-Fi connection, but they won’t send you any notifications or alerts; furthermore, you may be at risk of losing all the recorded footage as a wireless camera can only upload the footage to the Cloud if it’s connected to a Wi-Fi or any kind of network.
If you don’t retain Wi-Fi in your home or wherever you plan to install security cameras, I suggest you either get the Wi-Fi or consider wired security cameras instead of wireless ones.
Can You Watch Live CCTV Footage From Anywhere Using the Internet?
Wireless cameras usually come with an app. For instance, if you’re buying the Nest security camera, you’ll have to download the Nest app, sign in, add a device, and pair. This way, you can watch the live footage from anywhere you want. (Note that you can only do this if your camera has access to Wi-Fi)
If your wireless camera isn’t connected to a Wi-Fi connection, unfortunately, you won’t be able to watch the live footage from your mobile.
Do CCTV Cameras Record All The Time?
Not all security cameras record all the time; some cameras start recording only when they detect a motion, which could be a person, animal, or car, depending on the settings of motion detection of the camera.
There are two kinds of security cameras; some only start recording when they detect a motion, and others record all the time.
Now, this depends on the brand of the camera. Normal CCTV cameras record when there is motion detection; security cameras like Nest and Eufy can always record.
Some Nest and Eufy models like Indoor Cam 2K, Solo OutdoorCam, and 2K Pro Wired doorbell are considered rather advanced because they always record and come with high resolution, HDR, and night vision. These features make the cameras expensive, but safety is priceless.
Security Cam Insights
- Security cameras can be a valuable deterrent to crime. They can also help to identify criminals if a crime does occur.
- When choosing a security camera system, it is important to consider your needs and budget. Think about where you will be installing the cameras, what features are important to you, and how much you are willing to spend.
- It is important to be aware of the privacy implications of using security cameras. Make sure you are aware of your local laws regarding security camera use, and be mindful of where you are pointing your cameras.
- Security cameras are not a foolproof security solution. They should be used in conjunction with other security measures, such as alarms and deadbolts.
Conclusion
- A camera that doesn’t need an internet connection to work is called a wired camera; some cameras require a network to work, called wireless cameras.
- While it’s extremely easy to connect wireless cameras to your phone, wired cameras require a DVR and other accessories to connect to a phone.
- Both wired and wireless cameras have pros and cons, so you must think carefully about which camera you want before buying them.
- Wireless cameras can record without being connected to a Wi-Fi; however, they won’t upload any footage to the Cloud or send you any notifications or alerts.
- Without a Wi-Fi connection to your wireless camera, you won’t be able to watch the live footage as well.
- Only some cameras will record 24/7; others will only start recording when they detect motion.