Security Camera that Connects to Phone without WiFi: No Wi-Fi? No Problem

If you're looking for the security cameras that connect to your phone without WiFi, your first option should be a 4G wireless camera. These cameras work independently with a data plan, so you can keep an eye on your property even when you're not home.

There are also some other options out there, you can save footage from local storage, like an NVR security system or SD card ,We'll go over each of these solutions in detail, so you can find the perfect security camera for your needs when you don't have a WiFi or Internet access.

Is There a Security Camera that Works without WiFi?

The answer is yes. There are some security cameras that can work without Wi-Fi. These cameras typically operate using alternative connectivity options such as cellular networks, Ethernet cables, or local storage options like SD cards. These devices are designed specifically for offline use and do not rely on an internet connection for recording or monitoring.

When considering these non WiFi cameras, it's important to evaluate your specific needs and preferences. For example, you can choose from outdoor or indoor cameras without WiFi.

Best Security Camera that Connects to Phone without WiFi

The 4G security camera can connect to phone without WiFi to provide you with reliable surveillance and monitoring. 4G security cameras use LTE networks to connect to your phone, allowing you to view live footage remotely and be alerted with a push message whenever motion is detected.

The cellular connection also means that cams can stay connected and operational during power outages or when WiFi is unavailable. These devices are simple to set up, typically requiring just a few steps to get them connected and running.

When it comes to home security, battery-operated security cameras no WiFi, like Reolink Go Plus, act as a great solution for protecting your family. What makes these cameras particularly attractive is the fact that installation and set up are easy; battery powered cameras require no wires or plug sockets, so you can place them practically anywhere on your property.

Choose Security Cameras without WiFi: Top 4 Solutions

It can be difficult to find a home security camera that doesn't require WiFi. Many of the popular models require an Internet connection in order to function properly. However, there are a few options available for those who don't have WiFi or who are worried about the security of their network. Here are four ways to get cameras that work without WiFi.

1. Use Non WiFi 4G cellular security cameras

4G cellular security cameras are a great option when there is no WiFi or power. These cameras use the 4G LTE network to transmit video and stills, and are powered by a rechargeable battery or solar panel. As long as there is 4G signal, you can have peace of mind that your property is protected.

One great advantage of 4G security cameras is that they enable you to view live streams remotely, because they can connect to your phone without WiFi. You can access your 4G camera at any time and get instant push notifications when any event is detected. Also, the footage can be saved to an SD card.

4G cellular security cameras no WiFi consume data every time they transmit videos or you access them remotely. If you don't have a data plan that's suitable for your 4G camera, it won't work.

Reolink Go Plus is a battery-powered 4G security camera that can be used without WiFi or power. It records to an SD card or the Cloud, and has two-way audio. Installation is easy and it can be placed indoors or outdoors.

2. Save the footage to an SD card when using CCTV camera without WiFi or Internet

If you are looking for other cameras without WiFi or internet, a security camera with an SD card is a good option. These cameras store motion-activated recordings offline on an SD card, which you can then view on a computer with an SD card reader. However, because all the footage is stored locally on the SD card, you cannot view it remotely from your smartphone or get instant alerts.

A memory card or an SD card security camera is primarily designed to store motion-activated recordings offline. Just insert the SD card into the camera and let it work. When you want to view those recordings, you can take the SD card out from the camera and check it on a computer with an SD card reader.

The Reolink E1 Pro is a WiFi security camera that also comes with a SD card. This makes it useful when there is no WiFi or internet connection available, as the recordings of motion events will be saved to the SD card. The E1 Pro supports up to 256GB micro SD cards (purchased separately), so you can be sure that you'll have plenty of storage for your recordings.

3. Choose an NVR security system for 24/7 local monitoring when there is no WiFi around

A NVR kit is a good option for remote security monitoring, especially if you don't have access to a reliable WiFi or internet connection. The kit comes with an NVR and several surveillance cameras, which you can use to monitor your property 24/7.

The NVR system is made up of three main components:

1. Cameras
2. NVR
3. Monitor

The cameras are the first part of the system. They are installed in the desired location and wired to the NVR. The NVR is the second main component of the system. It is a small box that stores all the footage from the cameras. The monitor is the last part of the system and it is used to view the footage from the NVR.

The cameras connect to the NVR and stay in the same LAN with it, so that they can communicate with each other without Internet access. This means that you don't need a router for the system to work. The footage from the cameras is stored locally on the NVR and you view it on the monitor. You can connect the NVR to an HD TV or a monitor to start 24/7 monitoring right away.

Remember that you need to connect the system to a router if you need remote viewing and instant push notifications to your mobile phone.

Reolink RLK8-800B4 is an 8-channel security camera system with 4K security cameras of ultra high resolution. It includes an 8-channel NVR with 2TB HDD built-in and 4 PoE cameras. The cameras are embedded with smart person/vehicle detection, which means any event detected by them will be recorded. This system is easy to install and doesn't require any subscription fees.

4. Connect the camera to your phone's WiFi hotspot if there is no Internet

If your security camera doesn't have WiFi available, you can use the phone's hotspot to enable the camera to transmit data. This method is useful when you have a battery-powered WiFi camera but no WiFi.

Some security cameras, such Reolink's battery-powered WiFi cameras, can work with hotspot devices.

Here's how to connect a WiFi camera to your smartphone's hotspot:

1. Enable the hotspot on your phone.
2. Configure the WiFi for the camera during the initial setup process.
3. Enter the SSID and password of your phone's hotspot.
4. Make sure your smartphone is always near your WiFi camera.
5. View live streams.

How to Connect Reolink WiFi Cameras to Your Phone’s Hotspot

Although using a WiFi camera and a mobile hotspot is not the most recommended method, there are some reasons why it may be your only option. The connection between the camera and the hotspot is not always stable, which could lead to a disconnect. Additionally, there is a data limit for your mobile hotspot, which will affect the upload speed of the camera.

Furthermore, a WiFi camera connected to your smartphone's hotspot can consume a lot of data. In this case, it's not as cost-effective as a 4G camera. For these reasons, we only suggest you adopt this method as a last resort.

Check this video below to find more non WiFi security solutions:

Where to Use a Security Camera without WiFi or Internet Connection

It is common to want a reliable security camera or system when there is no WiFi connection available. We have compiled a list of the most common scenarios from extensive research, and hope this helps you decide.

Security camera for Farm/barn/ranch/remote areas where internet is not avaliable

The biggest problem of getting surveillance in remote areas like a farm or ranch could be the lack of access to WiFi. In this case, a wireless camera without WiFi is your best choice as it can work anywhere as long as there are 4G signals.

If there is no WiFi and no Internet at all, you can consider a security camera system with an NVR. The security camera system records 24/7 and saves the footage locally to the NVR. Besides, a security camera system includes multiple cameras that can cover large areas of your farm.

For those who have WiFi in their farms, we still recommend a wireless WiFi camera because it's the easiest way to get your property protected. Most importantly, you can view live streams at any time.

RV/boat outdoor camera without WiFi

When you travel in an RV or a boat, you may want to monitor it or record the moments of the trip. In this case, we suggest using a 4G cellular camera for RV/boat.

You don't have to care about WiFi or power outlets with a 4G camera powered by a rechargeable battery. It's also easy to install so you can put it anywhere. The only thing you need to do is purchasing a data plan for the camera. And then you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

By the way, for those who will spend a long time in a big-sized RV or boat, an NVR system is also a good choice.

If you already have a battery-powered security camera no wifi and don't want to buy a new one, you can connect the camera to your phone's hotspot. It's easy to set up as I've mentioned above. As long as the battery WiFi camera is in the range of your phone's hotspot, it can keep working and recording.

Construction/off-grid sites security camera without Internet

There are not many choices for construction sites or off-grid places. In most cases, we still recommend 4G cellular cameras because they perform well without WiFi. Besides, the battery-powered 4G cameras don't need power outlets.

However, if there is no Internet and no 4G signals, only wireless security cameras with an SD card can be used. You need to power it on and insert the SD card inside the camera so that it can keep working for a long time and save all the footage.

Hunting camera without WiFi or Internet

If you are looking to make the most of your hunting trips but find yourself in an area with no WiFi or internet, a cellular trail camera could be a great fit. Cellular trail cameras work by sending image or video files directly with the 4G cellular just like you mobile phone, no WiFi connection required. This makes them ideal for more remote locations where no WiFi service is available as it eliminates the need for costly and complicated equipment setups.

With no WiFi connections needed, hunters can also set up their cameras much faster than with traditional setup methods and be confident that they will still get pictures no matter where they hunt. For these reasons, a cellular trail camera can be a great option for hunters who want to make the most of their outings without having access to internet or WiFi services.

The Reolink Keen Ranger PT is a high-resolution, pan/tilt camera trap that runs on solar and 4G LTE. It is marketed primarily at hunters, as it has panning and tilting functionality that allows it to get a 360-degree view of its surroundings. The camera also features a 1/3-inch four-megapixel sensor that is able to capture clear photos and 2K resolution video.

Places with WiFi & Internet Connection

A reliable internet connection is crucial for setting up security cameras, and the absence of it can pose a significant hurdle. While 4G/5G cellular cameras offer a solution, if you have a stable WiFi connection nearby, opting for a WiFi camera remains a viable choice. Top-tier wireless cameras assure exceptional performance, offering a sense of security. Among these, the Reolink Argus 3 Ultra stands out as an excellent example.

4K cameras ensure that your footage is compatible with evolving standards, such as H.265, and that your security system remains relevant for the foreseeable future. The 4K resolution of Argus 3 Ultra delivers clarity in different lighting conditions and offers every detail within the monitoring area. You can place it indoors and outdoors within the WiFi range.

Please read this guide, if you are interested in other 4K Ultra HD security cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of your biggest concerns when searching for security cameras without WiFi or Internet. Now you can get the answers quickly.

Is there any outdoor security camera without WiFi?

There are a few security cameras that work without WiFi. One option is to use a security camera that relies on 4G cellular service. Another option is to use a security camera that plugs into an Ethernet port (PoE) and records footage to a Network Video Recorder (NVR).

4G cellular cameras are your best choice. They work on 4G network and transmit data remotely, so that you can view live streams and access them at any time via your smartphone. If power isn't available, you can purchase a battery-powered 4G camera like Reolink Go Plus, which can be installed anywhere.

Can wireless cameras work with a mobile phone's hotspot?

Yes. Some wireless cameras can work with your mobile phone's hotspot, like Reolink's battery-powered WiFi camera. Your phone's hotspot serves as a WiFi provider. As long as your keep the WiFi camera connected to the hotspot, the camera can work as usual. But your phone's data usage may increase significantly. So, it's a good way to adopt for a while, but not cost-effective in the long run.

Can wireless cameras work without internet?

Yes! 4G Wireless cameras can work without internet as long as they are connected to a 4G network. This is great news for people who want to keep an eye on their home or office when they're not there, because it means they don't have to worry about whether or not their internet is working.

All you need to do to set up a wireless camera is connect it to your 4G network and download the app. Once you have the app, you'll be able to see what the camera is seeing in real-time, and you'll also be able to record footage and save it locally on your phone.

How to setup ip camera without internet?

You can set up your IP camera without the Internet by using your phone's hotspot. Because usually IP cameras need to be connected to the Internet for basic configuration when they are first turned on, some require the phone you are using to do the configuration.

1. First, make sure that your phone has a data plan with enough hotspot bandwidth to support the camera.
2. Next, open your phone's settings and create a temporary hotspot. Turn on your ip camera and link it to the WiFi signal corresponding to this hotspot name.
3. Finally, you can now set up your camera as per the product manual.

Conclusion

So, even in scenarios where WiFi, Internet, or power outlets are scarce, safeguarding your loved ones and valuables remains within reach with security cameras without WiFi. By the end of this article, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision on the perfect camera for your needs. Now, I'd love to hear about your experiences with cameras without WiFi. Have you found a reliable solution that suits your requirements? Share your story in the comments below.