Security camera that connects to phone without WiFi – ultimate guide from Reolink

Security cameras that connect to phone without WiFi provide a flexible video surveillance solution for indoor and outdoor use. This article will explore solutions for using security cameras without WiFi, best practices for setup and usage scenarios, and product recommendations.

Can Security Cameras Work without WiFi?

Absolutely. While WiFi cameras are very popular for their convenience, several options operate security cameras without WiFi connection. Wired security cameras can transmit footage to a recorder through Ethernet cables. Wireless cameras with 4G LTE connectivity can stream video over cellular data networks. Battery-powered cameras can record clips locally to an SD card when WiFi is not in range. With the right equipment, reliable surveillance is possible even in remote areas without WiFi access.

Top 3 Solutions for Connecting Cameras to Phone without WiFi

There are a few essential methods to enable phone connectivity for security cameras operating without WiFi availability.

Use 3G/4G Cellular Security Cameras

Cellular security cameras contain a SIM card and can transmit video over 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G networks just like smartphones. This allows for remote access from anywhere with mobile data coverage. Reolink Go and Go PT Ultra are examples of battery-powered wireless cameras with 4G LTE connectivity. When used with the Reolink mobile app, they can stream and record video over cellular data networks to your phone.

Save Footage Locally on SD Cards

Another option is to equip the security cameras with SD cards to save recordings locally when WiFi is unavailable. The user would need physical access to the SD card to retrieve the footage, but this ensures continuous recording.

Choose NVR Camera Systems for 24/7 Monitoring

A networked video recorder (NVR) connects multiple wired security cameras and enables continuous recording and monitoring without any WiFi needed. The cameras connect to the NVR with Ethernet cables or coaxial cables. Footage can be viewed remotely by connecting the NVR to a router or 4G modem. Reolink NVRs are compatible with dozens of Reolink wired and wireless cameras and provide complete surveillance with or without WiFi.

How to Connect CCTV Camera to Phone?

If cellular connectivity is unavailable, another way to connect security cameras to your phone is to set up a mobile hotspot and connect the cameras to that wireless network.

For example, Reolink battery cameras can connect to a WiFi hotspot generated from an iPhone or Android phone. The user would open the hotspot settings on their phone, choose a password, and broadcast a temporary WiFi network. The camera can then join that network to enable remote viewing and control over the hotspot connection from the phone's mobile app.

This is useful for temporary monitoring needs where mobile data coverage may be lacking. The user would need to keep the hotspot enabled and remain in the cameras' wireless range for remote access.

Where to Use Outdoor Security Camera that Connects to Phone without WiFi

There are many valuable applications for outdoor use security cameras that don't need WiFi connectivity:

·         Construction sites - Monitor equipment and progress with cellular cameras.

·         Barns and farms - Keep watch over livestock and rural assets using battery cameras with SD card backup.

·         Camping sites and RVs - Quickly set up surveillance around campsites without needing WiFi access.

·         Wildlife observation - Monitor animal activity in forests and natural habitats using cellular trail cameras.

Since these cameras don't rely on WiFi, they can be flexibly placed wherever needed. Some key advantages are remote locations without internet availability, temporary sites lacking network infrastructure, and mobile applications where WiFi coverage may be variable.

Best 2 Picks for Non-WiFi Cameras with Smartphone App

Here are two top recommendations for security cameras that connect to your phone through cellular networks or local storage when WiFi is unavailable:

Wireless Security Camera that Connects to Phone without WiFi: Reolink Go PT Ultra

The Reolink Go PT Ultra is an excellent wireless security camera that connects to your phone without WiFi. This 4G LTE camera streams live video over cellular data networks for reliable remote monitoring anywhere. With ultra-sharp 4K resolution and color night vision, it captures details in any lighting. The integrated battery and solar panel keep the Go PT Ultra powered continuously.

Pros:

·         Fully wireless and portable camera, easy to install anywhere

·         Reliable live view and alerts without any WiFi needed

·         Solar charging reduces the need for swapping batteries

·         Ultra HD 4K video resolution for sharp details

Cons:

·         Need 4G LTE coverage from a cellular provider

·         Higher initial cost than WiFi cameras

·         Non-removable battery

This portable, no-WiFi camera can be deployed anywhere with cellular service and remotely accessed from iOS and Android apps. Live view, playback, and alerts work over 4G when WiFi is not available. It's a versatile wire-free solution for short—or long-term use.

Wired CCTV Camera that Operates without WiFi: Reolink CX810

The Reolink CX810 is an excellent wired CCTV camera that can operate continuously without requiring WiFi connectivity. This PoE camera can record footage locally to a network video recorder for 24/7 monitoring. With ultra-sharp 4K video and true-color night vision, the CX810 captures crisp details in any lighting condition. The large F1.0 aperture lens gives outstanding low-light performance. Advantages and downsides of this CCTV camera without WiFi are given below:

Pros:

·         Ultra sharp 4K resolution with true color night vision

·         Reliable wired connectivity without depending on WiFi  

·         Smart detection features, including person, vehicle, and pet alerts

·         F1.0 large aperture for excellent low-light imaging

Cons:

·         No wireless flexibility since it's a wired camera

·         Higher cost than basic WiFi cameras

Overall, the CX810 is an ideal CCTV camera for permanent installation thanks to its wired design, intelligent detection features, and superior 4K video quality in all conditions.

FAQs

Is there any security camera that doesn't need WiFi?

Yes, many security cameras can work without WiFi, including wired PoE cameras, battery cameras with LTE connectivity, and cameras that save footage to local SD cards. Reolink offers all three types.

Do wired security cameras work without WiFi?

Yes, wired PoE security cameras can operate while recording footage to an NVR (network video recorder) without WiFi connectivity. The cameras connect to the NVR via Ethernet cables.

How do I install a security camera without WiFi?

To install security cameras without WiFi, look for models that have LTE mobile connectivity, built-in SD card storage, or PoE wired connectivity to record to an NVR. Reolink's 4G cellular or wired PoE cameras paired with an NVR will work without WiFi access.

Conclusion

While WiFi cameras are top-rated, they are not always the best solution when wireless Internet connectivity is unavailable. Fortunately, alternatives like cellular LTE cameras and wired PoE cameras with local recording give you options for using security cameras without WiFi.

With the right choice of equipment, you can monitor your home or business locations from a smartphone app without needing a WiFi network. Companies like Reolink design their cameras to work flexibly with or without WiFi for maximum coverage and reliability.