security cameras without wifi

Do home security cameras work without the internet?

Home security cameras are a powerful tool to keep you, your home and your family safe. As a result, more and more homeowners are installing them to protect their residential property. Home CCTV security cameras allow you to keep a close eye on your home, providing peace of mind and acting as a deterrent for any criminals. With wifi often playing an integral role in the efficient operation of any home security system, those in rural areas with poor internet connection often question whether CCTV can work for them. So, do home security cameras work without the internet?

Can home security cameras be used without the internet?

Yes, you can still use home security cameras without an internet connection; this is only required when footage needs to be accessed remotely. Rural locations like farms, business parks and power generation facilities don’t always have steady, reliable access to the internet but that doesn’t mean they can’t be protected; this is why CCTV security cameras are built to function with and without a wifi connection. In many cases people prefer not to connect their device due to cyber attacks, where a criminal is able to hack into your security system. The great thing about security cameras is that with or without internet connection, you can protect your property – no matter where you are.

The functions available when connected to the internet

Although you don’t need to be connected to the internet, there are some functions that do require a good connection to enhance your security.

Remote and local access

An internet connection allows you to keep a close eye on your home no matter where you are, whether you’re on holiday abroad or grabbing a coffee in town. Either way, you still know exactly what is going on. This footage can then be viewed on a smartphone, tablet or laptop, giving you ease of access from multiple devices. Wifi connectivity gives you the ability to both view and monitor live and recorded footage from anywhere.

Receive notifications when motion is detected

Many home security cameras are equipped with motion detectors; this means that any time motion or noise is detected, an alert can be sent through in real-time to notify you about what is happening. An internet connection enables these alerts to come through in real-time so you can deal with them straight away. In most cases, you will be sent photos or short clips that clearly show any activity – this also serves a useful function as evidence if required in future.

Backup footage

The internet makes saving and backing-up data a lot easier. There are two data saving solutions – the cloud or a file transfer protocol server (FTP). Cloud storage allows you to upload the footage and playback recordings when online, while an FTP is used for transferring and storing data. Both make for an efficient, cost effective solution.

The functions available without internet connection

Don’t worry if you don’t have a reliable, high-quality internet connection where you are. There are still plenty of critical functions available that ensure your home security camera is still highly effective.

monitor on site

Watching with a monitor connected

By connecting a monitor directly to your security camera, you will be able to view live footage 24 hours a day without being connected to the internet. This allows you to keep an eye on what’s going on around the grounds of your property whenever you’re in the house.

Save footage to an SD card or NVR

You still have the ability to save footage to either an SD card or network video recorder. The only thing you would need to bear in mind is whether or not there is enough storage on them to download the footage. So despite not having an internet connection, you are still able to retain footage and keep it for evidence if required.

Use cellular powered batteries/cellular security cameras

A cellular powered battery is used as a backup battery; this is essential if you don’t have access to the mains or a power cut occurs. Ultimately, it means your camera can continue recording. These batteries allow you to operate the cameras as you would if they were connected to the grid. Cellular cameras are perfect for those who have no access to the internet or an electrical power supply as they run off 4G/3G cellular networks.

Can you connect home security cameras to a computer without the internet?

You can still view both live and recorded footage without having an internet connection but there are a few steps you need to follow. To start with, you must make sure both devices are fully charged, then you’ll need to connect them by using a network cable, ensuring it is compatible and secure. Once this has been completed, find the camera’s address on the computer and then change the computer’s IP address to the same network prefix as the camera. There you go – you’re now connected without any internet connection.

Home security cameras do work without the internet. Although having an internet connection comes with it’s benefits, your CCTV camera can still provide security without it. The main thing is that it works as an effective deterrent and, in the event criminal activity does take place, you’re able to alert the emergency services to apprehend any intruders, retaining high-quality footage as evidence.


SecurePro offers a range of comprehensive, high-quality CCTV packages as well as a host of expert security services. Call us today on 01384 378300 for a discussion about how we can keep you and your property safe.

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