There are several different ways to stay secure in the premises of your home. As a homeowner, home security should be top priority—and one way to do so is by installing a doorbell camera. A common question that generally gets asked is this: do doorbell cameras need WiFi? The short and to the point answer is, no. Doorbell cameras do not need WiFi to properly function; however, it is recommended that you do install them with a sturdy internet connection. Why? There are a number of reasons. Let’s get into them. 

Why Get a Doorbell Camera?

Before we get into the benefits of having WiFi for your camera, let’s first discuss the importance of investing in a camera. Why get one? It’s fairly simple. With a doorbell camera installed, you have the ability to know who is at your front door. If you are someone who is often away from home, this product can be especially useful to you. Doorbell cameras give you the ability to communicate through the camera—even when you’re not home! This process can oftentimes deter vandals, burglars, and other individuals who lurk by. 

How Can You Use a Doorbell Camera Without WiFi?

A doorbell camera doesn’t necessarily require internet access. As long as you don’t have access to a remote live stream or other features that rely on WiFi network, there are a few alternatives to using a smart doorbell. 

• Option 1: Video Doorbell with Local SD Card Storage

A smart doorbell with a local storage can sense motion events with a built-in PIR sensor, allowing them to store motion-triggered videos to the SD card for you to playback. This allows you to review who or what triggered the sensor; however, note that most local memory cards do not support 24/7 recording, they only support recording motion-triggered videos.

• Option 2: Connecting A Smart Video Doorbell to Your Existing Traditional Doorbell

Although this option is very limited in the options it can provide, wiring your smart doorbell to your existing traditional ringer will alert you whenever someone presses your doorbell.  

• Option 3. Get a WiFi Hotspot for Your Doorbell

This option is the most reliable when it comes to using a smart doorbell without an internet connection. With a cellular hotspot, your doorbell camera will function the same as it would with WiFi. A portable 4G LTE hotspot gives you access to live stream and get instant app push alerts whenever there are motion events present. You may even have the option to talk to visitors in real-time with a two-way audio function. 

The downside to using a hotspot is that you will need to pay for cellular data in order to access it, and depending on how stable your cellular network is, you may encounter latency with the connection. The doorbell can also consume a large amount of data if you frequently live stream; however, it should not be an issue if it is only accessed a few times a day. 

So, Do I Really Need WiFi for My Doorbell?

The truth is, while it isn’t necessarily required to have internet access for a smart doorbell, we certainly recommend it. With WiFi, you will have access to all the features of a doorbell—including, but not limited to, motion detection, app support, and audio features—all without issue. A WiFi connection will also provide you with a stable and secure connection that offers the best signal for connectivity to your doorbell camera. 

A doorbell camera can only work to the best of its ability and provide ultimate home security if it is used the correct way. Considering the following is a good first step in deciding which doorbell camera is right for you:

• Proper connectivity
• Two-way communication
• Reliability and value
• Ease of installation
• An easy to use phone application

Protect Your Residency with Mesa Alarm Systems

At Mesa Alarm Systems, we offer doorbell cameras to help homeowners feel secure and rest more easily. If your home or business security is your top priority, we will sit down with you to hear about your areas of concern, and together we will plan a system tailor-made to your needs. Visit our website to learn more!