Do Hidden Cameras Need Wifi?
Maybe you’re wondering if a hidden camera can be present where there is no Wi-Fi or if you’ve restricted access to certain devices by whitelisting them on your Wi-Fi network. Or, maybe you think a hidden camera is the right solution for you, but you’re wondering if wifi will be necessary for it to work.
As it is, not all hidden cameras need wifi, although there are many that do rely on having wifi. Some can operate without an internet connection altogether. They record using local storage instead. However, wifi-based hidden cameras can save to remote storage, and they usually offer several additional features.
This article gives more detailed information about whether hidden cameras need wifi.
Main WIFI vs. Non-WIFI Hidden Camera Differences
Hidden cameras generally come in two types:
- Mostly, they are wifi hidden cameras that rely on a wifi connection.
- Non-wifi hidden cameras usually save to local storage. They may or may not be wired, and if wired, they are usually either IP-based (requiring a wired network connection) or, less commonly, a landline connection.
It might seem that IP (Internet Protocol) cameras rely on wifi, but not all of them do. There are models that work either with or without using wifi.
Wired hidden cameras are less commonly used as hidden cameras because the wire, usually an Ethernet cable, makes it more difficult to hide.
Hidden Cameras that Save to Local Storage
Since not all hidden cameras need wifi, if such a camera is being used, it is most likely located locally and saved to local storage somewhere. You might not see the storage device nearby, but it could be placed somewhere in the same building.
Some hidden cameras, such as those shown below, one of which looks like a USB flash drive or memory stick, and the other, a pen, use an SD memory card. The card is inserted directly inside the camera itself. Needless to say, the user may have to access the camera frequently to charge it and retrieve its memory card, and if someone discovers one, they can easily extract the memory card from it.
Are Non-Wifi Hidden Cameras Just as Effective?
Knowing that some hidden cameras can work without requiring wifi, another concern might be to know if non-wifi hidden cameras are just as effective.
Regardless of whether a hidden camera needs or is using wifi or not, it is still a hidden camera. It can function as a hidden camera in either case.
All types serve the same general purpose, which is to secretly make an audio/video recording. To know which one to buy, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of the different types and your specific requirements.
Deciding Between Wifi and Non-Wifi
If you’re looking to buy a hidden camera, then by now, you know that a variety is available.
You can either buy a wifi-based one, a non-wifi one, or a model that gives both options, i.e. one that can be used with or without wifi.
Wifi-Based Hidden Cameras
Wifi-based hidden cameras are more commonly and easily available.
The main reasons are that wifi functionality makes them convenient, is normally easier to use, and usually comes with useful extra features.
Examples of such features are the ability to control them remotely, watch a live recording, and receive alerts and notifications.
Although you might get some of these features with certain non-wifi models as well, they don’t have them commonly. It is also possible that a wifi-based hidden camera comes with local storage.
Non-Wifi Hidden Cameras
A non-wifi hidden camera can offer additional advantages that wifi-based ones cannot.
For example, a wireless internet service might not be available in a certain place, or you might want to position the camera in a permanent place with a secure connection. Another advantage could be to make it less obvious that a hidden camera is being used, in case someone expects a wifi connection or service to also be present.
By not requiring a wifi connection, a non-wifi hidden camera could also be easier to configure. That is, it can be easier to install. If it’s an IP one, it would still require configuration, but you might find a less frequent need to change the settings or deal with connection issues. Notably, they are not impacted by weak or variable wifi signals. They remain operational irrespective of the wifi service quality.
A hidden camera that works without wifi may come with a landline connection instead, that connects to a crime monitoring cell, ready to respond in case of an emergency.
A non-wifi hidden camera might offer several more benefits than a wifi camera. For example, if a hidden camera is completely free of requiring internet connectivity, it would have the additional benefit of being able to function despite an internet outage.
Buying a Hidden Camera
In addition to considering the above advantages and disadvantages, if purchasing a hidden camera, also look for things like:
- Pricing limitations
- How easily spare parts are available
- Battery life and charging time
- How easy it is to install and configure
- How many and what additional features it provides
Using a Non-Wifi Hidden Camera
Installing a non-wifi/internet hidden camera will not require configuring wifi, so the steps to install and configure one are simpler than for a wifi-based one, although you might need to format and insert a memory card. Here are the steps:
- Charge the hidden camera
- Insert the memory card into the camera (after formatting it, if necessary)
- Attach the camera to where you want to position it
- Turn the camera on
If the hidden camera is wired, then you will need to attach the network/Ethernet cable, one end to the camera and the other end to your computer or router. Then, set the IP address to access the camera from the computer.