For people new to the world of smart home security, one of their most common concerns is whether their smart cameras can function without Wi-Fi. While there are non-wireless security cameras on the market, most smart cameras—like Vivint cameras—require users to connect to a Wi-Fi network to access live video monitoring and integrate their camera with their existing smart home devices.  

Since Vivint is a truly wireless system, users may be able to record with their Vivint cameras while offline. However, they cannot access live video monitoring and security alerts via the Vivint mobile app. Also, if a Vivint camera is disconnected from Wi-Fi, users may be limited in their access to its advanced remote communication features.

In the remainder of this article, you will learn more about what you can and can’t do when your Vivint camera loses access to Wi-Fi, and how to connect/reconnect a Vivint camera to the network.

Do Vivint Cameras Work Offline?

Since Vivint is a truly wireless system, your Vivint cameras may record while offline, but you’ll not be able to access live video monitoring and security alerts via the app.

Your Vivint camera, like other smart devices, is solely dependent on your home’s Wi-Fi connection and speed. Vivint recommends having at least 2 MBPS of upload speed for each camera. If your home’s Wi-Fi connection is unreliable or drops off, you may experience a persistent offline camera status.

Using your Vivint cameras offline will limit your access to advanced smart camera features offered by Vivint and leave your home unprotected. Just like any other smart device, you should consider getting a better Wi-Fi router or switch your internet provider to keep your security camera online.

Why Is My Vivint Camera Offline?

Now and then, your Vivint cameras may go offline. Unstable or disconnected Wi-Fi connections are two of the primary reasons why this may occur, but there are several other reasons why your camera may be offline:

  • Loss of powerYour Wi-Fi Router is far from your security cameraYou have too many access points on the same Wi-Fi channelYour Vivint app on your mobile phone is not up to date

In some instances, your Vivint camera or your Wi-Fi router may be faulty. If you suspect a faulty router or camera, get a professional to check it out. However, a good way to determine where the problem truly lies is by checking your Wi-Fi connection on your other devices to see if they’re still intact.

Reconnecting Your Vivint Camera to Wi-Fi

Vivint cameras are programmed to automatically reconnect to your home Wi-Fi system once there is an available connection; however, in the event the automatic connection fails, you can also reconnect manually.

Ping Camera

If your Vivint Ping Camera is offline, the following steps should help you get it back online and working.

  • Confirm that your camera is connected to a power supply and receiving power. Plug in a different device into the power outlet to confirm. If it doesn’t supply power, try resetting or having the outlet repaired.  Reboot your Vivint Panel. To reboot your Vivint panel click on Settings, then Devices, tap on Displays, and finally click on Reboot.Restart your camera by unplugging it for 30 seconds and reconnecting it.Then, restart your home Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and reconnecting it.

Doorbell Camera

If your Vivint Doorbell Camera is offline, then the following steps should help you resolve it:

  • Reboot your Vivint panel. This should take you around 10-15 minutesReboot your Vivint doorbell camera. To reboot your doorbell, press and hold the doorbell camera button for 10-20 seconds until the light changes to yellow. Release the button and wait until the light changes from yellow to white.Restart your home’s Wi-Fi router.Confirm that your doorbell ring light is blinking. If there is no sign of light, then you may need to reach out to the Vivint service center for additional assistance.

Outdoor Camera

To get your Vivint Outdoor Camera back online, the following troubleshooting steps should help:

  • Reboot the Vivint panel.Restart your camera.Confirm that your camera is connected to a working power supply.Restart your Wi-Fi router.

By performing the above-listed troubleshooting procedures, you should be able to get your Vivint camera back online. However, if your camera is still offline, you should consider reaching out to Vivint’s technical support team for assistance.

Conclusion

While Vivint cameras do not need Wi-Fi to record footage, a stable network connection allows you to access a variety of remote and other smart features, such as live monitoring and receiving security notifications through the Vivint app.

Fortunately, if your Vivint camera happens to lose its connection to your home’s Wi-Fi network for any reason, it’s easy to reconnect again.

Recently ended your contract with Vivint? Check out this article to learn more about whether you can still use your Vivint cameras without an active subscription or contract.