Can a SWIFI camera work without Internet?
Tags: SWIFI camera, internet requirement, P2P server, Swann Security app, cloud recording, RTSP streaming, port forwarding, third-party hardware, third-party software, technical support, WiFi routers, 2.4 GHz frequency, WiFi mesh routers, WiFi extenders, network configuration, mobile WiFi router, mobile hotspot, network compatibility, network troubleshooting, network devices
Answer: No.
Internet is required as the SWIFI cameras communicate to the P2P server using the Internet to stream to the Swann Security app and upload recordings to the cloud.
Attempts to configure Swann cameras for streaming and recording on third-party hardware and software via RTSP or port forwarding is at your discretion and knowledge but is not supported by Swann Tech Support.
Compatible Routers
Compatible router | WiFi Routers with 2.4 GHz frequency band | Wired/wireless routers with a LAN port (after pairing via WiFi) |
SWIFI model | All SWIFI camera models | SWIFI-SPOTCAM |
Any of the following routers are compatible provided they have a 2.4 GHz frequency:
- Wireless broadband routers/hubs
- WiFi mesh routers
For more information, see What router WiFi frequency band is my SWIFI camera compatible with: 2.4GHz VS 5GHz Frequency?
Compatible Wi-Fi extender or repeaters
It is possible for the SWIFI camera to pair to the router via WiFi extender if the extender is compatible and setup correctly to the router. Troubleshooting and configuration of your extender's settings have to be performed by your router manufacturer support team, Internet Service Provider or your IT department. See this article: How to boost your WiFi signal and extend WiFi range.
Tip: Try to pair the camera to the router first to check whether its internal network adapter is working. If it works via router but not extender, then there's a chance the extender is not compatible.
Not Compatible / Not Recommended
We do not recommend SWIFI cameras to be connected to the following devices because they cannot provide the necessary network configuration information to the camera to allow it to join the network automatically unless your network device is configured. Troubleshooting and configuration of your device's settings have to be performed by your router manufacturer support team, Internet Service Provider or your IT department.
Network Devices: | Example: |
Mobile WiFi router: This has not been tested and can cause unstable network connectivity of your camera, causing missed recordings in the cloud or streaming issues since the signal from the Mobile router can be prone to fluctuation and interference from your mobile service provider. | ![]() |
Mobile phone hotspot/tethering: This is not supported by SWIFI cameras. Similarly to mobile WiFi routers, it may not work. |