How To Use Vivint Camera Without Service? Get Full Access Now!

Are you tired of paying for a Vivint camera service? Do you want to know how to use your Vivint camera without it? If yes, then this article is for you!

Having the option to access and control your home security from any location can be an incredible convenience. With the Vivint camera, you have that luxury but at a cost that may not fit everyone’s budget.

Luckily, there are alternative ways to make better use of your purchase without having to pay monthly fees. By following some simple instructions, you can gain full access to your Vivint camera system without having to go through their paid service plans.

“It’s important to note that while certain elements will differ depending on which Vivint camera model you own, we’ve compiled universal guidelines to help you navigate regardless of device.”

This post has got you covered with detailed information about how to use Vivint camera without service plan, as well as tips for managing settings such as storing recordings. Read on to learn more about how to get the most out of your Vivint camera purchase today!

Understand The Limitations Of Vivint Camera Without Service

Vivint is a popular home security company that offers various products, including security cameras. However, if you have the Vivint camera but want to use it without service, there are some limitations that you should be aware of.

Camera Functionality Without Service

If you decide to use your Vivint camera without the monitoring service, you will still have access to basic camera functionality such as live video feed and motion detection. You can view the live video feed on your smartphone using the Vivint Smart Home app or directly on your computer by logging into your Vivint account.

Additionally, you can receive push notifications whenever your camera detects movement, which allows you to monitor your home even when you’re not around.

Limitations of Cloud Storage

One of the significant benefits of subscribing to Vivint’s monitoring service is cloud storage. With this subscription, your camera footage is stored in the cloud for up to 30 days and accessible through your Vivint account. However, without the service, you won’t have access to this feature.

This means that you will only be able to store recorded videos locally on an SD card installed in the camera. While this may work for short-term storage needs, it poses a problem in case the SD card gets damaged or lost- all previously recorded footage will become unavailable.

Compatibility with Third-Party Apps

The Vivint camera was primarily designed to work within its ecosystem, meaning it may not be compatible with other third-party apps outside of the smart home application of Vivint. For instance, it can not integrate fully with Google or Amazon devices since each has its set of control inputs that does not correspond to Vivint technology.

You may still be able to integrate your Vivint camera with some third-party apps if you work around the compatibility issues. This will require taking extra steps to achieve integration.

“To get a sense of how much bandwidth you’ll need consider all of the devices in your home that are connected to Wi-Fi and online at any given time.” -Wired

While using a Vivint camera without service has its benefits, it is essential to understand the limitations. You should carefully weigh whether those features are sufficient for your needs before buying it instead of subscribing to the monitoring service.

Unlock Your Vivint Camera By Connecting To Wi-Fi

If you want to use your Vivint camera without service, one thing you need to do is connect it to a Wi-Fi network. Having your camera connected to a stable and strong Wi-Fi connection enables you to access live footage, view recorded clips, and change configurations from anywhere using the compatible mobile app.

Connecting to Wi-Fi Network

The first step in connecting Vivint camera to Wi-Fi is scanning the QR code on its back or bottom part using the Vivint Smart Home App. The next step will depend on whether you are setting up the device for the first time or changing networks.

If this is your first time adding the device, enter the Wi-Fi network name and password when prompted, and wait until the camera connects to the network. If you are re-connecting the device to another network, click “Settings” followed by “Wi-Fi settings”. Search for available networks and select the preferred one. Input the correct password, then click “Join.”

• The camera may take some moments to establish a connection with the network. Wait patiently before moving forward.
• To ensure proper connectivity, have your device within range of the router signal before beginning setup.

Resetting Wi-Fi Connection

If your Vivint camera does not recognize your Wi-Fi connection, you may need to reset the connection manually. You can perform this task through the Vivint Smart Home App installed on your mobile phone:

1. Click on the device tab found at the bottom of the interface, and select your camera
2. Select “Settings”
3. Click on “Delete Device”
4. Wait for about 20 seconds before re-adding the device, and start the Wi-Fi setup process all over again
5. If the camera still fails to connect after resetting it, endeavor to restart both your phone and the router. This would help refresh the connectivity settings of the two devices.

Improving Wi-Fi Signal Strength

The quality of signal received by Vivint Camera hugely depends on the strength or consistency of your Wi-Fi network’s signal. For better stability, try some of these ideas:

• Moving Closer: Find a location where your camera is closer to the wireless access point if you are having issues with poor signal strength.
• Change Frequencies: You can select either the 2.4 GHz frequency band (longer range)or the 5GHz frequency (short bandwidth). Try switching between them to maintain a steady connection.
• Purchase an Extender: Another solution is to add another wireless extender or repeater midway between your home router and camera position. The extender helps amplify signals, reducing interference from distance, obstructions, and other electronic gadgets.
• Reposition Your Router: Consider relocating your primary Wireless access Point(WAP), raising, or positioning it higher up in a central area rather than enclosing it in cabinets or near obstructive locations such as concrete walls or large appliances.

“The main advantage of an extender is that it offers additional coverage when needed” – NerdWallet

Connecting your Vivint camera to a stable Wi-Fi network is crucial for smooth operation outside the use of professional monitoring services. Reconnecting to the internet, resetting, and improving signal strength through location changes or adopting another frequency band are strategies that guarantee great connectivity and real-time footage access.

Use The Vivint App To Access Camera Footage

If you have a Vivint security camera but no longer have the service, don’t worry! You can still access your camera footage by using the Vivint app. Here’s how:

Downloading and Installing the Vivint App

The first thing you’ll need to do is download and install the Vivint app on your smartphone or tablet. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded for free from the respective app stores.

“The Vivint app provides 24/7 home monitoring through one powerful dashboard.” -Tom’s Guide

Once the Vivint app is installed, open it and sign in with your existing Vivint account credentials. If you don’t have a Vivint account yet, follow the instructions below to create one.

Creating a Vivint Account

To use the Vivint app, you must have a Vivint account. Creating an account is easy, regardless of whether you currently have Vivint service or not. Here are the steps to follow:

• Visit the Vivint website (www.vivint.com) and click on “Sign In” at the top right corner of the page.
• Select “Create Account” and follow the prompts to enter your personal information, including your name, email address, phone number, and physical address.
• Create a new username and password and make note of them for future reference.
• Agree to the terms and conditions and submit your information.

“Installing a Vivint security system can give you complete control over your household security.” -U.S. News & World Report

Once your account is created, you can go back to the Vivint app and sign in with your new credentials. You’ll then be able to access all of the features available through your account, including camera footage.

Accessing Camera Footage through the App

If your security camera is still connected to power and Wi-Fi, it should still be accessible through the Vivint app even if you no longer have service. Here’s how to view your camera’s live feed or recorded footage:

• Open the Vivint app on your smartphone or tablet and log in using your account credentials.
• Select “Cameras” from the main menu.
• You should see a list of all cameras associated with your Vivint account. Select the camera you wish to view.
• You will now be taken to a screen where you can view the live feed from your camera.
• To view any recorded footage, select “Clip History” from the menu at the bottom of the screen.
• You can filter these clips by date, time, and camera location to find the footage you’re looking for.

“The Vivint Smart Home platform uses AI and machine learning to deliver next-generation home security.” -CNET

With the Vivint app, you can also set up custom alerts based on motion detection from your cameras. This way you can receive notifications when movement is detected, regardless of whether or not you have professional monitoring services. Just go into the app settings to customize your notifications.

So there you have it – you don’t need professional monitoring services to take advantage of your Vivint security cameras. With the Vivint app, you can easily monitor your home and view camera footage from anywhere, at any time. And if you do decide to sign up for professional monitoring services with Vivint in the future, the cameras will already be set up and ready to go!

Access Your Vivint Camera Through A Third-Party App

Vivint cameras are a popular choice when it comes to home security. They offer several features that allow homeowners to keep an eye on their property, but what if you don’t want to pay for the monthly service? Can you still use the camera? The answer is yes! By using third-party apps, you can access your Vivint camera without any problems.

Compatible Third-Party Apps

The first thing you need to do is find a compatible app. There are many options available in both the Google Play store and the Apple App Store. Some of the most popular apps include Blue Iris, TinyCam Monitor, and Live Cams Pro. You can also use VLC or ONVIF Device Manager to access your Vivint camera.

After you have selected an app, make sure it supports your specific model of Vivint camera. Not all apps support every type of camera and some may require additional setup. Always read the app’s description carefully before purchasing or downloading it.

Linking Third-Party Apps with Vivint Camera

Once you have downloaded the app, you will need to link it with your Vivint camera. The process varies depending on the app you have chosen, but generally, you will start by selecting “add camera” or “setup camera”. Enter your Vivint camera’s IP address, port number, and login credentials (if required).

If you are unsure where to find your camera’s information, log into your Vivint account and go to the camera settings. From there, you should be able to find the necessary details. Once you have entered everything correctly, click “save”, and the app should be linked to your camera.

Controlling Vivint Camera Through Third-Party Apps

Now that your app is linked to the camera, you can start using it. Most third-party apps provide a wide range of features including live streaming, recording, and motion detection alerts. You can also adjust the camera’s settings such as resolution and frame rate.

Using an app like Blue Iris gives you even more control over your Vivint camera. You can set up custom schedules or rules for when the camera should record or alert you. There are also options for pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) control, making it easy to adjust the camera’s view from anywhere.

Limitations of Third-Party Apps

While using third-party apps with your Vivint camera has many benefits, there are also some limitations to keep in mind. The first potential issue is compatibility. Not all apps work with every type of Vivint camera, so make sure to do your research before purchasing an app.

Another limitation is reliability. Some third-party apps may not function as well as the official Vivint app. Bugs and crashes can occur, which could lead to missed recordings or failed alerts.

“A bad app can spoil the experience quickly” -Jonathan S., tech reviewer on AppGrooves.com

Finally, by using a third-party app, you lose out on some of the features offered by Vivint’s monthly service. These include 24/7 monitoring, professional installation, and technical support.

Accessing your Vivint camera through a third-party app is a great way to save money while still having access to its features. Just be sure to choose a compatible app and understand the limitations before getting started.

Use A Micro-SD Card To Store Camera Footage

If you have a Vivint camera and want to use it without the service, there are certain ways to do so. One way is to use a micro-SD card to store your camera footage. The process involves inserting the card into the camera, formatting it, and accessing saved footage on the card.

Inserting Micro-SD Card into Camera

The first step in using a micro-SD card is to insert it into your Vivint camera. First, locate the slot for the micro-SD card on the side of the camera. Then, gently push the card into the slot until it clicks into place. Be sure that the card is inserted properly to avoid any damage to the card or camera.

Note that not all Vivint cameras support the use of micro-SD cards for recording and storage. Make sure to check with Vivint’s customer service or the device manual to see if your camera has this feature.

Formatting Micro-SD Card

Once the micro-SD card is properly inserted into your camera, the next step is to format it in order to start recording footage. Formatting erases everything previously stored on the card, so make sure to back up any important data before formatting.

“Before starting the formatting process, always be sure to transfer any important data from the card onto your computer or another storage device.” -PCWorld

To format the micro-SD card, navigate to the settings menu on your camera. Look for an option called “Format SD Card” or something similar. Follow the prompts to start the formatting process.

After formatting the card, make sure that your camera is set to record footage onto the micro-SD card instead of sending it to the service provider. You should see an option in the camera settings for “Local Storage” or “SD Card Recording”. Select this option and save your changes.

Accessing Saved Footage on Micro-SD Card

Once you have recorded footage onto your micro-SD card, accessing it is easy. The first step is removing the micro-SD card from your camera.

“When handling the card, be sure to do so carefully and avoid touching any metal connectors on the card.” -SanDisk

To view saved footage, insert the micro-SD card into a computer, smartphone, or tablet that has a micro-SD card reader. Navigate to the appropriate folder (which may depend on your specific model of Vivint camera) where the footage is stored. From there, you can transfer files or watch videos directly from the card.

If you’re having trouble accessing your footage, it’s possible that the file format is not compatible with your device. Make sure to check what video formats your camera records in and what formats are supported by the device you’re using to view the footage.

The use of micro-SD cards allows owners of certain models of Vivint cameras to record and store footage independently without relying solely on the company’s services. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your camera is set up to effectively utilize the micro-SD card storage feature.

Take Advantage Of Vivint Camera’s Night Vision Feature

Vivint cameras are excellent devices that provide 24/7 activation and continuous monitoring functionalities. These features ensure the safety of your home, pets, and loved ones at all times. While it is a fantastic device, most people believe that it only works with professional installation and monitoring services by Vivint. If you don’t want to subscribe to their service plans, you can use the Vivint camera without any monthly service fees or contracts. Below is how to activate and customize night vision on your Vivint camera.

Enabling Night Vision Mode

Night vision allows you to monitor activities in your home even when there is no lighting. To enable the feature:

• Open your Vivint app and log in to your account.
• Select “Live Video” from your phone screen.
• You will see an “NV” button; click it to turn on night mode.

If you cannot find the “NV” button, then ensure that the room is dark before looking for the button. Note that once the night vision mode activates, there may be a brief flash of light which indicates that the infrared LEDs have switched on. The LEDs will illuminate the area you’re surveying, making sure that captured images remain clear and visible.

Adjusting Night Vision Settings

The Vivint camera also offers customizable advanced settings that allow you to adjust image quality within low light environments. Don’t hesitate to fine-tune these settings until you achieve satisfactory results. Here are some steps you need to follow:

• Go to your app’s main menu and select “Settings.”
• Find the “Camera Settings” tab and tap it.
• Click on the “Image Adjustment” option, an interface that allows you to make adjustments depending on your preferences. For instance, reducing contrast enhances the camera’s ability to capture more detail in darker environments. Also, decreasing image saturation can significantly lower sharpness but produce a clearer image when there are no light sources around.

Limitations of Night Vision Feature

Note that while night vision is crucial for low-light monitoring, it may not always be enough to ensure complete surveillance as it has some limitations. The infrared LEDs have a limited range; therefore, it might not cover large areas like backyards or rooms with huge furniture coverage. It is also important to know that this feature is only effective within close proximity limits to its subjects.

“The distance that a camera’s night vision range covers varies depending on factors such as lighting conditions and camera quality.” -Danika Miller

You can extend the coverage limits by getting additional cameras or investing in high-end devices strategically installed around your home. Vivint security and automation systems offer various options that can help boost your home’s safety effortlessly and maximize utilization of the Vivint Camera night vision feature.

Utilizing the night vision feature on your Vivint camera is vital if you want to secure your home consistently, even at night. These guidelines will enable you to enable, customize and be well aware of the feature’s limitations—allowing you to take advantage of the powerful features within it optimally.

Frequently Asked Questions