Does Ring Camera Record Without Wi-Fi?

Side view of Ring floodlight cam with  lights on.Side view of Ring floodlight cam with  lights on.

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Ring cameras provide security and peace of mind through automatic recording when motion is detected. Some Ring cameras are battery-operated or solar-powered, which made us wonder if we could continue to use them without Wi-Fi, such as in the event of a power outage.

Ring cameras do not record without Wi-Fi. A Wi-Fi connection is required to record and store videos. It is also needed to view the camera’s live stream and use two-way audio. Without Wi-Fi, the camera may still have power, but it will not function.    

Since Wi-Fi is required to use your Ring camera, if the camera loses its Internet connection, you will want to restore it as soon as possible to avoid any large gaps in your security coverage. 

Which Ring Cameras Need Wi-Fi to Record?

Ring makes four models of security cameras:

Each of these Ring cameras requires Wi-Fi to record video. Wi-Fi is also necessary for the following camera functions:

  • Storing videos
  • Sending motion alerts
  • Viewing the camera’s live stream in the Ring app
  • Using two-way audio
  • Performing automatic firmware updates

In addition to a Wi-Fi connection, a Ring Protect plan is needed to record and store videos. Check out this article for more information on each Ring camera model and Ring Protect plan.

Wi-Fi Connection Required for Ring Cameras

Ring security cameras must be connected to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network; they are not compatible with 5GHz networks. Additionally, for the best recording quality, Ring recommends Wi-Fi download and upload speeds of at least 2 Mbps per device.

You can check the speeds of your Wi-Fi connection using the following steps:

  1. With a phone or laptop, stand next to the Ring camera.
  2. Open this free Internet speed test on your device’s web browser.
  3. Perform the speed test.

Can You Use Ring Camera Without Wi-Fi?

Without Wi-Fi, your Ring camera may still have power depending on its power source.

If your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or cell service, you can still adjust the camera’s settings in the Ring app.

Previously recorded video clips are stored in a cloud, which means you can still access them even if your Ring camera doesn’t have Wi-Fi. There are two ways to watch previously recorded videos:

  • Through the Ring app on a phone or tablet
  • By logging into your Ring account on a web browser

The device that you want to watch the videos on must be connected to the Internet.

Hardwiring Ring Camera to the Internet

There is only one Ring camera that can be hardwired to your Internet using an Ethernet cable: the Stick Up Cam Elite.

The Stick Up Cam Elite can be used indoors and outdoors. It comes with a Power Over Ethernet Adapter that connects to your home’s Wi-Fi router using the provided Ethernet cable. This cable provides both the power and Internet connection that the device needs to record videos.

The Stick Up Cam Elite can also be connected to a 2.4 GHz or a 5GHz Wi-Fi network. 

Troubleshooting Ring Camera Wi-Fi Problems

Because your Ring camera uses Wi-Fi to record, you want to ensure that it has a strong, stable connection.

You can check the device’s Wi-Fi connection status and strength at any time in the Ring app.

  1. In the app, choose the camera you want to check.
  2. Click on the Device Health tile.
  3. Check the status and signal strength under Network.

Reconnecting Ring Camera to Wi-Fi

If the device status says “offline,” try power cycling your Internet modem and router. To do this, unplug the power cables for both the modem and the router. Wait at least one minute before plugging them back in.

You can also try reconnecting the Ring camera to your Wi-Fi network in the app. Under Device Health, click on “Reconnect to Wi-Fi” or “Change Wi-Fi Network.” Then, follow the on-screen directions. You will need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password.

Strengthening Wi-Fi Connection

The Ring camera recordings’ video and audio quality may be affected by a poor Wi-Fi connection. If the signal strength is poor or has an RSSI value of -75 or less, you may want to increase the Wi-Fi strength. To do that, you can:

  • Move the Wi-Fi router closer to the Ring camera.
  • Remove any large pieces of furniture that are between the router and the camera.
  • Remove devices you aren’t using from the Wi-Fi network.
  • Purchase a Wi-Fi extender to increase the range of your Wi-Fi connection.

In Summary

Unfortunately, most Ring cameras do not work without Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is needed to record videos, receive motion alerts, view the camera’s live feed, and use two-way audio. If you’re looking for a Ring camera that doesn’t require Wi-Fi, you will want to go with the Stick Up Cam Elite, which can connect to the Internet using an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi.

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