In this article, you’ll learn the most important aspects of Wyze cameras and their usage outdoors.

What is Wyze?

Wyze is a renowned brand for a wide range of smart home devices, among them the Wyze cameras. Their cameras feature the latest technology including:

• 1080p video capture
• 110-degree field of view.
• Wi-Fi connection.
• Night vision.
• Cloud hosting (free for 2 weeks) and local storage (built-in microSD card slot).
• Two-way audio.
• Push notifications.
• Integration with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT.
• Motion tagging.
• Time lapses.

Initially, their cameras were only meant for indoor use, until the Wyze Cam v3 and the Wyze Cam Outdoor came into the picture.

These two versions of the Wyze camera are specifically customized for outdoor use. They feature IP65 weather resistance that enables them to withstand heavy downpours, heatwaves, and the variables in between.

Read Also: How to power cycle a Wyze camera

Are Wyze outdoor cameras waterproof?

Well, with an IP65 rating, the cameras can survive water jets from rainfall while outdoors. However, not every camera is meant for outdoor use.

You shouldn’t immerse the cameras in water because they’ll need an IP67 rating to withstand such conditions.

Is Wyze cam outdoor wireless?

Yes, it is. In fact, you don’t need any wiring or power outlet to get the camera running—thanks to its Wi-Fi connectivity and 2×2,600 mAh integrated rechargeable batteries, respectively.

The batteries can last 3-6 months without being recharged. This is influenced by your usage, temperature, and other outdoor factors. Unfortunately, to recharge, you’ll have to remove and take it inside or move a power source close to the camera.

How do you use Wyze outside?

First, when you buy the Wyze Cam outdoor, you get the following:

• One camera
• One base station
• A power adapter
• Charging cable
• Ethernet cable
• Screws
• User manual

Now, to install the Wyze Cam outdoor, start by considering the area that you want to monitor. The ideal installation point from the ground should be between 7 to 10 feet—on a wall or ceiling.

Read Also: How to mount a Wyze cam pan

Configuring the Wyze app

Once you figure that out, start setting up the camera. If you’re a new user, you’ll need to download the Wyze app (it’s available for iOS and Android) and create an account.

Next, follow these steps:

• Open the app and tap the plus button on the top left to add a new device.
• Pick your device from the list.
• Use the LAN (ethernet) cable to connect the Wyze outdoor camera base station to your router.
• Make sure the LED indicator is blue.
• Give your base station a name.
• Update the firmware.
• Place the camera near the base station.
• Turn on the camera and select “begin setup”.
• Press the sync button at the bottom of the Wyze outdoor camera.
• Give it a few seconds to finish pairing.
• Name your camera(s). You can connect a maximum of 4 cameras to the base station.
• Follow the screen prompts to finish the rest of the setup and check the Wi-Fi signal strength.
• Update the camera’s firmware and you’re good to go.

To mount the camera outside, screw the base on the wall or ceiling, then add the camera to the base. Immediately everything is set, you can start adjusting the settings. Go to the upper right corner of the app and tap the gear icon.

From the settings, you can:

• Enable travel mode.
• Rotate the image 180 degrees if you’re mounting upside-down.
• Enable motion notifications.
• Configure how the device interacts with other Wyze products like Wyze locks.
• Enable event recording.
• Configure sensitivity and the motion zones.
• Create recording schedules.

Performance of the Wyze outdoor camera

Thanks to the superior features mentioned above, the Wyze cam outdoor delivers top-quality performance when it comes to security surveillance. To start with, the 1080p video quality enables you to monitor things clearly even at night. You have the option of adjusting the video quality to SD, HD, auto, and even 360p if you like.

Motion alerts and detection are precise and ensure you don’t miss a thing. The PIR (passive infrared sensor) triggers the camera to capture video when it detects heat that emanates from animals or humans.

Read Also: How to fix error code 90 on Wyze cam

Activating travel mode allows the camera to record all the motion and time-lapse clips and store them in the camera’s microSD card. You don’t need Wi-Fi or the Wyze base station.

With the two-way audio, you can interact with anyone that’s in front of the Wyze outdoor camera. For instance, you can talk to delivery guys or service professionals.

If you have a smart display, you’ll be able to enjoy video streaming using voice commands provided the device is compatible with Amazon and Google.

How do you weatherproof a Wyze camera?

Even though the IP65 rating is good enough for the Wyze camera outdoor to survive harsh weather elements, you can weatherproof it further using third-party cases and enclosures. You simply need to search online for the best product. The best types should be able to provide cover against several elements such as rain and UV rays.

The Wyze cam outdoor is a reliable weatherproof surveillance camera that delivers exceptional performance. It has everything you need to monitor activity outside your property. also, it’s easy to install and use. And, considering its cost-effective price, the camera is a worthwhile investment for anybody who wants to get into video surveillance.

The post Can Wyze cameras be used outdoors? appeared first on Home Gadgets.

Mounting of the Wyze cam pan should be done correctly to ensure the stability and effectiveness of the camera. At the base of the pan, there is a 1/4”-20 threaded screw hole that fits a standard tripod mount. However, you will need to purchase a mounting kit separately since the pan doesn’t come with the amount.

Before we look at various ways that can help make your Wyze cam pan mounting a success, there are several things you need to note regarding the process:

• The Wyze cam pan can be mounted upside down. Enter ‘Advanced settings’ on your camera and toggle ‘Rotate Image 180^o’ on/off to flip your live stream display.
• It can also be mounted sideways, but there isn’t a 90^o rotation setting.
• Wyze cam pan isn’t waterproof and it is not designed to be mounted outdoors.

Read Also: How to access a Wyze cam via a computer

Tips on mounting a Wyze Cam indoors

Wyze cam comes with a magnetic base for mounting on your existing indoor steel surfaces. For permanent mounting, use the included Wyze cam adhesive to set the metal mounting plate on your wall. The adhesive tape is so strong and not easily removable.

There is a metal plate included in the separately-purchased Wyze cam mounting kit that you can use as a less permanent solution. It has a hole you can use to screw it into your wall.

How to mount a Wyze Cam outdoors

When mounting a Wyze cam outdoors, you need to protect it against water damage and harsh weather conditions. Wyze cams are not waterproof and are only designed to be mounted indoors.

But there is a new battery-powered Wyze outdoor camera, with weatherproof features, that was recently released. The following are some of the tips for mounting outdoors:

• You should install a camera cover for weatherproofing.
• It should have a hole in the back to accommodate the USB daisy chain.
• The wall mount should have weep holes for drainage purposes.
• Install double-sided screws or tape on the wall mount for more stability.

Mounting a Wyze cam is a DIY that doesn’t require the services of a technician. It saves you some money knowing how to mount the cameras on your own. With this guide, you should be able to place your camera in the right position and improve your home security.

Read Also: Can Wyze cams work outdoors?

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Wyze camera power cycling requires turning off the camera entirely by disconnecting it from all power sources. In most cases, troubleshooting your Wyze camera requires that you power cycle.

How to power cycle a Wyze camera

To power cycle your Wyze camera:

• Unplug the camera from the power outlet or remove the charging cable.
• Wait for at least thirty seconds to allow the battery to discharge.
• Plug the camera back into the power source.

How to hard reset a Wyze cam

A hard reset basically reformats your camera back to its factory settings. This ends up deleting any settings or data saves in the SD card installed into the camera.

The factory reset comes in handy when your camera is acting up, and you need to fix it. After other troubleshooting efforts have borne no fruit.

To hard reset your Wyze cam:

• Remove the SD card if you do not wish to lose any data stores on it during the reset.
• Press and hold the setup button at the bottom of the camera for 10-20 seconds. This should reset the camera back to its initial settings.
• Wait for 30 seconds for the camera’s operating system to set up. It may take anywhere from a minute to five.

The LED indicator will start emitting a blinking yellow light when the process is complete. Then proceed to set up the camera as per your needs.

Why power cycle your Wyze cam?

This step is necessary for troubleshooting and fixing issues with your camera; by resetting the camera and its connections. One such problem is the error code 90. It also saves energy when the camera is not in use.

Hopefully, you have managed to power cycle your Wyze cam. If you have any questions or suggestions, make sure to leave them in the comments section below.

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This major concern calls for you to set up the necessary preventive measures against intruders to protect yourself and your loved ones.

A dummy or fake security camera is a good option if you are operating on a budget or don’t have enough money to set up cameras all over your compound. But for it to work, you need to have a good dummy camera that looks as good as a real camera. I’ve listed two of the best below.

What is a dummy camera?

A dummy security camera refers to precisely what the name suggests -a dummy of the real thing meant to deter criminal activity without recording anything. These cameras provide a cheaper option than real surveillance cameras and may sometimes work as well as the latter.

Dummy security cameras resemble actual cameras and come in different shapes and sizes depending on your needs. Most cameras have basic features, whereas more advanced versions have tilt, pan, and zooming features.

Sometimes, you may find a dummy security camera with a motion sensor. This is important since it gives an intruder the perception that the camera is working.

When shopping on Amazon, you will realize that a dummy security camera is cheap. Some go for as little as five dollars. For example, you may purchase a dummy dome security camera for less than ten dollars. You may also get a more advanced solar dummy security camera that utilizes the sun for a few dollars more.

Related: How to troubleshoot the Stanley Fatmax Powerit 1000a

How a fake security camera works

Fake cameras have a metal body, some cables, a lens, and a seal of legitimacy. A typical dummy security camera also features a red blinking LED light to give an illusion of functionality. However, most real cameras lack this feature, thus security experts’ advise against going for dummies with the blinking light.

Furthermore, the camera may move in all directions without any particular pattern. Experienced criminals are likely to be aware of these features, which won’t deter them from their activities. Also, note that the phony CCTV camera serves no real purpose apart from scaring away potential criminals.

Limitations of a dummy security camera

A dummy security camera may not be foolproof enough for experienced criminals. As such, it wouldn’t be effective as your primary home security. In cases where offenders successfully identify dummy cameras, it would be difficult to prove criminal activity since these fake surveillance gadgets do not record any information.

These cameras may also work against you, as you must inform your neighbors about them to ensure they do not have a false sense of security. Doing so would also increase the risk of criminals knowing that you’ve only installed dummy CCTV cameras.

Another major concern with an outdoor dummy security camera may be legal issues. Using a fake surveillance camera may have some legal implications, as seen in recent cases where business owners and homeowners have had to deal with lawsuits over having a realistic-looking dummy security camera.

In such cases, the plaintiffs usually claim the cameras always made them think they were safe even in dangerous circumstances. Such lawsuits typically end up leaving the defendant both embarrassed, facing punishment simultaneously and having to spend on a proper surveillance system.

Should I use a fake surveillance camera?

You may think having a fake camera is better than zero security measures, especially if you operate in an insecure area. You may be right. However, you should remember that installing fake cameras rather than real ones has implications.

Having a dummy camera rather than a real one would not solve your security issues because of cutting costs. Okay, it may deter some people, but not all. Sooner or later, your neighbors will also notice that your cameras aren’t real. It would serve you better if you invested in the real thing and ensured security.

What should I use instead?

By looking at this information about dummy cameras, I wouldn’t be wrong to assume that you are serious about protecting your home or business premises from intruders. For the best protection without breaking the bank, you should use a hybrid system comprising real and fake security cameras.

You can spend less than $100 for a good combination for your entire home. I have provided my suggestions for the best real and fake security cameras based on the comprehensive research that I have conducted.

Best cheap fake security camera

If you are looking for a good fake security camera that is also cheap, go for the Wali Bullet dummy security camera.

These cameras go for less than $20 for a set of 4 and are designed to make them look more realistic. They come with warning stickers and a cable attached to resemble wired surveillance cameras.

The cameras can be installed on the ceiling or wall and come with screws and steel brackets. The Wali Bullet cameras are made from high-quality materials and are operated by 2 AA batteries.

Best cheap home security camera

When it comes to surveillance cameras for your home, you want nothing but the best. However, this doesn’t mean you should break the bank to get it. In this case, the most affordable is the Zosi HD 800TVL.

You can go for single cameras or a set of 2, 4, or more. They are waterproof with night vision and can be installed indoors or outdoors. They are cheap and come with a one-year warranty.

I hope you have found what works best for your home without having to pay top dollar for it. Understandably, a fake security camera is better than no security measures.

However, installing a fake security camera alone to deal with your security concerns just because it is cheaper doesn’t mean you have conquered the problem. Besides, it wouldn’t make you feel more protected than a real camera.

The post How to spot a fake security camera easily appeared first on Home Gadgets.

It is only available for smartphones and tablets, making it an inconvenience for those who would wish to access the cameras on their laptops and computers.

However, there are alternatives to this problem that will allow you the user to access Wyze cam on a computer just like you would on your smartphone.

One option is to use an android emulator that will allow for the download, installation, and use of apps on PC or Mac.

Read Also: Can you use a Wyze cam outdoors?

How to access Wyze camera from your PC

Here are the steps to follow to access to access your cameras on PC using BlueStacks:

• Download BlueStacks and Install on your computer
• Create your BlueStacks account and log in
• Download Wyze Cam App APK
• Run the Wyze Cam App APK file on BlueStacks

BlueStacks will automatically translate the file into an app usable on your computer and create a shortcut on the desktop. Double-click on the shortcut and proceed to log in using your Wyze cam account. Viola! You should now be able to watch Wyze cam on PC.

Read Also: How to fix error code 90 on Wyze Cam?

There are several App emulators you can try out in case you are having problems using one on your computer. Besides BlueStacks, there is Nox and other android emulators you can download for free.

Another option is by setting up Wyze cam RTSP streaming on your computer. To do this:

• Upgrade your Wyze cam camera to enable RTSP by downloading the Wyze cam RTSP BETA firmware for Wyze cam v2 or Wyze cam pan.
• Copy RTSP stream link from the Wyze cam app’s advanced settings and paste it into a new text file on your computer
• Rename the file from ‘.txt’ to ‘.vlc’
• Right-click on the file and click on properties
• Click on ‘open with’ and choose VLC as the default
• Viola! Double-clicking this file will open the RTSP stream will open in VLC

Does Wyze have a desktop app?

Wyze currently does not have a desktop app you can download directly on your computer. The Wyze cam app is only downable for android and IOS smartphones and tablets. You need to first download an app emulator to download, install and use the Wyze cam app on your computer.

Sometimes it is more convenient to monitor the Wyze camera on a Mac or PC. With this guide on how to view Wyze cam on pc, you now have another option to access your cameras besides your smartphone and tablet.

Read Also: Wyze camera not connecting to WiFi? How to fix

The post How to access a Wyze cam on a computer appeared first on Home Gadgets.

How to install the Wyze app

First, you need to install the Wyze App-which can be downloaded from Google Play Store or Apple App Store for those with devices running an iOS operating system, and create an account.

You will need to enter your email address and create a password to sign up. You should, then, follow all the prompts on the App.

Connect your phone or tablet to your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and have your network password ready.

Connecting the Wyze Cam to the WiFi network and the mobile app

• Power up your Wyze Cam using the provided power adapter and USB cable. A solid yellow LED light indicates the camera has power.
• When the light starts to flash, it means the camera is ready for setup.
• Add the camera to the Wyze App by pressing the “+ New Device” button in the center of the screen on your smartphone.
• Press the “SETUP” button at the bottom of the camera and hold it until it beeps and says it’s ready to connect.
• Click on the “Next” button on the app and proceed to enter your Wi-Fi network name and password.
• Tap “Next” once done and proceed to scan the QR code displayed on the app screen. To do that, face your camera lens towards the QR code on your phone or tablet until you hear “QR code scanned. Please wait.”
• Tap the button on the Wyze App to complete the setup. The LED light indicator will turn to a solid blue, and you will hear “setup is complete” once it is done.

You can then name your camera on the Wyze app and start using it.

Connecting to a network without a password

Due to security concerns, Wyze removed the ability to connect to unsecured wireless networks. Since this is a reasonable move, you should always aspire to hook it up to a secured network. Instead of looking for how to connect Wyze camera to wifi without a password, look for ways to add a password to that unsecured network.

This could be as easy as reconfiguring your router or purchasing an affordable router that will act as an intermediary between your camera and the unsecured network.

Read Also: A review of the Tovnet WiFi security light bulb

How to change the wifi connection on your Wyze Cam

Wyze Cam WiFi changing is one area users report having difficulties in. However, it is a straightforward process. The best way to connect a Wyze Cam to new Wi-Fi or change your Wi-Fi connection is by resetting the device and starting the setup process again to generate another QR code with the new Wi-Fi settings. You don’t need to delete the Wyze app cameras since the repeat setup process will override the previous Wi-Fi settings.

How to troubleshoot the “Wyze Cam connection failed” error

Wyze Cam connection failed problems are often caused by using an inappropriate network. Wyze cameras only work on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. Verify that you’re trying to connect to a 2.4GHz network as opposed to 5 GHz network. If the problem persists, try the following troubleshooting measures:

• Ensure your Wi-Fi and Wyze app passwords are different. Also, check whether the password is correct, and don’t forget to check on cases and spacing.
• Make sure your network name does not include special characters such as “/%.”
• Make sure the encryption you are using for the router is a WPA/WPA2. This information is normally on the ISP label at the back of the router.
• Forget your Wi-Fi network, restart your phone or tablet and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.
• Unplug the camera from the socket and wait for some time before plugging it back in and rerunning the setup process.
• Force close the Wyze app and restart your phone or tablet.

Wyze cameras can be beneficial in improving your home security. For a small investment of about $20, they can record high-quality videos and send alerts to your devices when they detect movements. With this guide, you are sure to make the best use of these cheap yet effective cameras.

Read Also: How to fix Wyze Cam offline error code 90

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Learning about these possible causes is necessary for you to fix the error. In this guide, we will break down the causes of the error and explain solutions.

What causes error 90 on Wyze cam?

The error occurs due to a host of different reasons. For instance, it may occur due to poor network connectivity when the camera and your handheld device are not able to connect effectively.

More so, the error might also occur when your handheld device isn’t compatible with the camera. In this case, you may want to try out connecting through a different device first.

Read Also: How to spot a fake security camera

How to fix Wyze cam error code 90 and prevent it from happening again

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix error code 90 on your Wyze camera:

1. Reboot the camera and reconnect it to the phone

Rebooting your phone will help to determine whether the compromise in performance is related to the software operations of the camera.

Once you reconnect your Wyze cam, you shouldn’t have any problems connecting to the device.

2. Find out if your device is supported

Check on the Wyze website and app pages to find out whether your device is compatible with the camera. If it isn’t, you’ll need to switch to a different device. On the other hand, if the device is compatible you should proceed to the step below.

3. Check your internet connection

Your internet connection is also crucial in connecting to the Wyze camera. Restart your router or disconnect then reconnect your Wyze camera and the device you are using. You should now pair the two devices.

Hopefully, the above tips have come in handy when you experience error code 90 on your Wyze camera and that you are now able to enjoy features such as surveillance and smoke or fire detection.

The post How to fix Wyze cam error code 90 appeared first on Home Gadgets.

What if you had a light bulb that can monitor the activities on your premises while you are away? The Tovnet WiFi Security Camera does just that by incorporating surveillance and lighting features on a simple light bulb. This product is quite easy for anyone to set up and offers peace of mind while you are away from home.

Main features

The Tovnet camera is a dual setup of a surveillance camera and an LED light, which you can easily screw into a socket. Powering it up requires the mundane actions of flipping a switch and the camera starts rolling alongside the light.

The product as its name suggests utilizes a WiFi connection to transmit visual data to your phone. To enable this feature, you require the Tovnet Cam app, which is available in both the Play Store and the App Store.

READ: How to access a Wyze cam on a computer

Tovnet provides a wide angle of 120 degrees high-definition streaming in real time. This feature couples up with night vision capability to offer you crystal clear surveillance video even on the darkest nights.

Besides providing security footage, this device also comes with motion-sensing capabilities. With this feature, you can get alerts from angles where the camera may not reach.

The inventive Tovnet camera promises security for your home or business premises, even if you are halfway across the planet, with its email alert system.

If the camera or motion sensor bulb detects an intruder back at home, you get an instant email alert. This feature allows you to take action such as alerting relevant authorities of break-ins regardless of your location.

Additional features

Besides using the WiFi light bulb security camera with your phone, you can also use it with your personal computer and get the same features.

Tovnet has an SD card slot that allows you to record footage from this smart bulb without a WiFi connection. Similarly, you can record the footage directly into your smartphone as long as you have a WiFi connection in place.

The WiFi security camera also comes with a built-in microphone and speaker. This feature allows you to communicate with visitors at your doorstep by talking into your connected smartphone. Installing the camera is also quite easy since it has the mechanism of a screw-in light bulb.

It is the only step required during the installation process meaning a technician is not necessary saving you some extra bucks.

Pros

• Easy to install majorly because it uses a wireless connection
• It has a motion-sensing capability
• Wide view angles that allow you to view your entire yard
• Smartphone integration, which enables mobile access to your house’s footage
• Email alerts to allow you to know the situation at your home
• Built-in microphone and speaker, so that you can listen to voices at your home
• Clear footage unlike the grainy security cameras being sold everywhere
• The lighting can be operated separately from the camera through the supplied remote control

Cons

• Footage transmission uses a lot of bandwidth; hence you will need a good router for transmitting live video.
• Susceptible to interference over WiFi
• Being a new product that is still being improved, expect some glitches before it is perfected.

Conclusion

The Tovnet WiFi Security Camera is a cheaper alternative to the traditional hardwired surveillance IP set in homes or business premises. Its clear footage makes it the best option if you are after quality videos. It is easy to use and additional features also make it a great security solution option. It is made by Tovnet, a Korean firm, and is available on Kickstarter and Amazon.

The post Tovnet WiFi security light bulb with camera review appeared first on Home Gadgets.