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We all love that Eufy security cameras have become a staple in home and business security systems. They are intuitive, easy to install, and offer excellent video quality.
But have you ever wondered what happens to Eufy cameras during a power outage?
Do Eufy cameras work when the power is out?
Well, some Eufy cameras are designed to handle such situations.
Key Points
- Though some security cameras can work perfectly without electricity, most wired Eufy cameras stop working when there is no electricity.
- However, there are some Eufy cameras that run on rechargeable batteries and can work when there is no power supply.
- Besides the backup battery, other Eufy cameras use solar panels to ensure your camera will stay charged around the clock.
- Such cameras will record footage to either an additional hub device like a base station or an SD card.
Do Eufy Cameras Work When the Power Is Out: What Really Happens?
Eufy cameras depend on power and internet connections to function properly. When the power is out, different Eufy cameras may behave differently, depending on the specific model of camera you have.
Fortunately, some Eufy cameras come equipped with a backup battery on the HomeBase or can be connected to a solar panel—such cameras can still work even when the power goes out.
Generally, wired Eufy cameras, such as wired doorbells, indoor cams, outdoor cams, and floodlight cams, will shut down immediately in the event of a power outage. These cameras will only automatically power on when the power is back on.
However, Eufy cameras with battery backup will continue to work normally until the backup battery on the HomeBase is completely drained. You just have to charge the camera properly. Examples of these cameras include the eufyCam and SoloCam series.
Eufy Cameras That Work When the Power Is Out
The good news is that besides the wired Eufy cameras, Eufy has cameras that are solar-powered and others powered by rechargeable batteries.
These cameras provide a wireless and convenient solution for your home security and surveillance, letting you monitor your estate or property even during power outages.
1. Battery-Powered Eufy Cameras
As the name suggests, the battery-powered Eufy security cameras are powered by batteries and not by grid or solar power. Battery-powered Eufy cameras include the eufyCam series, the video doorbell 2K, and the SoloCam series.
These cameras will work normally as long as the backup battery on the HomeBase station is not drained.
The Eufy HomeBase is a smart home hub that connects and controls Eufy security cameras and other devices. It has a footage storage space and an inbuilt backup battery whose charge time is between 4 and 8 hours and can run for up to 180 days without recharging.
However, the exact battery life depends on different factors, such as the usage pattern, settings, and camera model. According to the official Eufy website, the batteries are durable and can withstand over 100 recharge cycles to ensure your security system can run till your power gets restored.
You have to know, though, that during a blackout, you can't access the live view or the recorded videos on the Eufy app or the web portal.
Moreover, the videos recorded during the power outage will be lost if you happen to restart the router or the HomeBase station.
2. Solar-Powered Eufy Cameras
The solar-powered Eufy cameras draw power from a solar panel that forms part of its integrated system. The cameras do not require any electricity source or cables as they get power directly from the solar panels placed close to the cameras themselves.
Besides, you get a security system that is stable and doesn’t bring you any subscription charges or power bills.
Solar-powered Eufy cameras include the eufyCam 3, SoloCam S40, and SoloCam Solar Spotlight Cam. These cameras are completely standalone and do not require the HomeBase.
Additionally, there is the Eufy 4G LTE Starlight Camera, which is good for monitoring remote areas that have no power or Wi-Fi access. These cameras have up to 3 months of long-lasting battery power. And with the eufyCam Solar Panel Charger, you will never need to replace the batteries.
However, since the camera operates with a 4G SIM card, you will need to have a 4G data plan and a good signal.
This will allow you to access the live view or the recorded videos remotely through the Eufy App or the web portal during a power outage.
How to Ensure Your Eufy Camera Is Working Properly When the Power Is Out
A security camera is supposed to operate at all times and not interrupted by power outages. Therefore, to ensure your Eufy camera, especially the wired one, continues functioning as desired, you need to install a backup power supply such as an uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or a generator.
The backup will ensure your camera continues being operational even during power outages.
If your camera has backup batteries, ensure you check them regularly to ensure they are functional and replace any batteries in case they wear out. Also, make sure you adapt the angle of your Eufy’s camera solar panel seasonally.
This will help you obtain more energy, given that the sun travels at varying angles throughout the year.
Other Security Cameras That Work When the Power Is Out
When looking for security cameras to monitor your property efficiently, you need something that is flexible enough to work even when there is a power outage or no internet access.
Fortunately, some cameras are able to keep recording using battery backup or other alternatives when the power goes out. Some of these include:
1. Reolink Argus 3 Pro
When it comes to affordable wireless outdoor cameras, the Reolink Argus 3 Pro delivers. The camera relies on rechargeable batteries for its power, so you don’t need to purchase replacements daily.
All you need to do is plug in the camera to an outlet before the battery gets depleted.
More than that, one can buy this camera with a 3.2 Watts solar panel which is better compared to the common 2.9-watt ones. Its 13-foot power cord means you can place the cameras and solar panels relatively apart for maximum camera view and solar efficiency.
Besides, the camera features local video storage on a microSD card.
2. Arlo
Arlo offers extras you just won’t get with other security camera companies. Some of their cameras are wire-free and come with unique magnetic mounts that make the system very easy to install.
The crazy thing is that almost all Arlo security cameras are compatible with the Arlo Solar Panel. The panel’s magnetic cable is very easy to connect to the camera.
Also, some of Arlo's cameras feature removable batteries, so you do not have to remove the whole camera for charging.
3. Nest
The Nest cameras have a built-in rechargeable battery that can provide a limited amount of backup power in the event of a power outage.
If your battery-equipped Nest Cam is wired in, the camera gets powered directly through the wires. You can expect the battery to last up to seven months, depending on the level of activity.
4. Wyze Cam Outdoor
Wyze Cam Outdoor is optimally designed for outdoor use and rated IP65. It features two removable 2,600mAh batteries that can keep it running for three to six months, depending on the use.
For your travels, it comes in handy with its neat Travel Mode that allows it to work even offline!
The camera stores all the footage on a local microSD card whose content you can access through the Wyze App or a computer.
In case the lights go out, the Wyze Cam can support up to 32 GB of local storage, which is more than enough.
Just one more thing though …
Though having all these options is great, not so many security cameras can fit these criteria and offer all you want. The cameras have one or the other—they can either be wireless or wired.
Also, the battery-powered cameras need to be periodically recharged. Some cameras counter this issue by using solar charging, while others have beefy batteries and function on limited power to extend the life of their batteries. Additionally, some battery-powered cameras have local storage and avoid continuously uploading to the cloud to save on battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Eufy Camera Work Offline?
However, without an internet connection, you will not be able to access the live view or the recorded videos remotely through the Eufy App or the web portal.
Do Eufy Cameras Record All the Time?
Does Eufy Have a Battery Backup?
The battery backup is a separate device that plugs into the HomeBase 2 and provides up to eight hours of power in case of a power outage. The backup ensures that your cameras keep working and recording during blackouts.
What Is the Battery Life of Eufy Camera?
Some models, such as the eufyCam 2 and the eufyCam E, claim to have a battery life of up to one year. But this is merely based on the assumption that the camera’s usage is minimal, detecting motion ten times per day on average.
Bottom Line
Generally, wired Eufy security cameras will cease to operate, whether for motion detection, sending push, or recording in case the power is out. This is especially true if they are not able to draw power from any other source.
Luckily, there are some Eufy cameras designed to work even during a power outage. If the camera is battery-operated or solar-powered, it will still function as long as the system can provide the power needed for the camera to work.
