Tips when using without WiFi

Tips when using without Wifi

 

USING PERSONAL HOTSPOT

In some cases, you may not have WiFi, but you still have 4G or 5G coverage on your phone. You can connect your CubCam to a phone’s personal hotspot and make use of your cellular data plan, but there are a few things to consider and understand.

This is the most reliable method when you have no Wifi, but still have cellular reception. You will need 2 phones to setup:

  • Connect your phone to the personal hotspot of another phone
  • Tap Add Device from the App Home screen
  • The camera should be detected, Tap Connect
  • Follow the prompts
  • Confirm WiFi settings

     

    • Once connected, reduce the video definition to SD to reduce data usage
    • Turn on Enhanced WiFi Mode under camera settings
    • The phone that's being used as the Personal Hotspot needs to remain within range (usually within 10m) to maintain a stable connection.
    • Using personal hotspot is a solution when WiFi is not available, but it is not as stable as connecting to an actual WiFi network, so it is recommended that you connect to WiFi whenever possible.

     

    AP MODE (Direct connection to your phone)

    Although CubCam works best when connected to WiFi, you can also use it when there is no Wifi and no cellular reception. AP Mode is a direct connection from  the camera to your phone, but there are a few important tips to follow and limitations to be aware of.

    • Connect Camera
      • Open the App
      • If you have previously added the camera to the App, go to Settings, Device Settings and delete the camera from the App
      • Switch camera to ON
      • Press Reset on the back of the camera
      • Select camera Hotspot (@OK or @MC) under phone network settings.
      • Open the App and the camera should automatically appear.
    • AP Mode uses the camera's built-in hotspot, so there is a range limit of approximately 12 -15m (more if there are no walls i.e. camping)
    • You can watch live video, but if the App is closed you will not receive push notifications like you do with WiFi Mode
    • AP Mode uses the most battery power and will last approximately 12 hours of live video from fully charged
    • TIPS:
      • AP Mode only works if your phone remains connected to the camera hotspot, so if you have other known wifi networks in range, make sure you turn off "Auto Join" or you can forget those networks completely. This ensures a stable connection.
      • Use a dedicated device, like an iPad, to watch the App, this frees up your phone for use.
      • It is recommended to maintain connection to the App while in AP Mode rather than closing and opening the App, as the system performs multiple security checks each time you open the App to prevent any hacks. The more you close and open the App in AP Mode, the longer the connection time may be.

    See the full guide on how to connect to AP Mode.