The question of whether Wyze cameras can be set up without the Wyze app has been boggling my mind for a very long time.
So with this article, I will answer this much-awaited question and hopefully even provide some hacks that can be implemented to achieve the same.
Can you set up the Wyze camera without the app?
No, Wyze cameras cannot be set up without the Wyze app. It can technically be used without the app, but a lot of features would be unavailable and the cameras would have to be linked initially with the Wyze account and Wyze app.
Can Wyze Cameras Be Set Up Without The Wyze App?

Wyze cameras, unfortunately completely rely on Wyze servers for operation and hence need the Wyze app to operate as intended.
They need to be paired with the Wyze account and Wyze App during the setup process before the camera can even be used.
Since the Wyze servers and Wyze App is closed sourced, third-party developers cannot even create a privacy-friendly application to bypass this authorization step.
But once paired, you can use the Wyze cameras without relying on the Wyze app or Wyze servers, but with a restricted feature set and your user experience will be hindered.
You will also lose all features that come with the Cam Plus subscription, such as people and vehicle detection.
Possible Wyze Camera Hacks

There are different reasons for someone to skip the process of pairing their Wyze cameras, and privacy is only one amongst many others.
The following are hacks that have been carefully compiled so as to tender to your needs without having to use conventional methods.
Do note that they are still hacks, and considering reliability and convenience it is always best to go with the recommended steps issued by Wyze.
No Smartphone? Use The Wyze App On Your Laptop

A simple Google search will let you know that the Wyze App is supported only on Android and iOS. Windows and Mac operating systems are not supported.
This can be a deal-breaker for users if they don't own an Android or iOS smartphone or tablet.
But as long as you have a Windows or Mac computer, you can use the Wyze app with the power of emulation.
Simply use an Android emulator, like BlueStacks to emulate an Android device on your Windows or Mac computer to install and use the Wyze application.
To install the Wyze app using BlueStacks on your Windows or Mac computer, simply follow the following steps:
- Download and install the latest version of BlueStacks from its official website.

Both BlueStacks 5 and 10 should work for installing and utilizing Wyze, but version 5 should provide a more Android experience, whereas version 10 caters more towards the gamer audience
- Follow through with the installation process to install the program.

- Open the BlueStacks application.

- Log in to your Google Account just like you would from an Android device.
- Visit the Play Store or the BlueStacks app player store and install the Wyze app.
Since emulators like BlueStacks emulate an Android device down to its identity, it is a safe way to access the Wyze App without fearing the risk of a possible account ban.
Wyze app can also host a lot of issues if operated under unfavorable circumstances like glitchy interface and buffering communication.
No Internet? Use A MicroSD card To Locally Store Video Footage

Smart security cameras usually require a stable internet connection at all times to operate as intended.
Wyze cameras are no exception, as the features it offers rely a lot on the internet to send and receive data to and from the Wyze app.
But if you are willing to let go of a few features it is possible to run the basic functions of the Wyze camera without an internet connection, thanks to its microSD card support.
Also, with the SD cards, you can enable continuous recording on your Wyze cams.
The Wyze camera will store the video footage locally in an hourly fashion, with each clip split into 5-minute chunks, neatly organized based on the time it was shot.
This method does have its share of drawbacks too, as you are limited by the storage of the micro SD card. You will have to export the footage before the storage runs out.
But for the average user who just wants a working camera that monitors their home, this can be a viable option.
Final Thoughts

It is unfortunate that the Wyze cameras cannot be used without initially linking them with the Wyze servers, making them very dependent on the Wyze App.
Sure there exist bypass methods to circumvent the norm but at the expense of recording issues and AI detection issues on the Wyze Cam.
Nowadays, the smart camera solutions of the tech giants Apple and Google have started processing and locally storing private user data like smart camera footage.
It is not long before Wyze will jump on the bandwagon and add similar features, at least to their future lineup of products.
Till then, we will have to be content with trusting Wyze with their app or utilize the above-mentioned hacks in order to use Wyze cameras as per your requirements.
I hope my article on whether Wyze cameras can be used without the Wyze app has been a fruitful read.
Have a good day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Google Assistant be used to control Wyze Cameras?
Google Assistant can be linked to Wyze cameras via the Wyze App and will work with all Wyze cameras seamlessly, but Wyze Camera footage cannot be viewed on the Google Home app as of now.
Is there a mandatory subscription fee to use Wyze App for Wyze cameras?
Wyze App comes with a free basic plan and does have a premium subscription plan called Cam Plus, which unlocks a lot more features in the Wyze app. But it is not mandatory.
Can Wyze Cameras connect to public WiFi networks?
Wyze cameras can only connect to private 2.4GHz WiFi networks and won't work with a public WiFi network with its separate login portal.
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