A Hikvision Wi-Fi IP camera connects to your network over Wi-Fi instead of a network cable, records to a microSD card or an NVR, and is viewed on your phone. Hikvision's Wi-Fi series cameras typically use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, take a microSD card, and some have two-way audio. Features differ by model, and some Wi-Fi models only work with the Hik-Connect app when wired, so read the datasheet before you buy.
What is an IP camera?
An IP (Internet Protocol) camera is a digital CCTV camera that sends video over a computer network. You can watch it on a phone, tablet or PC, record it on an NVR or a memory card, and receive motion alerts. A Wi-Fi IP camera is the same thing with a wireless network connection; it still needs power from an adapter.
What features do Hikvision Wi-Fi cameras have?
As an example, Hikvision's datasheet for the DS-2CV2021G2-IDW Wi-Fi bullet camera lists:
- 2 MP (1920 × 1080) resolution with infrared night vision up to 30 m
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n)
- microSD card slot up to 512 GB
- Built-in microphone and speaker for two-way audio
- IP66 weather resistance
- Hik-Connect app support only over a wired connection; over Wi-Fi, Hikvision states it must be viewed with iVMS-4200
Hikvision's Singapore site lists that model as discontinued, which shows how quickly Wi-Fi models change. Check the current model's datasheet for its exact features.
What are the pros and cons?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No network cable to run; only a power point | Picture can drop with weak or busy Wi-Fi |
| Records to microSD without a recorder | A memory card holds fewer days than an NVR hard disk |
| Small and easy to reposition | Model-specific limits on app support |
For several cameras or outdoor positions, Hikvision PoE cameras with an NVR are usually more reliable. See pros and cons of wireless CCTV.
How do I add a Hikvision camera to Hik-Connect?
- Install Hik-Connect, create an account and log in.
- Tap + and scan the QR code on the camera label, or add it manually by serial number.
- If the app offers Wi-Fi setup for your model, choose your 2.4 GHz network and enter the password; otherwise connect the camera by cable as the datasheet requires.
- Enter the verification code from the label (or the one you set when enabling Hik-Connect).
- Tap the camera to view it. Set up motion alerts in its settings.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
- How long can a microSD card record?
- It depends on the card size, resolution, compression and whether the camera records continuously or only on motion. When the card is full the camera overwrites the oldest footage.
- Do Hikvision Wi-Fi cameras work with 5 GHz Wi-Fi?
- The Wi-Fi series models we have checked use 2.4 GHz. Check the datasheet of the specific model.
- Do you supply a wireless camera package?
- Yes. Our wireless package uses Vstarcam cameras with a microSD card. For Hikvision, we usually recommend wired PoE cameras with an NVR for reliability.
Want this done for you?
We supply and install CCTV, door access, video intercom and Wi-Fi systems across Singapore, from Hikvision, Uniview, Vstarcam, TP-Link, Ruijie and EZVIZ. Send a photo or floor plan and we will recommend a setup and a fixed price.