Don’t know how to use Xfinity camera without an account? Using an Xfinity camera free of service and subscription is possible, but you will lose many automation and functionalities of the camera.
There’s a way to make up for those functionality losses so keep reading!
To use an Xfinity camera without an account, you will have to factory reset the device first and install a different home network that is not by Xfinity.
Connect the camera either via Ethernet or WiFi to the new network and download a surveillance application!
Let’s learn more about using an Xfinity camera without a service!
Can You Use Xfinity Camera Without the Service?
Absolutely! Xfinity allows its customers to disconnect an Xfinity device they don’t want service for and hook it up to their new local network.
This way, you will start using your Xfinity camera with an account and without service, but still keep most functionalities of the device!
Bypassing Xfinity Monthly Fees!
Your video recording service and the Xfinity camera presumably came with the Xfinity internet package.
As long as your camera is connected to the Xfinity internet, you will be forced to service-use the camera and therefore pay the monthly subscription fee.
Note: The trick is to connect your Xfinity camera to a home network so it is unrecognizable!
No subscription = No service!
Using your Xfinity camera without service will restrict your access to certain features that are otherwise available with a subscription.
You will lose the following perks and benefits:
- Professional monitoring
- Protection against security threats
- Any type of Xfinity customer support
Note: It is possible to utilize an old Xfinity camera and use it without service, but keep in mind that Xfinity will not grant customer support for your device!
How to Setup Xfinity Camera Without Service – 5 Easy Steps!
Note: Follow our steps in chronological order!
1. Reset the Camera
In order to start using your Xfinity camera on clean, you must first factory reset the video recording device, by holding the small reset button on the surface panel.
The reset button cannot be reached with a bare finger and you must use a paperclip or needle.
How to Factory Reset Xfinity Camera?
- Insert a pin into the reset pinhole.
- Press the button and hold it down.
- Hold the button for 10 seconds.
- Pull out the pin and wait.
Note: Your camera will maybe take about 30-60 seconds to perform the reset.
Consequences of the Factory Reset:
- Your camera will be removed from the app
- Your camera’s non-saved recordings will be erased
- All custom settings and configurations will be deleted
Now that your Xfinity camera is reset, let’s proceed to the next step!
2. Setup the Cables of the Camera
When installing your Xfinity camera without service, it’s best to start from scratch.
Now that we’ve factory reset the camera, the next step is to install the camera cables that will allow the device to connect to the internet.
Wiring for Service-Free Setup?
Since Xfinity cameras are smart appliances, they could also connect via WiFi to your home network, so there is no need for a wired Ethernet connection.
The cable coming out of your cam is also Ethernet and it must be connected with a Y cable to the power adapter.
Note: The “Y” cable that you need for connecting the camera to power has an Ethernet port (for the camera) and another connector for powering the camera.
How to Install Xfinity Camera Cables?
- Lead the Ethernet cable coming out of your Xfinity camera.
- Plug the cable of the camera into the “CAMERA” port of the “Y”.
- Connect the XW3 power adapter/WiFi to the power cable.
- Plug the power cable into an electrical outlet.
- Wait for the Xfinity camera to power up (could take up to 3 minutes).
Alert: Do not connect the XW3 adapter into an outlet that is controlled by a light switch.
This could often interrupt the power supply of your Xfinity camera and cause an onset of issues.
3. Install your New Home Network
To use your Xfinity camera without an account, it’s necessary to connect the device to a home WiFi network.
Using your Xfinity internet (if you still have it in your home) won’t cut it, as the camera will be detected and the service fee will be added automatically.
- Check if you’ve installed your home WiFi modem/router correctly
How to Learn the Connectivity Credentials?
Connecting your Xfinity camera to a new home WiFi also requires connectivity credentials.
You will need the following info for connecting your camera:
- The network’s WiFi name
- The WiFi password
- The GHz of the network
Note: Newer Xfinity cameras are compatible with dual-band routers (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) hence, connect the camera to the faster WiFi network for better data transfer.
4. Connect the Camera to the Internet
You have two options in connecting your Xfinity camera to the internet – Ethernet or WiFi.
Both options are reliable choices, but when it comes to a stable and reliable internet connection 24/7, Ethernet may be the proper choice for you.
Note: Only connect your Xfinity camera via WiFi if it is an outdoor camera or away from the network device.
How to Connect Xfinity Camera via Ethernet?
- Connect the camera to the two-way splitter into the “CAMERA” port.
- Lead the Ethernet end of the splitter next to your network device.
- Connect the Ethernet of the splitter to a blue port on your router/modem.
How to Connect Xfinity Camera via WiFi?
Note: Connecting an Xfinity camera to WiFi without the Xfinity app is done with WPS.
If your router does not have a WPS button, connecting your camera to WiFi is impossible!
- Press the “Setup” button on the bottom of your Xfinity camera.
- Wait for the Xfinity camera to start blinking in blue.
- Press the WPS button on your router in the next 60 seconds.
Alert: The pairing mode on your camera and router will last for about 60 seconds so if the camera’s LED turns green, it means that the connection was successful!
5. Set Up a Surveillance Application
It’s finally time to learn how to use Xfinity camera without an account!
Using your Xfinity camera without an account or subscription means you won’t have access to the Xfinity application and all of the surveillance conveniences there.
Your alternative is to download and set up a surveillance application to use with your service-free camera.
Viable Surveillance App Options:
- iSpy (iOS)
- ZoneMinder (Android)
- Reolink (Android)
- iSentry (iOS)
- Presence (iOS)
- Alfred (Android)
How to Set Up a Surveillance App?
- Download and install the app to your mobile device.
- Launch the platform and go to “Add a Device”.
- Follow the instructions to locate and add your camera.
PC Surveillance Applications
The better surveillance alternative to mobile apps is setting up a security system on your PC or laptop.
The SecurityEye application for Windows is a viable option that works with any camera of any provider. Download the app, press “Add Device” and follow the steps!
Note: The best thing is that if you have multiple Xfinity cameras, you can connect them all to your surveillance application and monitor them constantly!
How to Backup Camera Footage?
Since using an Xfinity camera without the service will forbid your access to the Xfinity cloud (where recordings are stored), we must think of a different option to view the footage.
You can connect your Xfinity camera to a third-party cloud and store recordings there!
Option #1 Use the Surveillance App’s Cloud
Many surveillance applications (such as iSpy) could offer cloud services to their clients.
The trick is, that you may have to pay a subscription to have constant access to the cloud so your camera can store the footage there.
Option #2 Invest in a DVR or an NVR Kit
To manually save recordings made by your cameras, connect them to a DVR/NVR kit that will save the recordings on a hard drive.
After that, you will be able to view the recordings on the monitor that came with your DVR/NVR kit.
Quick Recap:
Now we’ve learned how to use Xfinity camera without an account and we know that it’s possible only with a third-party surveillance app.
Connect the camera to your home WiFi network and set up alternative surveillance to use an Xfinity camera without an account.
We hope that you’ve learned something new, so follow us for more!
Read Next: Can You Talk Through Xfinity Cameras?
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.