Home security systems have become increasingly popular. The Xfinity system relies on wireless cameras and is a part of the Xfinity Home, a paid subscription that gives users surveillance and monitoring solutions. But can you use the Xfinity camera without the company’s service? And if so, how can one go about it?
You can use Xfinity’s home security system without having Xfinity internet. However, you will still have to pay for professional monitoring depending on which package and devices you have installed. But this only require an internet connection, so you can use any ISP available to you.
Your home security is a priority as you don’t want to get exposed to security threats. And Xfinity is one of the best home security systems available. It helps you know what’s going on around your home. If you embrace the Xfinity security system, you can go all-in on the company’s ecosystem.
What is Xfinity Home Security?
The Xfinity Home is a home security system that offers professional monitoring through advanced technology. Experts can install all these, and for connection, the system is powered by WiFi.
When you install the Xfinity security system, you get different options depending on the service tier or equipment package you choose. The equipment options available in the package include a wireless keypad, a motion detector, cameras, door and window sensors, and a touchscreen.
Features
Features of the system include professional monitoring, which allows you to rest easy as there’s a fast response time to back you up. In addition, if you subscribe to the complete package, you benefit from highly-trained monitoring specialists, who dispatch authorities when a security alarm goes off.
Also, the Xfinity package allows you to manage your system and monitor activity from your smartphone through the Xfinity Home app.
The app allows you to set rules and get real-time alerts, like when windows or doors are opened. Even better, you have live video monitoring, which helps you to view your home through a live video. Video recording is available 24/7, so you can scan through days of clips bookmarked based on when cameras detected motion.
Does Xfinity Home Security Work Without Internet Service?
Whether you can run the Xfinity Home Security system without the company’s internet service is a common question. The Xfinity camera is a home security system that uses wireless cameras through Xfinity WiFi.
This is a part of the Xfinity Home paid subscription, which gives you modern home monitoring and surveillance capabilities. But what if you decide not to pay for the subscription? Can you still access the Xfinity Home security?
The answer is yes. You can use Xfinity cameras without a home subscription, as you can reset the camera to bypass account creation. However, when you use Xfinity cameras for free, you don’t have access to essential premium features that you will find in the Xfinity Home Security package.
The security system can work with some DVRs, so check compatibility before you make the purchase. For the internet connection, you can use a wireless or wired option.
Once you establish the internet connection, the next step is to download the Xfinity Home app. You will need the app to control the security system. Users with the premium package can enjoy more configuration options. There’s also automatic configuration, whereby the system automatically scans and sets up the cameras.
How Much Does Xfinity Home Security Cost?
What will the Xfinity Home security system cost you to access all the premium features? The Xfinity package includes three security kits with a selection of sensors and a touchscreen hub. In addition, you can customize the kits with add-on security products like smoke detectors, outdoor and indoor cameras, and automated outlet controllers.
The kits you can get start from $360, which is more than you pay for systems like the Scout Alarms. However, Xfinity offers many bundling opportunities with other services, including TV streaming, internet, and phone plans.
If you’re a new user, you can choose from three Xfinity Home security system subscription options. The first option begins at $10 monthly and gives you video recording, and mobile alerts, among other features. If you’re interested in the professional monitoring plan, you can pay for the Pro Protection option, which begins at $30 per month.
This monitors smoke detector alarms and security. A Pro Protection Plus plan starts at $40 and gives you more cloud video storage. Also, it includes the ability to search camera video through different parameters, including for pets or people.
If you’re unsure about the products, you can use the Xfinity 30-day free trial to check out the different features. The cost for setting up and running the system depends on the customization options you want. For example, you can include a $120 video doorbell, additional motion sensors, each going for $40, and a smoke detector for $70.
What Does Xfinity Home Security Include?
Xfinity gives buyers three kits to install in their homes, and one can customize their package with more devices to create a system suited for their home.
Base Home System
The first option is the Base Home System, which includes three window/door sensors, a touchscreen hub, and pet-friendly motion sensors, which ignore pets 85 pounds and smaller. The system is designed for small homes with a single or two entrances.
Complete Home System Kit
The second option is the Complete Home System kit, which comes with everything you find in the Base system and more. It offers five door/window sensors, includes a wireless keypad for disarming/arming the system, and you get Xfinity’s high-definition outdoor/indoor camera. The package is suited for larger homes with several access points.
Ultimate Home Security
Third on the list of options is the Ultimate Home Security, which gives you ten window/door sensors. It also comes with two outdoor/indoor cameras. All this is in addition to what you get in the Complete Home system package.
Of course, if you need more, Xfinity allows you to customize the system how you want. For example, you can include accessories like doorbell cameras and smart outlet controllers.
There’s also a home subscription service that works with these features. With these subscriptions, you enjoy 24/7 video recording, real-time motion notifications, instant app alerts, 24/7 professional monitoring, and recorded/live video.
How Do You Set Up Xfinity Home Security?
Setting up the Xfinity Home security camera is simple, especially if you want to install the system without service. First, reset the camera to default settings following these steps:
- Find the camera’s reset button (a tiny pinhole on the bottom).
- Use the pin and press the reset button and hold for 10 seconds.
- Release the button, and you’re done.
The camera is not reset to default settings. The second step involves connecting your camera to the home network. Xfinity cameras are smart and need an internet connection to work. Here is the procedure to follow to setup the connection:
- With the Xfinity Y cable controller, connect the cameras to the internet.
- Ensure your internet connection is stable.
- Next, connect the cameras to the home network via Ethernet or WiFi.
- Write down the IP address of the camera.
- Set up a monitoring system using any compatible open-source surveillance app with your PC or smartphone.
After this setup, you can use the cameras without a monthly charge.
Can You Buy Used Security Cameras?
Yes, you can get a used security camera for your home security system. However, you must understand the risk of doing so. First, it could put your privacy in danger if the camera is connected via an internet connection. Also, you don’t get product warranties for a second-hand security camera.
Conclusion
A security monitoring system for your home is a brilliant idea. It improves security and can serve other purposes like monitoring your pets. One of the options is to get the Xfinity surveillance system, which includes a monthly subscription.
However, following the steps above, you can still set up the Xfinity camera system and avoid the monthly subscription. But if you want more features, you should consider one of their subscription packages.