How to install your Wyze Cam security camera in your home
You're minutes away from being able to monitor your home from your phone.
Disclaimer: We aren't recommending that consumers purchase Wyze products at this time. Over the past several years, Wyze has suffered from repeated data leaks and security breaches, including a 2019 user data leak, exposed databases in 2022, and exposed video files that same year. More recently, Wyze has seen both 2023 and 2024 security flaws that let at least 13,000 people see through other Wyze security cams owned by unrelated users.
Wyze's forum report on the latest breach includes an update from February 2024: "Our engineering team has added a new layer of verification between users and event videos to prevent this from happening again. We've also removed the client library and will not be using caching until we can find a new client library and stress test it for extreme scenarios like we saw on Friday."
This response is a start, but Wyze has repeatedly struggled to reliably update its approach to security and meaningfully communicate with its users. While we have seen security companies bounce back from security problems in the past, we haven't seen this kind of improvement from Wyze yet. So we are not endorsing their products or any services where you need to create a Wyze account with your personal info.
We'll keep you updated on Wyze's security and privacy if our recommendations change. If you're looking for security brands that have made notable security improvements or have good privacy track records, we can recommend products from Ring, Google's Nest, Blink, and Arlo.
The Wyze Cam is a $20 -- yes, you read that correctly, $20 -- indoor home security camera. Beyond its incredible value, the Wyze Cam is a solid performer with some great features. I particularly like that it comes with two weeks of free cloud storage and a built-in microSD card slot if you'd rather save your clips locally.
For all of these reasons, the Wyze Cam won an Editors' Choice award and is one of our favorite home security cameras ever. You can also install it in less than five minutes, so let's go through the set up now, step by step.
The Wyze Cam costs just 20 bucks -- and you can install it in just a few minutes.
1. Plug in your camera
Connect the power adapter to your Wyze Cam and plug it into an outlet.
2. Download the Wyze app
Download the Wyze app and create an account. If you already have an account, login using your existing credentials.
Follow the step-by-step guide in the app to install your Wyze Cam.
3. Select 'New Device'
Click on New Device on the home screen to begin the setup process, then select Wyze Cam from the list of products.
4. Press the setup button
Press the setup button on the bottom of the camera. You'll hear it say, "Ready to connect."
5. Connect to your Wi-Fi network
The next screen will ask you to enter in your Wi-Fi account name and password to connect.
Scan the QR code, wait for the camera to connect and then name it.
6. Scan the QR code
Hold the QR code in front of the camera and wait for it to say, "QR code scanned, please wait." When you hear it, click to the next step.
7. Wait for the camera to connect
You'll see a timer counting down as the camera tries to connect. It should connect within the first 10-20 seconds, but if it times out for some reason, you may have to go through the setup process again.
8. Enter device name
Name your camera. Try to give it a unique name if you have other connected devices in your home, to avoid confusion. The app will then ask if you want to share camera access with a family member or friend, although you can skip this step and share access later on too. Now you can view your Wyze Cam's live feed.
Altogether, installing the Wyze Cam should take you less than five minutes.
Read more: How to set up Ring motion activity zones | Best home security systems of 2020 | Best cheap home security in 2020
