This camera can be used without internet access by recording locally to a microSD card, but initial setup and full functionality require the Tapo app and a temporary internet connection. After setup, it can record offline to the microSD card without Wi-Fi, but features like remote viewing and motion alerts will not work without internet. Direct connection to the camera via the Tapo app without Wi-Fi is possible if your device connects to the camera’s own Wi-Fi network, but the app is still needed. Using the camera completely without the Tapo app is not supported.