Power outage minutes per American customer in 2024 were 50 percent higher compared to the previous year.1 This is concerning because home security systems rely heavily on electricity and internet connectivity to work.
Having extensive hands-on experience with smart security systems, we put together a guide that will make your home more resilient to outages. We’ll show you backup solutions we’ve proven and tested ourselves, and highlight strategies we use to protect our security systems from unexpected disruptions. Let’s start!
>> Learn More: Will Your Home Security System Work in a Power Outage?
Arlo offers battery-powered cellular devices that aren’t affected by internet and power outages.
What Happens To Your Security System During Outages
Before we map out a plan, let’s understand how power and internet outages affect security systems.
Power Outages and Security Systems
Most smart home security devices stop functioning immediately when power cuts off. Wired doorbell cameras, smart locks, outdoor floodlights, and Wi-Fi security cameras all depend on consistent electrical power.
Many security systems, however, maintain core functions during power outages thanks to built-in battery backup. But even with the best hardwired security systems, the backup typically lasts only four to 24 hours. If your security system has battery backup, these are the functionalities you’ll continue to enjoy:
- Sensor detection
- Sirens
- Control from the keypad
- Professional monitoring
>> Review: The Best Monitored Home Security Systems in 2025
FYI: Continuous professional monitoring during power outages requires backup communication since most modern security systems rely on internet connectivity. No power, no Wi-Fi. We recommend cellular backup, which we’ll discuss below.
Internet Connectivity Failures
Internet outages create different but equally serious vulnerabilities. Smart security cameras may continue recording locally if they have power, but homeowners lose remote access and real-time notifications. Cloud-based security cameras face worse consequences, as they won’t be able to upload recordings to their cloud storage.
As mentioned above, however, cellular backup can keep your control panel connected to the monitoring center. With this, you’ll continue to receive alerts on your smartphone from your security system. Professional monitoring will also continue to work.
Expert Tip: We’ve tested cloud-based security cameras that can use limited local storage as backup during internet outages. The Nest Cams we reviewed recently, for example, offer this function.
Battery Backup Solutions That Work
The Arlo 5s 2K is one of the most advanced, wireless cameras that Arlo offers
We’ve seen security systems that can remain functional through short power outages. Our ADT system, for example, stayed on for two hours after a truck knocked down an electric pole in our suburban neighborhood. Although functions were limited, it remained connected to the monitoring center thanks to built-in battery and cellular backups.
That being said, some pieces of equipment stopped working as soon as the outage started. Our Nest Cam (indoor), a plugged-in indoor camera that came as a part of our ADT system, was one of the first to go.
If you’re looking to keep plugged-in security equipment running during outages, here are some power backup solutions we recommend.
>> Learn More: The Best Cellular Home Security Systems
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
Consumer-grade UPS units provide immediate power backup for security equipment. Our testing of leading UPS models shows significant variation in runtime and reliability for security applications, but they are a great solution for homes in areas where power interruptions are common and frequent.
We like that UPS systems provide seamless power transition with no interruption to security devices (i.e. they won’t have to reboot). Quality units include surge protection and power conditioning. UPS systems aren’t perfect, though. Our average runtime with two indoor cameras plugged in ranged from 15 to 30 minutes. Additionally, battery replacement costs can exceed $100, and that’s something you’d need to spend on every three or four years.
Portable Power Stations
Larger portable power stations offer extended runtime (over 12 hours in our experience) compared to UPS, but they lack the “uninterruptible” part. If your indoor camera is plugged into a wall outlet, you’d need to plug it into the power station to turn it back on.
We found that portable power stations work best when combined with solar panels for extended operation and charging. You can go with no power for days, as long as you can charge the power station in the sun.
>> Check Out: Best Solar-Powered Security Cameras
Whole-Home Battery Systems
If you want a whole-home battery system (and are willing to pay for it), a custom installation of a home energy storage solution is worth a shot. The Tesla Powerwall, for instance, can store on-grid and solar power for use during outages.
Just keep in mind the cost. Installation can range from $15,000 to $25,000. While expensive, these systems maintain full home functionality during outages, not just security equipment.
Cellular and Satellite Backup Options
Now that you know how to keep your security equipment powered, let’s talk about restoring communication during internet outages.
Some SimpliSafe subscriptions offer cellular backup, but some features require Wi-Fi connections.
Cellular Security System Monitoring
Professional monitoring companies offer cellular backup for most security systems. ADT, Vivint, and SimpliSafe include cellular connectivity in their monitoring packages, ensuring communication with monitoring centers during internet outages. Some of the best home security systems are 100-percent cellular and use your internet as a backup connection.
FYI: Cellular backup is a standard feature we’re seeing in modern security systems, especially if you sign up for professional monitoring. You won’t pay for cellular charges. It’s already included in the monitoring fee you’re paying your alarm provider.
Standalone Cellular Security Devices
Some of our favorite battery-powered security cameras also use cellular networks exclusively, making them non-dependent on Wi-Fi. Arlo Go and Reolink Go are examples of this. Both are battery-powered security cameras with a 4G cellular SIM slot. They are designed for monitoring remote locations (e.g. cabin in the woods), but they are also good options if your home experiences frequent power and internet outages.
The downside is that they can be expensive. The hardware cost is upwards of $200, which is on the upper end of outdoor camera pricing. Plus, you’ll have to pay for cellular charges (data minutes). AT&T and other carriers offer plans specifically for these cameras, which costs about $2 per month for 1 GB of data. On top of that, since both are cloud-based security cameras, you’ll pay the provider around $8 per month for cloud storage.
Other Options: If frequent internet disruptions is a problem, you might want to consider a security camera system with local recording. The Lorex security camera systems we tested work great because they don’t need an internet connection to record videos. They have continuously-recording DVRs.
Satellite Communication Options
Traditional satellite internet services like HughesNet offer consistent connectivity, especially if you only need it for backup in case your main internet line goes offline. However, we don’t recommend it because it’s costly as a backup solution, especially compared to cellular connectivity. Satellite internet costs around $40 per month. On top of that, satellite internet is much slower than wired internet (fiber or DSL), and severe weather can still disrupt satellite signals.
The one exemption is Starlink. The service maintains operation during most localized disasters that affect terrestrial internet infrastructure. And even though it’s pricier than traditional satellite internet (over $100 per month), you can use it as your primary residential internet connection because of its decently fast speeds.
What Happens to Security Camera Recordings?
One concern you might have during power and internet outages is camera recordings. Will your camera still capture footage or do you need to wait for everything to go back to normal? Here are some alternatives that offer peace of mind.
Local Storage Solutions
In our experience, security cameras with local storage continue recording during internet outages if they maintain power. Network Video Recorders (NVRs) and Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) store footage locally, ensuring continuous recording even without internet connectivity. Lorex and Swann are two of the brands we recommend that offer these storage solutions.
Similarly, security cameras with microSD card storage provide backup recording for individual cameras. Examples are the Wyze Cams we reviewed. They don’t record continuously like DVR-connected cameras, but they can store event recordings that last up to 14 seconds long each. Depending on event frequency, they can store up to four weeks of event clips (tested with a 64 GB microSD card).
As mentioned earlier, we’ve also tested security cameras with local backup, such as the Nest Cam. During internet outages, it can store up to three hours of event videos locally. It will then upload those videos to the cloud once the connection is restored.
Our Nest Cam still works in the winter months, but we find the battery drains faster.
Solar-Powered Security Cameras
Solar-powered security cameras operate independently of home electrical systems. Ring and Arlo both have battery-powered outdoor cameras that support solar charging. They also sell the solar panels, priced at around $50 per panel.
The downside, in our opinion, is that Ring and Arlo only sell cloud-dependent security cameras. They can only store videos on the cloud, so even if they can keep running during power outages, their functions will be limited if your internet is also down. Really, their solar panels are just for convenience, so you won’t have to take down and recharge the cameras every few months.
What Happens to Smart Locks?
Smart locks are another concern during outages. You would think that, because they rely on internet-connectivity for functions such as remote locking and unlocking, they’d become non-functional when your internet goes down. But that’s not exactly the case.
Even when they’re offline, mechanical key slots (left) and digital keypads (right) on smart locks still work.
Some smart locks have manual key overrides. We recommend keeping this key with you at all times, and when the smartphone unlocking feature isn’t working, you can use the key to open the door. It’s only a problem if you need to give a trusted someone access, but you’re not home to open the door for them.
In such cases, and if your smart lock has a keypad, we recommend setting up a “guest passcode” beforehand as backup. Then, if you can’t grant remote access because the internet is down, you can share the guest passcode instead. Just be sure to “burn” the passcode once your access is restored.
>> Find Out: The Best Smart Locks of 2025
Pro Tip: Smart locks run on battery power. If you find yourself locked out because the battery is dead, most smart lock models have a hidden 9V battery terminal near the external keypad. Grab a 9V battery and plug it into the terminal to temporarily power on the smart lock.
Creating a Comprehensive Outage Security Plan
We don’t recommend waiting for a power or internet outage before coming up with a plan. Here are some simple strategies you can use as a starting point in case you get stuck.
Essential Equipment Checklist
A robust outage security plan requires specific equipment and preparation. Here are the backup solutions we recommend starting with:
- Primary backup power: UPS or portable power station sized for security equipment
- Extended backup power: Solar panels or generator for prolonged outages
- Cellular connectivity: Backup internet or cellular-enabled security devices
- Local storage: NVR or cameras with local recording capability
- Mechanical access: Key overrides for smart locks
- Communication: Battery-powered radios for emergency information
Power Management During Outages
Prioritize essential security devices during limited backup power situations. Motion-activated recording extends camera battery life compared to continuous recording. We also recommend reducing camera resolution and frame rates to conserve power during extended outages.
Create power priority lists identifying which devices to maintain first when backup power becomes limited. Essential devices typically include entry monitoring, communication systems, and primary area cameras.
>> Learn More: Wireless Security Cameras and How They Work
Communication and Monitoring Strategies
We also suggest establishing communication protocols with family members and neighbors during outages. Battery-powered weather radios provide emergency information when internet and cellular services are limited.
Consider two-way radios for communication with family members during extended outages. FRS radios provide reliable short-range communication without depending on external infrastructure.
Coordination with Professional Monitoring
Contact monitoring companies during extended outages to report system status and confirm backup communication methods. Most companies maintain emergency procedures for extended outage situations.
You should also verify monitoring company backup procedures (especially if it’s a local company) and alternative communication methods before emergencies occur. Some companies offer temporary equipment or alternative monitoring during major disasters.
Our Vivint Smart Hub keeps us updated on our security system’s status, even if the power or internet is out.
Plan for the Unexpected
Maintaining home security during power and internet outages requires planning, appropriate equipment, and regular testing. While no single solution addresses every scenario, combining battery backup, cellular connectivity, and local storage creates robust protection when primary systems fail.
Keep in mind that security during outages isn’t just about equipment—it’s about having a comprehensive plan that addresses power, communication, access control, and monitoring through multiple redundant systems that work together when individual components fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do security system batteries last during power outages?
Most security panel backup batteries provide 4-24 hours of operation, while individual device batteries vary from hours to months depending on the device type and usage patterns.
- Can I use a car battery to power security cameras during outages?
While technically possible with proper inverters, car batteries aren’t designed for this application and may damage sensitive electronics without proper power conditioning equipment.
- Do solar panels work during winter outages?
Solar panels generate electricity during winter but at reduced efficiency, typically 60-80% of summer output depending on location and weather conditions.
- Will my cellular backup work during major disasters?
Cellular networks often remain operational during localized disasters but can become overwhelmed during widespread emergencies affecting large populations simultaneously.
- How much does it cost to add cellular backup to my security system?
Cellular backup typically costs $10-$25 monthly plus one-time equipment costs of $50-$150, depending on your security system provider and service level.
- Should I notify my insurance company about backup security systems?
Many insurance companies offer discounts for comprehensive security systems, and some may provide additional discounts for backup systems that maintain protection during outages.
