Frequently asked.
Power & Battery.
How your camera stays powered — from battery life to solar charging.
How long does the battery last?
Battery life depends on how often the camera is triggered. The camera stays in standby and only wakes up when motion is detected, which helps conserve power.
As a guide, lower-activity areas like wildlife trails will use less battery, while busy areas such as gateways or yards will use more.
Here are some rough examples, if the camera had no solar panel attached running soley on battery.
Busy yard entrance = 1 month
Home driveway = 2-3 months
Wildlife monitoring = 3-6 months
How is the camera powered?
The camera has a built-in rechargeable battery and can be powered in two ways:
- Charged via mains power
- Kept topped up using the supplied solar panel
This gives you flexibility depending on where the camera is installed.
Will the solar panel keep the camera powered all year round?
In most cases, yes — the solar panel will keep the camera charged year-round.
However, this depends on usage and placement. Cameras in high-traffic areas will activate more often and use more power, while cameras in quieter locations will consume less and stay charged more easily.
For best performance, ensure the solar panel is positioned in a location with good daylight exposure.
Does the camera record all the time?
No — the camera remains in low-power standby and only records when motion is detected.
This is what allows the battery to last longer and makes it ideal for remote use.
4G & Data Usage.
How your camera stays connected and what to expect from data usage.
Does the camera need WiFi?
No, the camera works entirely on 4G, so it’s perfect for locations without WiFi.
What SIM card does the camera use?
For the best connection, we recommend using our SmartSIM. It connects across all major UK mobile networks and automatically uses the strongest available signal.
Other SIM cards may work, but we cannot guarantee compatibility or provide support for third party SIMs.
European SmartSIMs are also available on request.
Can I use my own SIM?
Other SIM cards may work, but we cannot guarantee compatibility or provide support for third party SIMs.
How much data does the camera use?
Data usage depends on how often you view the live feed and how frequently the camera is triggered.
As a rough guide:
- Occasional viewing 1GB
- Regular viewing 2GB
- Livestock monitoring 4GB+
Choosing the right data plan depends on how you plan to use the camera.
Can I view the camera remotely?
Yes — you can livestream and view recordings anytime through the mobile app, from anywhere with an internet connection.
Can the camera be connect to WiFi
No, Spotted Cameras are designed to work only with a 4G SIM as it gives complete installation freedom.
Can I use my Spotted camera in Europe/Ireland?
Yes. Spotted cameras can be used in Ireland and across Europe.
We can supply Irish and European SmartSIMs on request. If you’re planning to use your camera outside the UK, get in touch with us first and we can make sure you've got the correct SmartSIM.
Camera Setup & Features.
Simple setup, powerful features, and everything your camera can do.
Is the app free to use?
Yes. The app is free to use for live viewing, recordings and camera settings. A 4G data plan is required for remote access and notifications.
Is the camera easy to install?
Yes — the camera is designed for quick and simple setup, with no technical knowledge required.
Most customers are up and running in around 30 minutes.
Can multiple people access the camera?
Yes — you can share access with multiple users and view the camera on different devices.
Does the camera work at night?
Yes. The camera has colour night vision and no-glow infrared, so it records clearly in complete darkness without disturbing wildlife or livestock.
How should I use my camera responsibly?
Responsible use: Spotted cameras are designed for monitoring your own property, land, livestock and wildlife. Please position cameras in line with UK privacy and data protection law. Where possible, keep recordings within your property boundary and avoid recording neighbours' property or people unnecessarily.
See the ICO's guidance on home CCTV: https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/home-cctv-systems/
What is the motion detection range?
The PIR motion sensor works by detecting a change in heat in its surroundings. Typically they detect movement up to 5-7 metres in front of the camera. This depends on the weather, size of the object and how high the camera is installed.