It does require the app on your phone but you don't have to enter the wi-fi password into the app except for when you first do the setup. It offers two step authentication which adds security but you don't have to use it. Once you've got the app set up on your phone, you don't have to enter any wifi passwords to view the cameras or video library. I've had the system for a few years and have had no security issues at all. I really like being able to view the cameras on my phone while I am at work. I can turn cameras on and off from my phone which I appreciate. I got the system at Costco.

I'm extremely nervous about using that anywhere except my router setup software. I know I'm paranoid.

unless you enter the password. I don't think that would be a problem if your password is solid.

through your router (with its own unique password) and use it solely for your security system.

you can name it whatever you want. once you log into your router, it's kind of simple to do.

I had not even thought of that. Thank you so much. Now on to the issue that the app insists that I enable location.

happy to help.

here's an idea that might work re: location:

(works for android, not sure about apple)

in settings, add a user and install the app. turn location on for the new user while leaving it off in your main account. in essence, isolate the security app.

there are some downsides but might work for you.

hope you see this. can't IM yet.

I still don't see why the app needs to know where I am as long as I know where I am. I hate intrusive stuff. I had an answer on Amazon to one of the cameras I was looking at that said you did not need to enable location, but I don't trust that, as every app I've tried so far wants location, won't proceed without it.

That you enable location on your phone to set up the app?