Connect with Canon Camera Connect without WiFi

[ddt]

Using a 90D

I am unable to get a usable connection with the Canon Camera Connect app.  I'm in an area with poor Wi-Fi and going to a place with no Wi-Fi.  

I connect my camera to the app but when I try to either download pictures or use the app to remote control the camera it says it's shifting to Wi-Fi for better connection (better than what? Bluetooth?).  It fails every time.  Again Wi-Fi is not good here.  I'm certain Bluetooth is better. 

Have tried disabling Wi-Fi connection on the camera to force a Bluetooth connection.  Every time it says I have to enable Wi-Fi to proceed.  I do and it falls.  I tried turning on off Wi-Fi on my phone.  The same thing happens.  

I've been able to manage a strong enough Wi-Fi connection to make this post.  But I'm going to a place where even that won't be an option.  I need to be able to use the remote function.  Can somebody please help me connect my phone to my camera WITHOUT WiFi!  

Thanks 

[jrhoffman75]

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@ddt wrote:

Using a 90D

I am unable to get a usable connection with the Canon Camera Connect app.  I'm in an area with poor Wi-Fi and going to a place with no Wi-Fi.  

I connect my camera to the app but when I try to either download pictures or use the app to remote control the camera it says it's shifting to Wi-Fi for better connection (better than what? Bluetooth?).  It fails every time.  Again Wi-Fi is not good here.  I'm certain Bluetooth is better. 

Have tried disabling Wi-Fi connection on the camera to force a Bluetooth connection.  Every time it says I have to enable Wi-Fi to proceed.  I do and it falls.  I tried turning on off Wi-Fi on my phone.  The same thing happens.  

I've been able to manage a strong enough Wi-Fi connection to make this post.  But I'm going to a place where even that won't be an option.  I need to be able to use the remote function.  Can somebody please help me connect my phone to my camera WITHOUT WiFi!  

Thanks 

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The Camera Connect app uses the camera Wi-Fi. I have used the app in areas that don't even have cell service.

Video Overview of the Canon Camera Connect App

[ddt]

To be clear:

The phone and camera are able to pair via Bluetooth just fine.  But the app just doesn't work without robust Wi-Fi.  

[jrhoffman75]

Give Canon support a call at 1-800-OK-CANON. 

[shadowsports · Accepted solution]

Hi @ddt,

I'm not sure you understand the technology.  The camera is the host, and broadcasts its own Wi-Fi network that your mobile device can connect to.  As John pointed out, It does not rely on any external sources of Wi-Fi, Cellular or Bluetooth.

You must have Wi-Fi enabled on the camera in order for your mobile device to connect to it.  While the Canon Connect app does offer the flexibility for your camera and mobile device to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network (example) at your house, this is simply another option.  

See my screenshots below this is my camera's Wi-Fi broadcasting it's own network.  

In this shot I will select the camera's Wi-Fi broadcast, enter the password and connect my mobile device directly to the camera.  

Your 90D operates the same way 😉

[JeffXB]

Do you have the latest version of Canon Connect installed on your phone? If none of the above works, try deleting the app and all that’s in the catch from your phone then download it again. 

[Peter]

If you have a VPN up and running your camera may not be able to connect to your phone.

[ddt]

Thank you all.  This has been hugely helpful.  

[KDC4201]

Hello, very nice reply. Good details.

However I do understand the details. I have been using camera connect for a couple of years. Connected via bluetooth, then wifi without issues. SUDDENLY (like last night) the connection hangs at the wifi connection and eventually times out. When I check the phone (android) wifi settings, it says is connected via Wifi, but the password line is blank. I've never checked this before, but I haven't needed to since it always connected. I have both an RP, and an R6m3. Both worked last time I tried (with in the last month). Wifi on phone connects to home and other networks still. I have unpaired devices from phone, un-installed/re-installed camera connect. And reset wireless setting on both cameras. Then repaired both cameras. Bluetooth pairs fine, but when I attempt to access images or remote control cameras, they both hang one the "Switching to a faster WiFi.." screen with the 3rd light flashing until it times out, all while the phone's wifi indicates that it is connected via wifi to the camera.

[Stephen]

Any number of things can cause the handshake to fail. 
Your phone must be logged into your Canon Account. When your phone connects to your camera via bluetooth, after it tries to establish the WiFi connection, if your device gives you an error message about not having Internet access, you have to bypass that, since you know your camera doesn't provide your phone with Internet access - all you're doing is transferring images. Once you've bypassed that message, your device and camera should stay connected. If they don't, you'll need to contact support when they're open: weekdays from 9am to 6pm (ET) at 800-OK-CANON (800-652-2666).