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According to Bankrate, per the FBI, there were 847,522 burglary reports reported to the agency in 2022. Overall, the value of all stolen property that year amounted to an estimated $463.57 billion.

With such sobering statistics, it makes complete sense if you've decided to invest in a wireless spy camera with audio as part of your home security system. After all, it allows you to monitor your home covertly, catch criminals in the act, record their faces, and issue audible warnings. Plus, if you have kids and pets, you may feel more at ease if you can see they're okay through the camera while you're away.

However, you must take certain actions before and during the operation of your camera to ensure its legal and proper use.

Our team at Customwifispycameras.com has shared tips to help you get started, so read on.

Know the Law

Before you use your wireless spy camera with audio, ensure you're within your legal rights to do so first.

Taking videos with audio isn't automatically legal because you have a home wireless spy camera setup. Federal and state laws exist to regulate the use of video and audio recording equipment, even in one's private residence.

Surveillance laws, including those for homes, vary from one state to another. For this reason, it's crucial to research and understand your state regulations.

Recording Videos With Spy Cams at Home

You should be able to find information about home spy camera use on your state government site. For example, if you live in California, you can start by reviewing CA Penal Code § 647(j)(4). It spells out what you can't do with concealed cameras and where it's illegal to place them (anywhere where people have a "reasonable expectation of privacy").

Recording Videos With Audio Using Spy Cams at Home

Audio recording has more legal implications than video recording alone. For instance, some states implement a one-party consent law, while others enforce a two-party or all-party consent law.

In one-party consent states, only one party involved in the conversation must consent to the recording. In two- or all-party consent states, everyone in the conversation must consent for the recording to be legal. To learn more about these laws, Justia has a nifty state-by-state guide on regulations that apply to audio recordings.

Follow the Owner's Manual to a T

After thoroughly studying federal and state laws about spy cam video and audio recording, the next step is to read your camera's instruction manual.

It may sound obvious, but many folks don't read their devices' instruction manuals unless they need to troubleshoot a problem or want to learn how to use certain functions. Indeed, according to a recent Lifewire article, a study found that half of the surveyed respondents do this.

So, when setting up your new monitoring device, carefully read its wireless camera usage guide. It contains everything you need to know, from setting it up to ensuring it picks up audio.

Check for Microphone Obstructions and Interferences

A built-in microphone near the lens is a common feature in many types of spy cameras with audio. The microphone looks like a pinhole, like the ones on smartphones and headphones.

Because of their tiny size, spy camera microphones can easily get blocked by something, especially since users want to camouflage them. Such obstructions can result in poor audio quality.

For example, stashing the camera too close to the curtains may cause the fabric to cover the mic. If you install the camera on a wall that's very close to the back of a couch, and the couch gets moved back for some reason, the mic may also become obstructed and record muffled audio.

Also, consider any external noise sources when deciding where to put the camera. If you want crisp sound, place it far from the TV, radio, or windows too close to a noisy street.

Ensure the Wi-Fi Signal Is Strong

If your wireless spy camera has Wi-Fi capability, you can watch its feed through your smart devices, usually via the camera's dedicated app. However, if the Wi-FI signal or connection is poor, your camera may not transmit video and audio correctly. You may get pixelated feed, low sound quality, or even no sound.

To enhance spy camera performance, ensure it's within the range of a secure wireless network. If you're unsure, go as close as possible to the camera, and then check your smartphone to see if it connects to your wireless network. Test the connection's speed and quality to see if it's spotty or stable.

If the wireless network isn't as stable, consider upgrading your router or getting a Wi-Fi extender for the room where your spy camera is. It can help maximize your covert devices by improving spy camera audio, video quality, and transmission.

Secure the Camera's Mount

Many wireless spy cameras include mounts and adhesives, which you should use as directed to ensure your camera doesn't move or get knocked over. If it does, it may fail to record or transmit a live feed. Even if it continues recording or transmitting, the video will likely have an obstructed view and muffled or distorted audio.

Test Your Wireless Spy Camera With Audio

After the initial setup and doing the spy camera troubleshooting tips above, test your device's recording or live transmission. If you're doing the latter, ensure you already have the camera app on your smart device.

If no one's with you, turn the TV on or play something on your computer in the same room as the camera.

After five to ten minutes of recording, check the A/V file. If you're doing a live test, assess the video and sound quality in real-time. If both are crisp and clear, then everything's in order.

Keep These Wireless Spy Camera Tips in Mind

Now that you know more about operating your wireless spy camera with audio, you can set up and test your latest security gadget. So long as you follow the tips above, its installation and operation should go smoothly.

If you're looking to get more spy cams for your home, work, or personal security when you're out and about, Customwifispycameras.com has got your back! We carry the best spy cams with the latest bells and whistles.

Shop our extensive collection now, and don't forget to check for discounts!