How to Find Camera IP Address: Easy Methods That Work

Denis K

Author

Sometimes you need to discover a camera’s IP address because the manual didn’t include it, the device was factory-reset, or you’ve inherited a system with no documentation.

Without the correct IP (local or public), you can’t add the camera to your NVR/VMS, reach its web panel, or view it remotely. The good news: there are several reliable ways for how to find camera IP address — start with the easy checks and move toward network tools only if needed.

Best Methods to Find Your Camera’s IP Address

You can find your camera’s IP by checking the device label or manual, viewing your router’s client list, using an NVR’s camera menu, or running discovery tools like ONVIF or vendor utilities. If those fail, scan the network with Nmap, match the MAC in your ARP table, or capture DHCP/ARP traffic with Wireshark. As a last resort, reset the camera to restore its default IP.

Now we will look at all these methods in more detail.

Default IP Addresses for Popular IP Camera Brands

Here’s a straightforward list of known default IP addresses by brand. Please note: many modern cameras default to DHCP (i.e., they obtain an IP automatically), so not all brands use static defaults.

This list is especially useful if you’re searching for how to find camera IP address quickly when setting up or troubleshooting your device.

Some IP cameras do not have a fixed default IP address — instead, they use DHCP. This means that when the camera is connected to your network, the router automatically assigns it an available IP address. Since the address is not printed on the device or in the manual, you need to look it up in your network.

Camera brands that typically use DHCP by default:

AccordTec, IPEYE, AirCam, ActiveCam, AltCam, Amatek, BestIP, Beward, Cisco (newer models), ComOnyX, CTV, D-Link, ELTIS, EverFocus, Evidence, EZVIZ, Falcon Eye, Fox, Giraffe, GRUNDIG, Hanwha (Wisenet), HUAWEI, iFLow, Infinity, IPTRONIC, Ivideon, IZITRONIC, KENO, LTV, Master, MicroDigital, Nobelic, NOVIcam, Optimus, Polyvision, Praxis, PROvision, QTECH, RedLine, RVi, Sarmatt, Smartec, Space Technology, Sunkwang, Tantos, Tiandy, TP-Link, TRASSIR, VStarcam, Xiaomi.

What this means for you:

• The camera will not respond on a fixed IP (like 192.168.1.108).
• Instead, it will appear in your router’s DHCP client list with a dynamically assigned IP.
• To find it, log into your router’s web interface, check connected devices, and look for entries labeled “IP Camera,” “Network Camera,” or with the vendor name/MAC prefix.

Recommended method:

Use the router’s client list or the vendor’s discovery tool to locate the camera’s assigned IP address. Once found, you can either keep it on DHCP (with a reserved lease) or assign a static IP so it remains constant.

How to Find Camera IP and Access Your Router Settings

To open your router’s settings page, you first need to know its local IP address. The fastest way to find it is:

• Windows: Open Command Prompt and type ipconfig. Look for Default Gateway — that’s your router’s IP (often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
• macOS / Linux: Open Terminal and type netstat -nr | grep default or ip route.
• Mobile (iOS/Android): Go to Wi-Fi details and check the Gateway or Router field.

Once you have the IP, enter it in your browser’s address bar to reach the login page.

For a full guide on checking your IP and understanding what it reveals, read our article here: How To Find Router IP Address.

The router works much like a network scanner and can also provide the information you need. To use this method, log into your router’s settings and open the section that displays the IP addresses of DHCP clients (this may also appear as “Local Devices,” “Attached Devices,” or “Connected Devices,” depending on the router). For more details, check out our guide on how to find a device by IP address.

An IP address usually looks like this: 192.168.1.10. The first three groups (192.168.1) represent the network, while the last number (.10) is the unique address of the device. Within the same local network, the first groups (the network) must match, but the last number must be different for each device to avoid conflicts.

This method is simple, but it has one significant drawback: the router lists all connected IP devices without identifying which one is the camera. If your network contains dozens of other devices — printers, laptops, smartphones — it may take considerable effort to locate the camera among them.

Network Scanning Tools That Can Help You Find Devices

All of the following programs are free to use and widely available across different platforms. They serve different purposes, from quick IP discovery to advanced network analysis and vulnerability scanning.

Nmap

A powerful command-line network mapper. It can quickly scan your subnet, detect live hosts, and show which ports are open. Very flexible but requires some technical knowledge.

Angry IP Scanner

A lightweight, cross-platform tool with a simple interface. It pings every IP in a range and shows which ones respond. Great for quick checks.

OpenVAS

More than just a scanner; it’s a full vulnerability assessment system. It can find devices and also check them for security issues. Best suited for advanced users.

Advanced IP Scanner

A Windows-only tool with an intuitive interface. It scans your LAN, shows IPs, MAC addresses, and sometimes device names. Easy to use for beginners.

Wireshark

A packet sniffer rather than a scanner. It captures and analyzes traffic in detail. Useful if you need to see DHCP or ARP requests from a camera that isn’t responding to pings.

The table below compares their supported operating systems and core functions, helping you choose the right tool for your needs.

If you don’t already have one of these tools installed, it’s usually faster and easier to use the manufacturer’s own discovery software. These vendor tools are designed specifically for their cameras and can identify devices even when they are on unusual IP ranges.

If you are troubleshooting your network, it’s not only cameras that may require IP discovery. Devices like NAS drives often rely on specific IP settings as well. If you’ve misplaced the documentation or need to reconfigure your storage, knowing its address is crucial. You can follow this step-by-step guide on how to find the IP address of a NAS to quickly locate and manage your device.

Official Tools and Apps for IP Camera Discovery

When installing or maintaining IP cameras, the first step is usually configuring the devices on a local network. Most leading manufacturers provide their own software tools to simplify this process. These utilities are designed to automatically detect cameras, assign IP addresses, update firmware, and apply configuration changes across single devices or entire networks.

Axis – Axis IP Utility / Axis Camera Management

Axis provides two main tools for camera setup. Axis IP Utility is designed for quick discovery and assigning IP addresses to cameras on a local network. For larger installations, Axis Camera Management allows administrators to manage multiple cameras, update firmware in bulk, and adjust settings across many devices at once.

Bosch – IP Helper / Configuration Manager

Bosch offers IP Helper for initial setup and Configuration Manager for more advanced adjustments. These tools help users find cameras, assign IP addresses, and configure detailed video and network settings, making them suitable for both small and enterprise-level deployments.

Dahua – ConfigTool

Dahua’s ConfigTool is widely used for discovering cameras, assigning IP addresses, updating firmware, and adjusting basic configurations. It is lightweight, easy to use, and considered essential for technicians setting up Dahua devices.

Hanwha (Samsung Wisenet) – Wisenet Device Manager

Wisenet Device Manager is a powerful utility for Samsung Hanwha cameras. It allows users to search, configure, and batch-update devices across a network. The tool is especially useful for managing large-scale surveillance systems with many cameras.

Hikvision – SADP Tool / Hikvision Tools

Hikvision’s SADP (Search Active Devices Protocol) is one of the most popular utilities for security cameras worldwide. It detects all Hikvision devices in the network, supports password recovery, firmware upgrades, and batch configuration, making it a must-have tool for installers.

Uniview – EZTools

EZTools is Uniview’s all-in-one camera management software. It provides device discovery, IP configuration, firmware updates, and live preview capabilities. The program is simple, intuitive, and often used for both residential and professional installations.

Avigilon – Camera Configuration Tool

Avigilon’s Camera Configuration Tool focuses on initial setup and advanced camera adjustments. It allows discovery, network configuration, and detailed parameter changes, ensuring smooth integration into Avigilon Control Center (ACC) environments.

Sony – SNC Toolbox

Sony offers SNC Toolbox for its IP cameras. The tool supports discovery, IP address assignment, firmware management, and system diagnostics. It is a practical solution for setting up and maintaining Sony’s professional surveillance cameras.

Panasonic – Easy IP Setup Tool

Panasonic provides Easy IP Setup Tool for quick device discovery and network configuration. It is a lightweight application designed to simplify initial installation and ensure cameras are ready for integration into larger systems.

How to Change the IP Address of a Security Camera

Sometimes devices come with identical factory settings, which can cause IP address conflicts. This often happens when using multiple cameras of the same model.

You can change a camera’s IP address in three main ways:

• Official software: Use the manufacturer’s configuration tool to detect the device and assign a new IP.
• Special utilities: Many brands provide IP search tools for quick setup and batch configuration.
• Web interface: Enter the current IP in a browser, log in with your credentials, and update the address in the settings.

If login details are lost, reset the camera to factory defaults with the RESET button, then reconfigure it with a new IP and secure password.

Always check the last digits of the IP address that indicate the subnet. Within the same local network, these digits must be the same.

Frequently Asked Questions