How to Change Ip Address of Foscam Camera

This guide walks you through how to change the IP address of a Foscam camera using multiple methods, including the web interface, Foscam app, and router settings. Whether you’re troubleshooting network issues or enhancing security, you’ll find clear, beginner-friendly instructions to get it done fast.

Key Takeaways

• Changing the IP address helps avoid conflicts when multiple devices share the same network, ensuring your Foscam camera stays online.
• Use the Foscam web interface for full control—it’s the most reliable method for manually assigning a new IP address.
• DHCP reservation in your router can automatically assign a fixed IP, reducing the need for manual changes later.
• The Foscam app (FI9800P, FI9805P, etc.) supports IP configuration for newer models, making setup mobile-friendly.
• Always note the original IP before changing—this helps you reconnect if something goes wrong.
• Reboot the camera after changes to ensure the new IP takes effect properly.
• Use static IPs for critical surveillance setups to prevent disconnections due to IP changes from the router.

How to Change IP Address of Foscam Camera: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re setting up a home security system or managing multiple cameras on your network, you might need to change the IP address of your Foscam camera. Whether you’re avoiding IP conflicts, improving network organization, or troubleshooting connectivity issues, knowing how to change the IP address of a Foscam camera is a valuable skill.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through multiple methods to change the IP address of your Foscam camera. You’ll learn how to do it via the web interface, using the Foscam mobile app, and through your router’s DHCP settings. We’ll also cover troubleshooting tips and best practices to keep your camera secure and online.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently reconfigure your Foscam camera’s IP address—no technical expertise required.

Why Change the IP Address of Your Foscam Camera?

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand why you might need to change the IP address in the first place. Here are the most common reasons:

• IP Address Conflicts: If two devices on your network have the same IP, one or both may stop working. Changing the camera’s IP resolves this.
• Network Segmentation: You may want to place your camera on a different subnet (e.g., 192.168.2.x instead of 192.168.1.x) for security or organizational purposes.
• Router Reconfiguration: After resetting your router or upgrading your network, IP assignments may change, requiring manual updates.
• Static IP for Reliability: Assigning a fixed IP ensures your camera always uses the same address, which is crucial for remote access and port forwarding.
• Troubleshooting Connectivity: Sometimes, changing the IP can resolve connection drops or login issues.

Now that you know why it matters, let’s get into the how.

What You’ll Need Before Starting

Before changing the IP address, gather the following:

• Your Foscam camera (any model, such as FI9800P, FI9805P, FI8910W, etc.)
• A computer or smartphone connected to the same network
• The camera’s current IP address (usually found via the Foscam app or router admin page)
• Login credentials for the camera (default is often admin/admin or admin/password)
• Access to your router’s admin panel (for DHCP and network info)
• A stable internet connection

Having these ready will make the process smooth and error-free.

Method 1: Change IP Address via Foscam Web Interface

The most direct way to change your Foscam camera’s IP address is through its built-in web interface. This method works for all Foscam IP camera models and gives you full control over network settings.

Step 1: Find the Camera’s Current IP Address

If you don’t already know the camera’s IP, here’s how to find it:

• Open your router’s admin page (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a browser).
• Log in with your router credentials.
• Look for a section like “Connected Devices,” “DHCP Clients,” or “Attached Devices.”
• Find your Foscam camera by name (e.g., “Foscam_Camera”) or MAC address.
• Note the IP address listed next to it (e.g., 192.168.1.105).

Alternatively, use the Foscam app:

• Open the Foscam app on your phone.
• Go to “Device List” and select your camera.
• Tap the settings (gear) icon and look for “Network” or “IP Address.”

Step 2: Access the Camera’s Web Interface

Now that you have the IP:

• Open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).
• Type the camera’s IP address into the address bar (e.g., http://192.168.1.105).
• Press Enter.

You should see the Foscam login screen.

Step 3: Log In to the Camera

Enter your login credentials:

• Username: Usually “admin”
• Password: Default is often “admin” or “password” (check your model’s manual if unsure)

Tip: If you’ve changed the password before, use the updated one. If you forgot it, you may need to reset the camera.

Step 4: Navigate to Network Settings

Once logged in:

• Look for a menu labeled “Settings,” “Configuration,” or “Network.”
• Click on “Network” or “TCP/IP Settings.”

You’ll see fields for IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS.

Step 5: Change the IP Address

Here’s where you make the change:

• In the “IP Address” field, enter the new IP you want to assign.
• Make sure it’s within your network’s range (e.g., if your router is 192.168.1.1, use 192.168.1.x where x is 2–254).
• Example: Change from 192.168.1.105 to 192.168.1.200.
• Leave the subnet mask as 255.255.255.0 (standard for most home networks).
• Ensure the gateway matches your router’s IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
• DNS can usually stay as automatic or match your router’s DNS.

Important: Avoid using IPs already assigned to other devices (like your phone, laptop, or printer).

Step 6: Save and Reboot

After entering the new IP:

• Click “Save” or “Apply.”
• The camera may restart automatically.
• If not, manually power cycle the camera (unplug and plug back in).

Step 7: Access the Camera with the New IP

Once the camera reboots:

• Open your browser again.
• Type the new IP address (e.g., http://192.168.1.200).
• Log in to confirm the change worked.

If you can access the live feed, the IP change was successful.

Method 2: Use DHCP Reservation in Your Router

Instead of manually setting a static IP on the camera, you can use your router’s DHCP reservation feature. This tells the router to always assign the same IP to your camera, even if it reboots.

This method is great because it avoids manual configuration on the camera and reduces the risk of errors.

Step 1: Find the Camera’s MAC Address

The MAC address is a unique identifier for your camera’s network adapter.

• Go to your router’s admin page (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
• Log in.
• Navigate to “Connected Devices” or “DHCP Clients.”
• Find your Foscam camera and note its MAC address (e.g., AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF).

Alternatively, check the camera’s web interface under “System Info” or “Status.”

Step 2: Set Up DHCP Reservation

• In your router, go to “LAN Settings,” “DHCP,” or “Address Reservation.”
• Click “Add” or “Reserve IP.”
• Enter the camera’s MAC address.
• Assign a desired IP (e.g., 192.168.1.200).
• Save the settings.

Now, whenever the camera connects, it will get the same IP.

Step 3: Reboot the Camera

• Power off the camera for 10 seconds.
• Turn it back on.
• Wait 1–2 minutes for it to reconnect.

Step 4: Verify the New IP

• Check the router’s connected devices list.
• Confirm the camera now has the reserved IP.
• Access the camera via the new IP in your browser.

This method is ideal for users who want a “set it and forget it” solution.

Method 3: Change IP Using the Foscam Mobile App

For newer Foscam models (like the FI9800P, FI9805P, or R2/R4 series), you can change the IP address directly from the Foscam app on your smartphone.

Step 1: Open the Foscam App

• Launch the Foscam app (available on iOS and Android).
• Log in with your account or local camera credentials.

Step 2: Select Your Camera

• Tap on the camera you want to configure.
• Go to “Settings” (usually a gear icon).

Step 3: Navigate to Network Settings

• Look for “Network,” “Wi-Fi,” or “TCP/IP.”
• Tap to open network configuration.

Step 4: Change the IP Address

• Switch from “DHCP” to “Static IP” if needed.
• Enter the new IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS.
• Ensure the IP is unique and within your network range.

Step 5: Save and Reboot

• Tap “Save” or “Apply.”
• The app may prompt you to reboot the camera.
• Confirm the reboot.

Step 6: Reconnect Using the New IP

• Wait for the camera to restart.
• Reopen the app and check if the camera reconnects.
• If it doesn’t, manually add the camera using the new IP.

Note: Not all Foscam models support IP changes via the app. Check your model’s compatibility first.

Method 4: Reset and Reconfigure the Camera

If you’re unable to access the camera or forgot the login details, a factory reset may be necessary.

Step 1: Perform a Factory Reset

• Locate the reset button on the camera (usually a small hole on the back or bottom).
• Use a paperclip to press and hold the button for 10–15 seconds.
• The camera will reboot and return to factory settings.

Step 2: Reconnect to the Network

• The camera will now use DHCP and get a new IP from the router.
• Find the new IP via the router or Foscam app.

Step 3: Access and Change the IP

• Log in using default credentials (admin/admin).
• Follow Method 1 to manually set a new IP.

This method is a last resort but effective when other options fail.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful steps, problems can arise. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.

Can’t Access the Camera After IP Change

• Double-check the new IP for typos.
• Ensure your computer is on the same network.
• Try pinging the new IP (open Command Prompt and type “ping 192.168.1.200”).
• If no response, the camera may not have applied the change—reboot it.

Camera Keeps Losing Connection

• This could be due to IP conflict. Verify no other device uses the same IP.
• Use DHCP reservation to lock the IP.
• Check for Wi-Fi interference or weak signal.

Forgot the New IP Address

• Check your router’s connected devices list.
• Use the Foscam app to scan for cameras on the network.
• Perform a factory reset and start over.

Login Credentials Not Working

• Ensure Caps Lock is off.
• Try default credentials: admin/admin or admin/password.
• If changed before, reset the camera to restore defaults.

Browser Shows “Connection Refused”

• Clear browser cache and cookies.
• Try a different browser.
• Disable firewall or antivirus temporarily.
• Ensure the camera’s web server is enabled (check in settings).

Best Practices for Managing Foscam IP Addresses

To avoid future issues, follow these tips:

• Use Static IPs for Critical Cameras: If you rely on the camera for security, assign a fixed IP to prevent disconnections.
• Document Your Network: Keep a list of all device IPs, especially cameras, printers, and smart hubs.
• Update Firmware Regularly: Foscam releases updates that improve stability and security.
• Enable HTTPS and Strong Passwords: Protect your camera from unauthorized access.
• Test Remote Access: After changing the IP, verify you can still view the camera from outside your network (via DDNS or port forwarding).

Conclusion

Changing the IP address of your Foscam camera doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you use the web interface, mobile app, or router settings, the process is straightforward once you know the steps.

We’ve covered four reliable methods: manual configuration via the web interface, DHCP reservation, app-based setup, and factory reset. Each has its use case, so choose the one that fits your technical comfort and network setup.

Remember to always note the original IP, avoid conflicts, and reboot the camera after changes. With these best practices, your Foscam camera will stay online, secure, and accessible.

Now that you know how to change the IP address of a Foscam camera, you’re better equipped to manage your home security system like a pro. Stay safe, stay connected, and enjoy peace of mind with your Foscam camera working flawlessly on your network.