How to Find Ip Address of Axis Camera

How to Find Ip Address of Axis Camera

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Discovering the IP address of an Axis camera is essential for connecting and managing your security system. Whether you’re setting up a new device or troubleshooting connectivity, this guide walks you through multiple reliable methods. You’ll learn how to use built-in tools, network scanners, and even the camera’s web interface to locate your camera quickly and securely.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Tip/Question?

Answer: Can I find my Axis camera without knowing its IP address? Yes! Use Axis Device Manager or network scanning tools like Angry IP Scanner to discover all devices on your network, including Axis cameras, without prior knowledge of their IP addresses.

Tip/Question?

Answer: Why does my Axis camera keep changing its IP address? This happens when DHCP is enabled and the lease expires. Assign a static IP through the camera’s settings or configure a DHCP reservation in your router to keep the address consistent.

Tip/Question?

Answer: Is it safe to use default login credentials? No. Default usernames and passwords make your camera vulnerable to hacking. Always change them immediately after setup and enable two-factor authentication if supported.

Tip/Question?

Answer: What if my Axis camera isn’t showing up in any scan? Double-check physical connections, power supply, and network segmentation. Also, ensure no firewall or antivirus software is blocking discovery tools.

Tip/Question?

Answer: How do I remotely access my Axis camera over the internet? While possible via port forwarding or Axis cloud services, it’s risky. Instead, use secure tunneling (like ngrok) or Axis’s official remote viewing apps for safer access.

How to Find IP Address of Axis Camera: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up or managing an Axis camera can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially when you need to locate its IP address but can’t remember where it was configured. Whether you’re installing a new security system or troubleshooting a disconnected camera, knowing how to find the IP address of your Axis camera is a fundamental skill every user should master.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through multiple proven methods to locate the IP address of your Axis camera. From using dedicated software tools to checking your router’s admin page, we’ve got you covered. By the end of this article, you’ll not only know how to find your camera’s IP but also understand why it matters and how to avoid common pitfalls along the way.

Why Do You Need the IP Address?

The IP address of your Axis camera acts as its unique digital home on your network. Without it, you can’t access the camera’s live feed, configure settings, update firmware, or integrate it into surveillance software like VMS (Video Management Systems). Whether you’re using Axis Companion, ONVIF-compatible platforms, or simply viewing footage via a web browser, having the correct IP address is essential.

How to Find Ip Address of Axis Camera

Visual guide about How to Find Ip Address of Axis Camera

Image source: thumb.ac-illust.com

Axis cameras are professional-grade devices designed for reliability and remote management. They typically come with advanced networking features that allow them to communicate over Ethernet or Wi-Fi. However, unlike consumer cameras, they don’t always show an IP address out-of-the-box—especially if DHCP is enabled and the address changes after reboots.

Method 1: Use Axis Device Manager

One of the easiest and most reliable ways to find the IP address of an Axis camera is by using Axis Device Manager, a free utility provided by Axis Communications. This tool scans your network and displays all detectable Axis devices, including their IP addresses, model numbers, and connection status.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Download Axis Device Manager: Visit the official Axis website (www.axis.com) and navigate to the support section. Search for “Axis Device Manager” and download the version compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  2. Install and Launch the Software: Run the installer and follow the prompts. Once installed, open Axis Device Manager.
  3. Select Your Network Interface: The tool will display available network adapters. Choose the one connected to the same subnet as your camera (usually your home or office LAN).
  4. Start Discovery: Click the “Search” button. Axis Device Manager will scan the network and list all detected Axis cameras.
  5. Identify Your Camera: Look through the results for your camera’s model number or serial number. The IP address will be listed next to it.

Practical Tips

  • If no cameras appear, ensure your computer and camera are on the same network.
  • Make sure the camera is powered on and connected via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
  • Disable firewalls temporarily during discovery if devices aren’t showing up.

Once you’ve found the IP address, you can click “Open Web Interface” to access the camera’s settings directly in your browser.

Method 2: Check Your Router’s DHCP Client List

Most home and business routers assign IP addresses to devices via DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). When your Axis camera connects to the network, it receives an IP from the router—and the router keeps a log of these assignments.

How to Access the List

  1. Log into Your Router: Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Enter your admin username and password.
  2. Navigate to Connected Devices: Look for sections labeled “Attached Devices,” “DHCP Clients,” “LAN Setup,” or “Device List.” The exact name varies by router brand (e.g., TP-Link, Netgear, ASUS).
  3. Find the Camera: Scan the list for entries matching your Axis camera’s MAC address or hostname. Some routers show device names—if your camera was renamed, it may appear under a custom label.
  4. Note the Assigned IP: The IP address listed alongside the camera’s details is what you’re looking for.

Example

On a Netgear router, go to Advanced > Advanced Setup > Connected Devices. You might see an entry like:
Name: AXIS-Q7404
IP Address: 192.168.1.105
MAC Address: 00:40:8C:XX:XX:XX

This tells you exactly where to connect to access the camera.

Method 3: Try Default IP Addresses

If your Axis camera was never manually configured and still uses factory defaults, it may have a predictable or common IP address. While newer models use dynamic addressing, older ones sometimes default to static IPs.

Common Default IPs

  • 192.168.0.90 – Used by many Axis cameras before firmware updates.
  • 192.168.1.90 – Another frequent default.
  • 10.0.0.90 – Occasionally seen in certain configurations.

How to Test

  1. Open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
  2. Type one of the above IPs into the address bar and press Enter.
  3. If the login page appears, you’ve found the camera’s IP.

Note: This method only works if the camera hasn’t been reconfigured and is still on the same network segment.

Method 4: Use Network Scanning Tools

For users comfortable with third-party software, network scanning tools like Angry IP Scanner, Nmap, or Advanced IP Scanner can reveal all active devices—including Axis cameras—on your network.

Using Angry IP Scanner (Recommended)

  1. Download and Install: Get Angry IP Scanner from its official site. It’s lightweight and cross-platform.
  2. Run a Scan: Launch the app and click “Start.” It will scan your default network range (e.g., 192.168.1.1–192.168.1.254).
  3. Look for Axis Devices: After the scan completes, sort by “Hostname” or “MAC Vendor.” Look for entries with “Axis” in the name or vendor field.
  4. Check Port 80 or 443: Axis cameras often respond on standard HTTP/HTTPS ports. Click “Ping” or “Port Scan” to confirm activity.

Using Nmap (Advanced Users)

If you prefer command-line tools, Nmap offers powerful scanning capabilities:

nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24

This command pings all devices in the 192.168.1.x range. Look for hosts with open port 80 (HTTP) or 443 (HTTPS), which indicate a web-accessible camera.

Method 5: Access the Camera Directly via LCD or Reset Button

Some Axis cameras feature small LCD screens or status LEDs that display network information. Alternatively, performing a factory reset can restore default settings—including the original IP—if you’ve forgotten the current one.

Using the LCD Screen (If Available)

  • Power on the camera.
  • Navigate menus using physical buttons (if equipped).
  • Look for a “Network” or “Status” menu that shows the IP address.

Performing a Factory Reset

  1. Locate the reset button (usually recessed behind a small hole).
  2. Press and hold it for 10–15 seconds using a paperclip or similar tool.
  3. Wait for the camera to reboot. It will revert to factory defaults, including the original IP (often 192.168.0.90).
  4. Reconnect and try accessing that IP in your browser.

Warning: Resetting erases all custom settings, including usernames, passwords, and network configurations.

Method 6: Check the Physical Label or Documentation

Before diving into software solutions, always inspect the camera itself. Axis often prints key information on a sticker attached to the device or included in the packaging.

What to Look For

  • Serial Number: Unique identifier for warranty and support.
  • MAC Address: Can be used with ARP tables or router logs to trace the IP.
  • Default IP (if static): Rare, but some industrial models ship with fixed IPs.
  • QR Code: Some modern cameras include a QR code linking to setup instructions or a cloud portal.

If you have the original manual, it may list default network settings for your specific model.

Connecting to Your Axis Camera Once You Have the IP

Finding the IP address is just the first step. To actually view or configure the camera, follow these best practices:

  1. Open a Web Browser: Type the IP address into the address bar (e.g., http://192.168.1.100).
  2. Enter Login Credentials: Default username is usually “root”; password may be blank or set during initial setup.
  3. Accept Security Warnings: Browsers may warn about self-signed certificates—proceed anyway.
  4. Explore the Interface: Use the Axis Video Management software or direct browser access to adjust resolution, motion detection, recording schedules, and more.

For remote viewing, consider setting up port forwarding (with caution) or using Axis’s free AXIS Companion Portal or VAPIX API for integration.

Troubleshooting: What If You Can’t Find the Camera?

Sometimes, despite trying all methods, your Axis camera remains invisible. Here’s how to diagnose and fix the issue:

Problem: No Response from Any Method

  • Check Power and Cables: Ensure the camera is receiving power and the Ethernet cable is securely connected.
  • Test with Another Device: Try accessing the suspected IP from a different computer or phone on the same network.
  • Verify Network Segmentation: Is the camera on a guest network or VLAN separate from your main LAN? Move it to the same subnet.

Problem: IP Address Changes Frequently

  • Assign a Static IP: Log into the camera (once found) and set a reserved IP in its network settings to prevent future changes.
  • Configure DHCP Reservation on Router: Bind the camera’s MAC address to a fixed IP in your router’s admin panel.

Problem: Forgotten Admin Password

  • Perform a factory reset as described earlier.
  • Contact Axis Support with proof of ownership if locked out permanently.

Security Best Practices

Once you’ve located and accessed your Axis camera, prioritize security to protect against unauthorized access:

  • Change Default Passwords: Never leave the camera at root/password.
  • Enable HTTPS and TLS: Encrypt data transmission.
  • Disable UPnP: Prevents automatic port opening that could expose your camera to the internet.
  • Regular Firmware Updates: Visit Axis support portal to download and install the latest firmware.
  • Use Strong Wi-Fi Passwords: If wireless, ensure your network is secured with WPA3 encryption.

Conclusion

Finding the IP address of your Axis camera doesn’t have to be a mystery. With tools like Axis Device Manager, network scanners, and router logs, you can quickly locate your device and get back to monitoring what matters most. Whether you’re a homeowner, IT professional, or security integrator, mastering this skill ensures smooth operation and peace of mind.

Remember: the right method depends on your setup, technical comfort level, and whether the camera has been customized. Start with Axis Device Manager for simplicity, fall back to router logs if needed, and always keep security top of mind.

Now go ahead—find that IP, access your camera, and take control of your surveillance system like a pro!