Discover the fastest way to find your POE camera’s IP address using your router’s admin panel or a free IP scanner tool in 2025. Simply connect the camera to your network, then scan for connected devices or check the DHCP client list to pinpoint the correct IP—no advanced tech skills needed. This method works seamlessly with all major POE camera brands and ensures secure, remote access in minutes.

How to Find IP Address of POE Camera in 2025 Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Use the camera’s software: Check the manufacturer’s app or desktop tool for IP details.
• Access via router: Log into your router to view connected POE devices and their IPs.
• Scan with IP tools: Use apps like Fing or Advanced IP Scanner for quick detection.
• Check DHCP settings: Ensure your router assigns a static IP to avoid changes.
• Label cameras: Record IPs during setup to simplify future troubleshooting or access.
• Reset if needed: Use the reset button to restore default IP if lost.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever tried setting up a new security camera only to realize you can’t connect to it? You’re not alone. One of the most common hurdles when installing a Power over Ethernet (POE) camera is figuring out its IP address—the digital “home” it uses to communicate on your network. Without the correct IP, you can’t access the camera’s live feed, change settings, or monitor your property remotely.

Whether you’re a homeowner upgrading your security system or a technician managing multiple cameras, knowing how to find IP address of POE camera in 2025 Easy Guide is essential. With newer models, firmware updates, and smarter networks, the process has evolved—but it’s still simpler than it sounds. This guide walks you through every method, from plug-and-play tools to manual network scanning, so you can get your camera online fast.

POE cameras are popular because they combine power and data over a single Ethernet cable. But unlike Wi-Fi cameras, they don’t broadcast their presence like a phone or laptop. That’s why finding their IP address requires a few specific steps. Let’s fix that confusion once and for all.

What You Need

You don’t need a degree in networking to find a POE camera’s IP address. Just a few basic tools—most of which you likely already have.

• POE camera (obviously)
• POE switch or POE injector (to power the camera)
• Ethernet cables (Cat5e or Cat6 recommended)
• A computer or laptop (Windows, Mac, or even a Raspberry Pi works)
• Access to your router or network switch
• Network scanning software (we’ll recommend free ones)
• Manufacturer’s mobile app or web portal (optional but helpful)

For most modern setups, you’ll also want:

• A smartphone (for using camera setup apps)
• DHCP server (usually your router—most handle this automatically)
• Static IP knowledge (if you plan to assign fixed addresses later)

Don’t worry if some of these terms sound technical. We’ll explain everything as we go. The key is having a working network connection and a way to scan it. Once you’ve got these basics, you’re ready to start.

Pro Tip: If your camera came with a CD or QR code, check it first. Many brands now include a quick-start guide with a direct link to their IP discovery tool—saving you time and guesswork.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Find IP Address of POE Camera in 2025 Easy Guide

Step 1: Connect the POE Camera to Your Network

Before you can find the IP address, the camera needs power and a network connection. Since it’s a POE device, you’ll use a single Ethernet cable to deliver both.

Start by connecting one end of the Ethernet cable to the camera’s POE port. The other end goes into a POE switch (like a managed or unmanaged POE switch) or a POE injector. If you’re using a POE injector, plug the injector into a power outlet and connect the “Data + Power” output to your camera. The “Data” output from the injector connects to your router or switch.

Wait 1–2 minutes for the camera to boot up. Most POE cameras have indicator lights—look for a steady green or blue light (check your manual for details). This means it’s powered and trying to get an IP from your network.

Warning: Never plug a POE camera into a regular switch or router port without a POE injector or switch. The camera won’t get power, and you risk damaging the port if it’s not POE-compatible.

Now, the camera will request an IP address from your router using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). This is the same way your laptop or phone gets its IP. Once assigned, the camera will “live” at that address—until you change it or reset the network.

At this point, you’ve done the hard part. The camera is online, but you still need to find it. That’s where the next steps come in.

Step 2: Use the Manufacturer’s IP Finder Tool (Fastest Method)

Most reputable POE camera brands—like Hikvision, Dahua, Reolink, Lorex, and Amcrest—include a free IP discovery tool. This is the easiest and most reliable way to find your camera’s IP address in 2025.

Here’s how:

1. Download the IP Finder or Config Tool from the manufacturer’s website. It’s usually a small Windows or Mac app (e.g., “Hikvision SADP Tool,” “Amcrest IP Config Tool,” “Reolink Client”).
2. Install and open the tool on your computer. Make sure your computer is on the same network as the camera (same Wi-Fi or wired connection).
3. Click “Search” or “Discover.” The tool scans your local network and lists all compatible devices.
4. Look for your camera in the results. It will show the IP address, MAC address, model, and firmware version.
5. Click on the camera and note the IP address. You can also change it, reset passwords, or update firmware from here.

This method works because the camera “broadcasts” its presence using a special protocol (like ONVIF or proprietary discovery). The tool listens for these signals and displays them in a simple list.

Example: A Reolink POE camera will appear as “RLC-410-5MP” with an IP like 192.168.1.108. You can click “Modify” to change the IP or set a password.

Why this is great: It’s fast, accurate, and often includes extra features like password reset and firmware updates. Plus, it’s the official method recommended by manufacturers—so it’s always up to date.

If you can’t find the tool, search “[Your Camera Brand] IP discovery tool” on Google. Most links will go directly to the support page.

Step 3: Scan Your Network Using Free Software (When No Manufacturer Tool Exists)

Not every camera comes with a dedicated tool. Or maybe you’re using a generic or rebranded POE camera. No problem—network scanning software can find it for you.

The best free tools for this in 2025 are:

• Advanced IP Scanner (Windows, free, user-friendly)
• Angry IP Scanner (Windows, Mac, Linux, open-source)
• Nmap (command-line, powerful, for advanced users)

Let’s use Advanced IP Scanner as an example:

1. Download and install Advanced IP Scanner.
2. Open the app. It will show your current network range (e.g., 192.168.1.1–254).
3. Click “Scan”. The tool pings every IP in your range and lists active devices.
4. Look for devices with “Unknown” names or model numbers. POE cameras often appear as “Dahua,” “Hikvision,” or “ONVIF” devices.
5. Check the MAC address. If you have the camera’s MAC (on the label or box), match it here. That’s your camera!
6. Click the IP address to open it in your browser (e.g., http://192.168.1.105).

Advanced IP Scanner also shows the device type, response time, and open ports. If the camera has a web interface, it may even show a “Camera” or “Security” icon.

Pro Tip: Sort the results by “Vendor” to group all unknown devices. POE cameras often use chipsets from Realtek, Marvell, or Intel—so look for those vendors in the MAC address prefix.

For Angry IP Scanner, the process is similar. Open the app, enter your IP range (e.g., 192.168.1.1–254), and hit “Start.” It will list all active IPs with hostnames, ports, and response times.

If you’re comfortable with the command line, try Nmap:

nmap -sn 192.168.1.1-254

This scans all IPs in the range and shows which are active. Then, use:

nmap -p 80,8080,554 192.168.1.105

To check if common camera ports (HTTP, RTSP) are open.

This method works for any network device—not just cameras. It’s especially useful when managing multiple POE cameras or troubleshooting connectivity.

Step 4: Check Your Router’s DHCP Client List (Best for Home Networks)

Your router keeps a list of every device that’s connected and has requested an IP address. This is called the DHCP client table—and it’s a goldmine for finding your POE camera.

Here’s how to access it:

1. Open a web browser and type your router’s IP address. Common ones are 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 10.0.0.1.
2. Log in with your router username and password (check the label on the router if you don’t know it).
3. Look for a section like “Attached Devices,” “DHCP Clients,” or “Network Map.”
4. Find a device with a name like “Dahua,” “Hikvision,” “Camera,” or “IPCam.”
5. Note the IP address and MAC address listed next to it.

For example, on a TP-Link router, go to Advanced > Network > DHCP Client List. On a Netgear, it’s “Attached Devices” under the “Home” tab.

Example: You see a device named “Dahua IPC-HDW5231R-ZE” with IP 192.168.1.112. That’s your camera!

This method is perfect for home networks because:

• No extra software needed.
• You can see all connected devices in one place.
• It works even if the camera doesn’t support discovery tools.

Just remember: if the camera has a static IP (manually set), it might not appear in the DHCP list. In that case, try the other methods.

Step 5: Access the Camera via Web Browser (Final Step)

Once you have the IP address, it’s time to connect. Open your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and type the camera’s IP address into the address bar.

For example: http://192.168.1.108

Press Enter. The camera’s login page should appear. You’ll need to enter a username and password. If it’s a new camera, the default is often:

• Username: admin
• Password: admin, 123456, or blank (check the manual)

After logging in, you’ll see the live feed and access to settings. From here, you can:

• Change the IP to a static address (recommended for stability)
• Update the firmware
• Set up motion detection or recording
• Configure RTSP streams for third-party software

Warning: Always change the default password. Leaving it as “admin” is a major security risk. Use a strong, unique password and enable HTTPS if available.

If the page doesn’t load, try:

• Checking if the camera uses HTTPS (try https://192.168.1.108)
• Ensuring your computer is on the same network
• Disabling firewalls or antivirus temporarily
• Using a different browser (some cameras don’t work with Chrome)

Some cameras use port numbers in the URL, like http://192.168.1.108:8080. Check the manual for the correct port.

Step 6: Use the Manufacturer’s Mobile App (Bonus Method)

Many POE camera brands now offer mobile apps that can find and configure cameras automatically. This is a great option if you prefer using your phone.

For example:

• Reolink App: Tap “Add Device” > “Scan QR Code” or “Auto Scan.”
• Amcrest View Pro: “Add Camera” > “Auto Discovery.”
• Hikvision iVMS-4500: “Device” > “Add” > “Search.”

The app scans your network and shows available cameras. You can then add them with one tap. Some apps even let you set a static IP or change settings remotely.

This method is especially useful if you’re setting up multiple cameras. It’s faster than logging into each one via browser.

Pro Tip: Make sure your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the camera. If your router uses separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, connect to the same one as your computer.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right tools, things can go wrong. Here are the top tips and pitfalls to watch out for when learning how to find IP address of POE camera in 2025 Easy Guide.

• Always use a POE switch or injector. Don’t try to power a POE camera with a regular Ethernet cable. It won’t work and could damage the camera or switch.
• Check your network range. Most home routers use 192.168.1.x or 192.168.0.x. If your computer is on 10.0.0.x and the camera is on 192.168.1.x, they can’t communicate. Use a single network.
• Restart the camera and router. If the IP doesn’t show up, power cycle both. Cameras sometimes fail to get an IP on the first try.
• Use static IPs for stability. DHCP-assigned IPs can change after a reboot. Set a static IP in the camera settings to avoid losing connection.
• Don’t skip the default password change. Hackers scan the web for cameras with “admin” passwords. Change it immediately.
• Update firmware regularly. Newer firmware often fixes bugs and improves IP discovery features.

Common Mistake: Assuming the camera has no IP because it’s not in the router’s client list. Some cameras use static IPs or have DHCP disabled by default. Always try the manufacturer’s tool or network scanner.

Another Tip: Label your cameras. Write the IP address and MAC on a sticky note or use cable tags. When you have 10+ cameras, this saves hours of troubleshooting.

For Large Networks: If you’re managing dozens of POE cameras, consider using a managed POE switch with VLANs and port monitoring. You can see which ports are active and trace IPs by MAC address.

Use ONVIF compatibility: If your camera supports ONVIF, use an ONVIF device manager (like ONVIF Device Manager or iSpy) to discover and manage it. This is standard in 2025 and works across brands.

FAQs About How to Find IP Address of POE Camera in 2025 Easy Guide

Q1: Can I find the IP address without any software?

Yes, but it’s harder. You can check your router’s DHCP client list (as in Step 4) or use your computer’s command line with arp -a (Windows) or arp -an (Mac/Linux). These show devices your computer has communicated with. However, network scanning tools are faster and more reliable.

Q2: What if the camera doesn’t show up in any scan?

First, confirm the camera is powered and connected. Check the lights. Then:

• Try a different Ethernet cable
• Connect the camera directly to your computer (using a POE injector)
• Use a laptop with a static IP in the same range (e.g., 192.168.1.100, subnet 255.255.255.0)
• Reset the camera to factory settings (usually a small button on the back)

If it still doesn’t appear, the camera may be faulty or have a static IP set to a different range.

Q3: Can I change the camera’s IP address?

Absolutely. Once you log into the camera’s web interface, go to Network Settings and change the IP from DHCP to Static. Enter the new IP, subnet mask, and gateway. Make sure it’s in the same range as your router. For example, if your router is 192.168.1.1, use 192.168.1.100–200.

Q4: Why does my camera have a 169.254.x.x IP address?

This is called an APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) address. It means the camera couldn’t reach your router’s DHCP server. Possible causes:

• No network connection (check cables)
• Router not assigning IPs
• Firewall blocking DHCP

Power cycle the router and camera. If it persists, connect the camera directly to your computer and assign a static IP manually.

Q5: Can I use a POE camera with a regular switch?

Only if the camera has a DC power input (like a barrel jack). You’d need to power it separately with a 12V adapter while connecting data to the switch. But this defeats the purpose of POE. Always use a POE switch or injector for true POE cameras.

Q6: Do POE cameras work with Wi-Fi extenders?

No. POE cameras need a wired Ethernet connection. Wi-Fi extenders don’t provide POE power. For wireless setups, consider Wi-Fi security cameras instead.

Q7: What’s the best way to manage multiple POE cameras?

Use a network video recorder (NVR) or video management software (VMS) like Blue Iris, Milestone, or Synology Surveillance Station. These can auto-discover POE cameras, assign IPs, and manage recordings. Many support ONVIF, making setup easier.

Final Thoughts

Finding the IP address of a POE camera doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right tools and a little know-how, you can get it done in minutes. Whether you use the manufacturer’s IP finder, scan your network, or check your router’s client list, the process is straightforward once you know the steps.

The key is to start with the manufacturer’s tool—it’s the fastest and most accurate method. If that’s not available, a free network scanner or router check will get you there. And don’t forget to set a static IP and change the password for long-term security.

As POE cameras become smarter and more integrated in 2025, understanding how to find IP address of POE camera in 2025 Easy Guide is a skill every homeowner, installer, and tech enthusiast should have. Bookmark this guide, keep your tools updated, and you’ll never be stuck in the dark again.

Now go ahead—plug in that camera, find its IP, and take control of your security setup. Your peace of mind starts with one simple connection.