Discover the fastest way to locate your PoE camera’s IP address in 2025 using built-in network scanning tools or the manufacturer’s mobile app—no technical expertise required. Whether you’re using a NVR, router admin panel, or a third-party IP scanner, this guide simplifies the process with step-by-step methods tailored for modern PoE security systems.

How to Find Poe Camera IP Address in 2025 Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Use the manufacturer’s app: Most brands offer apps to locate your camera’s IP quickly.
• Check router DHCP list: Access your router to find assigned IP addresses of connected devices.
• Leverage network scanning tools: Tools like Angry IP Scanner reveal all active IPs on your network.
• Inspect camera labels: Some models list default IPs on physical tags or manuals.
• Power cycle devices: Reboot router and camera to refresh IP assignments and connections.
• Access via ONVIF: Use ONVIF Device Manager to detect and verify camera IP addresses.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You’ve just installed a brand-new PoE (Power over Ethernet) security camera system. It’s sleek, modern, and promises 24/7 surveillance. But when you try to access the live feed from your phone or computer, you hit a wall—nothing loads. The camera is powered, the network is up, but you can’t connect. What’s missing?

The answer is simple: you don’t have the camera’s IP address. Every device on a network, including your PoE camera, has a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address—a digital “home address” that lets your devices talk to each other. Without it, you can’t access the camera’s web interface, view footage, or adjust settings remotely.

If you’re setting up a home security system, managing a business network, or troubleshooting after a power outage, knowing how to find Poe camera IP address in 2025 easy guide is essential. It’s not just a technical step—it’s the key to unlocking your camera’s full potential.

Many people assume this is a job for IT experts, but it’s actually something anyone can do with the right tools and a bit of patience. Whether you’re using a standalone camera, a multi-camera NVR system, or a DIY setup, this guide will help you locate the IP address quickly and confidently.

From DHCP conflicts to network segmentation, we’ll cover real-world scenarios and modern tools to ensure you get it right—every time. Let’s dive in.

What You Need

Before we start, let’s gather everything you’ll need. Don’t worry—most of these are already in your home or office. Here’s a quick checklist:

• A PoE camera (obviously!)—this could be a dome, bullet, or PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) model.
• A PoE switch or injector—this powers the camera and connects it to your network.
• A router—your home or office Wi-Fi router, which manages network traffic.
• A computer or smartphone—Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android—anything with a browser.
• Ethernet cable (optional)—for direct connection if Wi-Fi isn’t reliable.
• Network scanning tools—we’ll use free software like Angry IP Scanner, Advanced IP Scanner, or your router’s admin panel.
• The camera’s user manual (optional)—some brands list default IP addresses or discovery tools.

Pro Tip: If your camera came with a CD or app, install it! Many brands include a device discovery tool that automatically finds PoE cameras on your network. This is one of the easiest ways to find the IP address—especially for beginners.

You don’t need a degree in networking. Just plug in your gear, turn it on, and let’s get started with how to find Poe camera IP address in 2025 easy guide.

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

Step 1: Power Up and Connect the Camera

First things first: make sure your PoE camera is properly connected and powered.

• Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your PoE switch or injector.
• Connect the other end to your camera.
• Ensure the PoE switch or injector is plugged into a power outlet.
• Wait 1–2 minutes for the camera to boot up. You’ll usually see LED lights blink or stabilize.

Most PoE cameras get power and data through the same cable, so there’s no need for a separate power adapter. But if you’re using a PoE injector, confirm both the injector and camera are receiving power.

Warning: Never plug a non-PoE device into a PoE port without checking compatibility. While most modern devices are safe, older equipment can be damaged. If in doubt, use a PoE tester or consult the manual.

Once powered, the camera will request an IP address from your router via DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). This is the most common setup in homes and small offices.

Now, your camera is online—but you still don’t know its IP. Time to find it.

Step 2: Check Your Router’s Admin Panel (Easiest Method)

The fastest way to find your PoE camera’s IP address is through your router. Most routers keep a list of all connected devices—including their IP addresses and MAC addresses.

Here’s how:

1. Open a web browser on your computer or phone.
2. Type your router’s IP address into the address bar. Common ones include:
   • 192.168.1.1
   • 192.168.0.1
   • 10.0.0.1
3. Log in using your router’s username and password. (If you don’t know it, check the router label or try admin/admin or admin/password.)
4. Look for a section called “Attached Devices,” “Connected Devices,” or “DHCP Clients.”
5. Scan the list for your camera. It might be labeled by:
   • Manufacturer name (e.g., Hikvision, Dahua, Reolink)
   • Model number (e.g., IPC-HDW4433C-A)
   • MAC address (starts with 00:1A:2B, etc.)
6. Note the IP address next to it—that’s your camera’s address!

For example, you might see:

Device Name	IP Address	MAC Address
Hikvision_Camera_01	192.168.1.105	00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E
YourPhone	192.168.1.22	A1:B2:C3:D4:E5:F6

That’s it! You’ve found the IP address. But what if you don’t see the camera listed?

Pro Tip: If the camera doesn’t show up, it might be on a different subnet (e.g., 192.168.2.x while your router is 192.168.1.x). In that case, try connecting your computer directly to the PoE switch and check again. Or move to Step 3.

Step 3: Use a Free IP Scanner Tool (For Hidden Cameras)

If your camera isn’t showing up in the router, don’t panic. It might be using a static IP, or it’s on a separate VLAN. That’s where IP scanning tools come in.

These tools scan your local network and list every active device—including their IP, MAC address, and sometimes manufacturer.

Here’s how to use Angry IP Scanner (one of the most popular free tools):

1. Download Angry IP Scanner for Windows, Mac, or Linux.
2. Install and open the app.
3. In the IP range box, type your network’s range. For most home networks, use:
   • 192.168.1.1 - 192.168.1.254 (or 192.168.0.1 - 192.168.0.254)
4. Click “Start” to begin the scan.
5. Wait 1–3 minutes. The tool will list all active devices.
6. Look for entries with:
   • Manufacturer names like Hikvision, Dahua, Axis, or Reolink
   • Open ports like 80 (HTTP), 554 (RTSP), or 8000 (camera web interface)
7. Right-click a suspicious device and select “Open in Browser” to test if it’s your camera.

For example, if you see an IP like 192.168.1.110 with open port 80 and manufacturer “Dahua,” that’s likely your camera.

Warning: Don’t scan networks you don’t own. Scanning public or neighbor networks can be seen as intrusive or even illegal.

Alternative tools include:

• Advanced IP Scanner (Windows-only, user-friendly)
• Fing (free app for iOS/Android—scan from your phone!)
• NetScanTools (more advanced, for pros)

Using these tools is a reliable way to find a PoE camera IP address—even if it’s not showing in your router. This method is especially useful for how to find Poe camera IP address in 2025 easy guide when troubleshooting after a network reset.

Step 4: Use the Manufacturer’s Discovery Tool (Brand-Specific)

Many camera brands include a free discovery utility that automatically detects their devices on the network. This is the easiest method if you have the software.

Here are common tools by brand:

• Hikvision: iVMS-4200 or SADP Tool (Search Active Device Protocol)
• Dahua: SmartPSS or ConfigTool
• Reolink: Reolink Client (desktop app)
• Axis: AXIS IP Utility
• Amcrest: Amcrest Surveillance Pro

Here’s how to use the Hikvision SADP Tool as an example:

1. Download and install SADP Tool from Hikvision’s website.
2. Run the tool. It will automatically scan the local network.
3. It lists all Hikvision devices with:
   • IP address
   • MAC address
   • Device type (camera, NVR, etc.)
   • Status (online/offline)
4. Click on your camera to see its IP and even change settings like password or IP mode.

This tool is a game-changer because it often shows cameras even if they’re on a different subnet. Plus, you can reset passwords or set a static IP directly from the tool.

Pro Tip: Always download discovery tools from the official manufacturer website. Avoid third-party sites—they may contain malware.

Step 5: Connect Directly (Bypassing the Network)

Still no luck? Try a direct connection—bypassing your router entirely. This forces the camera to use a default IP, making it easy to find.

Here’s how:

1. Disconnect the camera from the network.
2. Plug your computer directly into the PoE switch or injector using an Ethernet cable.
3. Set your computer’s IP to a static address on the same subnet as the camera’s default. For example:
   • Most cameras use 192.168.1.x, so set your computer to 192.168.1.100
   • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
4. Power up the camera.
5. Open a browser and try common default IPs:
   • http://192.168.1.108 (Hikvision)
   • http://192.168.1.100 (Dahua)
   • http://192.168.0.123 (Reolink)
   • http://192.168.1.64 (Amcrest)
6. When the login page appears, you’ve found it!

After logging in, you can change the camera’s IP to match your network (e.g., 192.168.1.105) and reconnect it to the router.

Warning: Don’t leave the camera with a default IP in a live network. It can cause IP conflicts. Always assign a static IP or reserve one in your router’s DHCP settings.

Step 6: Use the NVR or DVR (If You Have One)

If your PoE cameras are connected to an NVR (Network Video Recorder) or DVR (Digital Video Recorder), you might not need to find the camera’s IP at all.

Most NVRs automatically detect and manage camera IPs. But if you need to access the camera directly (e.g., for firmware updates), here’s how:

1. Log into the NVR’s web interface using its IP address.
2. Go to “Camera Management” or “Device List.”
3. Look for your camera. It will show:
   • Camera name
   • IP address
   • Status
   • Channel number
4. Click “Edit” or “Advanced Settings” to view or change the IP.

Some NVRs even let you open the camera’s web interface directly from the NVR menu—no IP needed!

This method is common in professional setups and simplifies how to find Poe camera IP address in 2025 easy guide for large systems.

Step 7: Reset the Camera (Last Resort)

If all else fails, you can reset the camera to factory defaults. This will restore its default IP address and password—but you’ll lose all custom settings.

Here’s how:

1. Locate the reset button on the camera. It’s usually a small hole labeled “Reset.”
2. Use a paperclip or pin to press and hold the button for 10–30 seconds (check your manual for exact time).
3. Release when the LED blinks rapidly.
4. Wait for the camera to reboot (1–2 minutes).
5. Use the direct connection method (Step 5) to access it via the default IP.

After resetting, log in with the default credentials (e.g., admin/123456 or admin/admin) and set up the camera again.

Warning: Only reset if you’re sure you can reconfigure the camera. If it’s part of a large system, this could disrupt recordings or alerts.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now that you know the steps, let’s talk about how to do it right—and avoid the pitfalls.

Pro Tip #1: Assign Static IPs – After finding the IP, assign a static IP to your camera. This prevents it from changing after a reboot or network reset. Go to the camera’s web interface > Network > IP Settings > Change from “DHCP” to “Static.”

Pro Tip #2: Use DHCP Reservation – Even better, reserve the IP in your router. This keeps the camera on the same IP without changing settings on the camera itself. Go to your router’s DHCP settings and bind the camera’s MAC address to a specific IP.

Pro Tip #3: Label Your Cameras – Once you find the IP, label the camera (e.g., “Front Door – 192.168.1.105”). This makes troubleshooting much easier later.

Common Mistake #1: Ignoring the Subnet – If your camera is on 192.168.2.x but your computer is on 192.168.1.x, you can’t access it. Always ensure both devices are on the same subnet.

Common Mistake #2: Forgetting Port Forwarding – Want to access your camera from outside your home? You’ll need to forward port 80 or 8000 in your router. But be careful—this can expose your camera to hackers. Always use strong passwords and enable encryption.

Common Mistake #3: Using Weak Passwords – Default passwords like “admin” or “123456” are easy to hack. Change them immediately after setup. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Pro Tip #4: Test Before Mounting – Always test the camera and find its IP before mounting it on the wall. It’s much easier to troubleshoot on the ground than on a ladder!

These tips will save you time, frustration, and even security risks. Mastering how to find Poe camera IP address in 2025 easy guide isn’t just about finding a number—it’s about building a reliable, secure system.

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

Let’s tackle the most common questions people have about this process.

Q1: Can I find the IP address without a computer?

Yes! Use a smartphone app like Fing or IP Scanner. These apps scan your Wi-Fi network and list all connected devices—including PoE cameras. Just make sure your phone is on the same network as the camera.

Q2: What if my camera has no default IP?

All PoE cameras have a default IP—but it might not be in the 192.168.1.x range. Check the manual or manufacturer website. If you can’t find it, use a discovery tool or reset the camera to restore defaults.

Q3: Why does the IP address keep changing?

This happens when the camera uses DHCP and your router assigns a new IP after reboot. To fix it, assign a static IP on the camera or set up a DHCP reservation in your router.

Q4: Can I use a mobile hotspot to find the IP?

Not directly. A hotspot creates a separate network. But you can connect your computer to the hotspot, then use an IP scanner to find the camera—if it’s also connected to the same hotspot. This is tricky and not recommended. Stick to your main network.

Q5: What if the camera shows “Offline” in the discovery tool?

Check the basics:

• Is the camera powered?
• Is the Ethernet cable connected?
• Is the PoE switch working?
• Try a different cable or port.

If it still shows offline, the camera may be faulty or on a different VLAN.

Q6: Can I access the camera from outside my home?

Yes, but it requires port forwarding and a static IP or DDNS (Dynamic DNS). However, this can be a security risk. Use a VPN or cloud service (like Hikvision’s Hik-Connect) for safer remote access.

Q7: What’s the fastest way to find multiple cameras?

Use the manufacturer’s discovery tool (like SADP for Hikvision). It scans the entire network and lists all devices at once—perfect for large setups. This is the most efficient method in the how to find Poe camera IP address in 2025 easy guide.

Final Thoughts

Finding a PoE camera’s IP address doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach—whether it’s checking your router, using a scanner, or connecting directly—you can locate it in minutes.

Remember: the key to success is patience and methodical troubleshooting. Start with the easiest method (router admin panel), then move to more advanced tools if needed. Always label your cameras, assign static IPs, and secure them with strong passwords.

By mastering how to find Poe camera IP address in 2025 easy guide, you’re not just solving a tech problem—you’re taking control of your security system. Whether you’re protecting your home, monitoring a business, or just keeping an eye on the pets, this skill will serve you for years to come.

Now go ahead—plug in that camera, open your browser, and log in. Your security journey starts with one IP address. And now, you know exactly how to find it.