How to Find Uid of Ip Camera

How to Find Uid of Ip Camera

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Finding the UID of an IP camera is essential for installation, configuration, and remote access. This guide walks you through simple methods using software, router settings, or the camera itself to identify your device’s unique identifier.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Tip: Always write down your UID immediately after setup.

Store it securely—either in a password manager or printed document. This prevents future headaches when updating firmware or contacting support.

Question? What if my camera doesn’t have a visible UID?

Try exporting the configuration file or using ONVIF Device Manager. If all else fails, contact the manufacturer with your model number for assistance.

Tip: Use consistent naming conventions for easier tracking.

Name cameras by location (e.g., “Garage_Cam_01”) so you can match names to UIDs in your records.

Question? Can I change my camera’s UID?

Generally no—the UID is factory-programmed and tied to the device hardware. However, some advanced systems allow renaming the device ID within the software.

Tip: Enable HTTPS for secure access to the UID.

Prevent eavesdropping by ensuring your camera uses encrypted connections whenever possible, especially on public networks.

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

Are you setting up a new security system or troubleshooting a network-connected camera? One of the first things you’ll need is the unique identifier (UID) of your IP camera. The UID helps distinguish your device from others on the same network and is often required during configuration, firmware updates, or integration with surveillance software. In this guide, we’ll walk you through multiple reliable methods to find the UID of your IP camera, whether it’s a home security cam, a business-grade dome camera, or an industrial PTZ unit.

No matter the brand—Axis, Hikvision, Dahua, Lorex, Amcrest, or generic Chinese models—you’ll discover practical techniques that work across most devices. We’ll cover everything from checking the camera directly to using your router or third-party apps. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to retrieve your camera’s UID with confidence.

Understanding What a UID Is

Before diving into methods, let’s clarify what a UID (Unique Identifier) actually is. Unlike a MAC address (which is tied to the hardware), the UID is often a software-based serial number used by the camera’s operating system or manufacturer’s firmware to uniquely identify the device. It appears in logs, during login prompts, or when registering the camera with a central NVR (Network Video Recorder) or VMS (Video Management System).

How to Find Uid of Ip Camera

Visual guide about How to Find Uid of Ip Camera

Image source: iikai5.com

For example, when you log into your camera’s web interface, you might see a field labeled “Device ID,” “Serial Number,” or simply “UID.” This value is critical if you’re integrating multiple cameras into a larger system or contacting technical support.

It’s important not to confuse UID with MAC address—while both are identifiers, the UID is usually found within the camera’s settings menu, whereas the MAC address is typically printed on the device label or accessible via network tools.

Method 1: Check the Camera’s Web Interface

The most direct way to find the UID is by accessing your IP camera’s built-in web server. Almost all modern IP cameras allow users to view detailed information through a browser.

Step 1: Connect to the Same Network

Ensure your computer or smartphone is connected to the same local area network (LAN) as the IP camera. This could be your home Wi-Fi or office Ethernet connection.

Step 2: Determine the Camera’s IP Address

If you don’t already know the camera’s IP address, use one of these tools:

  • Router admin page: Log in to your router (usually at 192.168.1.1) and check the list of connected devices under “DHCP Clients” or “Attached Devices.”
  • Firmware discovery tool: Use software like IP Camera Finder (for Axis cameras) or ONVIF Device Manager to auto-detect cameras on the network.
  • Ping sweep: Run a command like `arp -a` in Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) to list active devices.

Step 3: Open the Camera in a Browser

Type the camera’s IP address into your web browser’s address bar (e.g., http://192.168.0.100). You’ll be prompted to enter the username and password—default credentials are often admin/admin or admin/password. If unsure, consult the manual or sticker on the camera.

Step 4: Locate the UID or Serial Number

Once logged in, look for sections like:

  • Setup > Device Info
  • Configuration > System > Status
  • Maintenance > Information

In these menus, you’ll typically find fields labeled “Device ID,” “Serial Number,” or “UID.” Copy this value for future reference.

Pro Tip: Some brands encrypt or mask part of the UID for security. If the full UID isn’t visible, try exporting the settings or taking a screenshot.

Method 2: Use the Manufacturer’s Mobile App

If your IP camera supports cloud services or has a dedicated app (like Hik-Connect, Dahua DMSS, or Amcrest View Pro), you can often find the UID directly in the app.

Step 1: Install the Official App

Download and install the correct app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store based on your camera brand.

Step 2: Add the Camera

Follow the app’s setup wizard to add your camera. It will scan the network and attempt to connect using default or saved credentials.

Step 3: Access Device Settings

After adding the camera, go to its settings (usually via a gear icon). Look for options like:

  • Device Information
  • About This Device
  • Camera Details

The UID or serial number should be listed here. On some apps, it’s only visible after logging in with administrator privileges.

This method is especially useful for users who prefer managing cameras remotely or don’t have constant access to a computer.

Method 3: Scan the Network with Specialized Tools

Network scanning utilities can reveal hidden devices and extract metadata—including UIDs—from IP cameras without needing physical access.

Recommended Tools:

  • ONVIF Device Manager (ODM): Free tool that discovers ONVIF-compliant cameras and displays their serial numbers (often the UID).
  • Angry IP Scanner: Lightweight scanner that shows open ports and device info.
  • Fing (Mobile or Desktop): User-friendly network analyzer available for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.
  • Nmap: Advanced command-line tool for power users.

How to Use ONVIF Device Manager:

  1. Download and run ONVIF Device Manager from the official website.
  2. Click “Add Device” and enter the camera’s IP address.
  3. Enter login credentials if prompted.
  4. Once connected, expand the device tree and look under “Device Information” for the Serial Number—this is your UID.

Note: Not all cameras support ONVIF, but many modern ones do. If ODM fails, try other methods.

Method 4: Check Your Router’s Connected Devices List

Your router maintains a list of all devices currently drawing IP addresses via DHCP. While this won’t always show the UID, it can help confirm the camera’s presence and sometimes reveals additional details.

Steps:

  1. Open a web browser and go to your router’s admin page (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
  2. Log in with your admin credentials.
  3. Navigate to Attached Devices, DHCP Clients Table, or LAN Setup.
  4. Look for entries matching your camera’s name or MAC address (found on the device label).

Some routers (like those from Netgear, TP-Link, or ASUS) also allow you to click on a device to see more info, including custom names—but rarely the UID itself. Still, confirming the IP address is a helpful first step before accessing the camera’s interface.

Method 5: Inspect the Physical Label on the Camera

Many IP cameras have a small sticker or engraved text on the back or bottom containing key identifiers. While this usually includes the MAC address and model number, some manufacturers print the serial number (UID) here as well.

What to Look For:

  • SN: followed by a string of letters/numbers
  • Serial Number: identical to the UID in many cases
  • UID: explicitly labeled (less common)

Example: “SN: AC2B3C4D5E6F” — this is likely your UID.

Caution: Don’t mistake this for the MAC address, which usually starts with “00:1A:2B…” and is formatted differently.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with clear instructions, you might run into roadblocks. Here’s how to resolve them.

Problem: Can’t Access Camera Web Interface

Solutions:

  • Verify the IP address is correct (try pinging it: ping 192.168.0.100).
  • Check firewall settings on your computer.
  • Ensure the camera and computer are on the same subnet (e.g., both use .1.x vs .10.x).
  • Reset the camera to factory defaults if locked out.

Problem: UID Field Is Blank or Masked

Solutions:

  • Update the camera’s firmware—older versions may hide sensitive data.
  • Contact the manufacturer with your model number—they can provide the UID if it’s obscured for privacy.
  • Export the configuration file; sometimes the UID is stored there even if not displayed.

Problem: Multiple Cameras with Similar Names

Solutions:

  • Rename each camera in its settings menu to something unique (e.g., “Front Door Cam”).
  • Use MAC addresses temporarily to differentiate them during setup.

Why Knowing the UID Matters

While it might seem like just another piece of tech jargon, the UID plays several important roles:

  • Remote Access: Required when configuring port forwarding or linking to cloud services.
  • Integration with NVR/VMS: Systems like Blue Iris, Milestone, or Synology Surveillance Station use UID to manage multiple cameras.
  • Firmware Updates: Some manufacturers require UID for authorized downloads.
  • Support Requests: Customer service reps ask for UID to diagnose issues faster.

Without the UID, you risk misconfiguring systems or being unable to recover lost access later.

Best Practices for Managing Camera UIDs

To avoid confusion down the line:

  • Keep a spreadsheet listing each camera’s UID, IP, location, and login credentials.
  • Label physical cameras with QR codes linked to their settings page.
  • Update firmware regularly—new versions often improve UID visibility and security.
  • Use strong passwords—especially since UID knowledge can aid brute-force attacks.

Conclusion

Finding the UID of your IP camera doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach—whether through the camera’s web interface, a trusted mobile app, or network scanning tools—you can quickly retrieve this vital identifier. Remember, the UID is your key to seamless integration, troubleshooting, and long-term management of your surveillance system.

Start today by trying Method 1: access your camera’s settings via browser. Once you’ve located your UID, store it safely. That simple step will save time and frustration whenever you need to reconfigure or upgrade your setup.