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The default IP address for Hikvision PoE cameras is typically 192.168.1.64, allowing seamless integration into most local networks for initial setup and discovery. Using Hikvision’s SADP (Search Active Devices Protocol) tool simplifies finding and configuring the camera’s IP, even if it’s on a different subnet—ensuring quick, hassle-free deployment.
Key Takeaways
- Default IP is 192.168.1.64 for most Hikvision PoE cameras—verify via SADP tool.
- Use SADP software to discover and reset IPs on your network efficiently.
- Assign static IPs to avoid conflicts and ensure stable camera connections.
- Check subnet masks to ensure cameras and NVRs are on the same network.
- Factory reset if IP is unknown—press reset button for 10+ seconds.
- Enable DHCP cautiously—risks IP changes disrupting camera accessibility.
📑 Table of Contents
- Understanding Hikvision PoE Cameras and the Importance of IP Addresses
- Default IP Address Settings for Hikvision PoE Cameras
- How to Find and Assign an IP Address to Your Hikvision PoE Camera
- Best Practices for IP Address Management in Hikvision Systems
- Common IP Address Issues and How to Fix Them
- Advanced Tips: Optimizing IP Configuration for Performance and Security
- Conclusion: Mastering IP Addresses for Hikvision PoE Cameras
Understanding Hikvision PoE Cameras and the Importance of IP Addresses
When it comes to modern surveillance systems, Hikvision stands as a global leader in providing reliable, scalable, and feature-rich security solutions. Among their most popular offerings are Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras, which combine video transmission and power delivery through a single Ethernet cable. This simplifies installation, reduces clutter, and enhances system reliability. But behind the sleek design and advanced features of a Hikvision PoE camera lies a critical technical component: the IP address.
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is the digital fingerprint that allows each camera to communicate across a network. Whether you’re setting up a single camera in a small retail shop or deploying dozens in a large corporate campus, understanding what IP address to use for your Hikvision PoE camera is essential. Without the correct IP configuration, your camera may not be discoverable, might conflict with other devices, or fail to stream video to your NVR or mobile app. This guide dives deep into the world of IP addressing for Hikvision PoE cameras—covering default settings, configuration methods, troubleshooting, and best practices to ensure seamless integration into any network environment.
Default IP Address Settings for Hikvision PoE Cameras
What Is the Default IP Address?
Most Hikvision PoE cameras come pre-configured with a default IP address of 192.168.1.64. This address is assigned at the factory and is used during the initial setup phase. It’s designed to work in a standard local area network (LAN) with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, which means the network can support up to 254 devices (from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.254).
For example, if you plug in a new Hikvision DS-2CD2143G0-I (a popular 4MP dome PoE camera), it will automatically try to connect to the network using 192.168.1.64. This allows you to discover and access the camera using Hikvision’s SADP (Search Active Devices Protocol) tool or the iVMS-4200 software.
Why Use a Default IP Address?
The default IP serves as a universal entry point for technicians and installers. It ensures that even if you’re unfamiliar with the device, you can still locate and configure it using standard discovery tools. However, this default setting is temporary—once the camera joins a live network, it should be reconfigured to avoid IP conflicts and align with your network’s structure.
Important Notes on Default Behavior
- DHCP vs. Static: By default, many Hikvision PoE cameras are set to use DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) if available. This means they will request an IP from your router if the network has a DHCP server. However, if no DHCP server is present (e.g., direct connection to a PoE switch), the camera falls back to the static IP 192.168.1.64.
- Subnet Matching: Your computer must be on the same subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x) to communicate with the camera using the default IP. If your PC is on 192.168.0.x, you won’t be able to discover the camera without adjusting your network settings temporarily.
- Multiple Cameras: If you connect multiple Hikvision cameras with default settings to the same network, they will all attempt to use 192.168.1.64—resulting in an IP conflict. This is why IP address management is critical during deployment.
Practical Tip: Pre-Configuration Before Deployment
To avoid conflicts during large installations, use Hikvision’s SADP tool to pre-configure IP addresses before connecting all cameras. Connect one camera at a time to your network, assign a unique IP (e.g., 192.168.1.101, 102, 103), and then proceed to the next. This method ensures each device has a unique identity before full-scale deployment.
How to Find and Assign an IP Address to Your Hikvision PoE Camera
Using Hikvision SADP Tool (Recommended Method)
The SADP (Search Active Devices Protocol) tool is Hikvision’s official utility for discovering, configuring, and managing IP cameras on the network. It’s free, lightweight, and compatible with Windows and Linux systems.
- Download and install the SADP Tool from the official Hikvision website.
- Connect your Hikvision PoE camera to the network via a PoE switch or injector.
- Ensure your computer is on the same subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x).
- Launch SADP. It will automatically scan the network and display all Hikvision devices.
- Locate your camera (identified by its MAC address or model number).
- Click on the device and click Modify to change the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and HTTP port.
- Enter a new static IP (e.g., 192.168.1.105) and click Save.
- Wait a few seconds for the camera to reboot with the new IP.
Example: You’re setting up a 5-camera system in a warehouse. Using SADP, you assign IPs as follows: 192.168.1.101 (entrance), 192.168.1.102 (loading dock), 192.168.1.103 (office), 192.168.1.104 (parking), 192.168.1.105 (server room). This makes identification and troubleshooting much easier.
Using Hik-Connect or iVMS-4200 Software
For users managing larger systems, iVMS-4200 or the Hik-Connect mobile app can also discover and configure cameras.
- In iVMS-4200: Go to Device Management > Add Device. The software will scan the network and list all Hikvision devices. Select your camera and modify its IP settings directly from the interface.
- In Hik-Connect: While primarily used for remote viewing, it can also detect local cameras. However, IP configuration still requires SADP or web access.
Accessing the Camera’s Web Interface
Once you know the IP address (default or assigned), open a web browser and enter:
http://192.168.1.64 (or your custom IP)
Log in using the default credentials (usually admin / 12345 or a custom password set during setup). Navigate to:
Configuration > Network > Basic Settings > TCP/IP
Here, you can:
- Change the IP address
- Set a static IP or enable DHCP
- Configure subnet mask and gateway
- Set the preferred DNS server
Tip: After changing the IP, the camera will reboot. Make sure to update your NVR or viewing software with the new address.
Troubleshooting IP Discovery Issues
- Camera not showing in SADP? Ensure your computer and camera are on the same subnet. Temporarily change your PC’s IP to 192.168.1.100 with a 255.255.255.0 mask.
- Firewall blocking SADP? Disable Windows Firewall temporarily or add SADP.exe as an exception.
- Multiple VLANs? SADP works best on the same VLAN. Use a Layer 3 switch or router to bridge subnets if necessary.
Best Practices for IP Address Management in Hikvision Systems
Plan Your IP Addressing Scheme
Before installing any cameras, create an IP address plan. This prevents conflicts, simplifies troubleshooting, and supports future expansion. A well-structured scheme might look like:
| IP Range | Device Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 192.168.1.1 – 192.168.1.10 | Network Infrastructure | Router, switches, access points |
| 192.168.1.11 – 192.168.1.50 | Hikvision NVRs | Recording and management |
| 192.168.1.51 – 192.168.1.150 | PoE Cameras | Indoor, outdoor, PTZ, etc. |
| 192.168.1.151 – 192.168.1.200 | Access Control Devices | Doors, intercoms |
| 192.168.1.201 – 192.168.1.254 | Workstations & Admin Devices | Security desks, laptops |
This plan ensures no overlap and makes it easy to identify devices by IP alone. For example, any camera with an IP between 100 and 150 is a surveillance camera.
Use Static IPs for Critical Devices
While DHCP is convenient, static IP addresses are recommended for:
- Cameras
- NVRs
- Access control panels
Why? Because DHCP can reassign IPs after reboots or network changes, leading to “lost” devices in your NVR or mobile app. Static IPs provide consistency and reliability.
Document Your Configuration
Maintain a network inventory spreadsheet with the following details:
- Camera model
- MAC address
- Assigned IP address
- Physical location
- Username and password (securely stored)
- Firmware version
This becomes invaluable during audits, upgrades, or troubleshooting.
Use VLANs for Large Networks
In enterprise environments, consider placing all surveillance devices on a dedicated VLAN (Virtual LAN). This:
- Improves network performance by isolating video traffic
- Enhances security by preventing access from general users
- Simplifies QoS (Quality of Service) prioritization for video streams
For example, assign the 192.168.10.x range to the surveillance VLAN and use a router to route traffic to the NVR on the main network.
Common IP Address Issues and How to Fix Them
IP Address Conflict
An IP conflict occurs when two devices on the same network have the same IP. Symptoms include:
- Camera not accessible
- Intermittent video loss
- Network slowdowns
Solution: Use SADP to scan the network. If two devices show the same IP, reassign one. Alternatively, use a network scanner like Angry IP Scanner to detect conflicts.
Camera Not Reachable After IP Change
If you changed the IP but can no longer access the camera:
- Verify the new IP is correct and on the same subnet as your computer.
- Check if the camera rebooted successfully.
- Try pinging the new IP from Command Prompt:
ping 192.168.1.105 - If no response, reset the camera to factory defaults (using the reset button or SADP) and reconfigure.
Gateway and Subnet Mask Misconfiguration
Incorrect gateway or subnet mask prevents the camera from communicating with the NVR or accessing the internet for cloud services (e.g., Hik-Connect).
Example: If your gateway is 192.168.1.1 but the camera’s gateway is set to 192.168.0.1, it won’t route traffic properly.
Fix: Ensure:
- Subnet mask = 255.255.255.0 (for /24 networks)
- Gateway = IP of your router or core switch
- DNS = 8.8.8.8 (Google) or your ISP’s DNS
Firewall and Port Blocking
Even with the correct IP, firewalls may block access. Hikvision cameras use several ports:
- 80 – HTTP web interface
- 443 – HTTPS (secure web)
- 554 – RTSP (video streaming)
- 8000 – SDK service (for NVR communication)
- 9000 – ONVIF (if enabled)
Tip: If remote access fails, check if these ports are open on your router and firewall. For local access, ensure your PC’s firewall isn’t blocking the camera’s IP.
Advanced Tips: Optimizing IP Configuration for Performance and Security
Enable HTTPS and Disable HTTP
For security, always access your Hikvision camera via HTTPS (port 443) instead of HTTP. To do this:
- Log in to the web interface.
- Go to Configuration > Network > Advanced Settings > Security.
- Enable HTTPS and disable HTTP (or change HTTP port to a non-standard one like 8080).
This prevents unencrypted access and protects login credentials.
Use a Dedicated Subnet for Cameras
Instead of mixing cameras with general network devices, assign them to a separate subnet:
- Cameras: 192.168.20.x/24
- NVR: 192.168.20.10
- Gateway: 192.168.20.1
This improves bandwidth management and allows firewall rules to restrict camera access to authorized users only.
Implement MAC Address Filtering (Optional)
For high-security environments, enable MAC address filtering on your PoE switch. Only allow known camera MAC addresses to connect. This prevents unauthorized devices from joining the surveillance network.
Regularly Audit IP Addresses
Use network scanning tools (e.g., Advanced IP Scanner, Nmap) every few months to:
- Detect rogue devices
- Verify IP assignments
- Update your documentation
Automated scripts can even email you reports of IP changes.
Firmware Updates and IP Persistence
When updating firmware, Hikvision cameras usually retain their IP settings. However, a factory reset (often required during major updates) will revert to the default IP (192.168.1.64). Always note the current IP before updating.
Conclusion: Mastering IP Addresses for Hikvision PoE Cameras
Understanding what IP address to use for your Hikvision PoE camera is more than a technical detail—it’s the foundation of a reliable, scalable, and secure surveillance system. From the default 192.168.1.64 to custom static assignments, proper IP management ensures your cameras communicate seamlessly with NVRs, mobile apps, and remote users.
By following best practices—such as creating an IP addressing plan, using SADP for configuration, avoiding DHCP for critical devices, and securing network access—you can prevent common issues like IP conflicts, unreachable cameras, and security breaches. Whether you’re managing a single camera or a hundred, attention to IP details pays off in performance, uptime, and peace of mind.
Remember: a well-configured IP address isn’t just a number—it’s the digital key that unlocks your camera’s full potential. Take the time to plan, document, and optimize your network setup, and your Hikvision PoE cameras will deliver crystal-clear video, 24/7, with minimal headaches. In the world of surveillance, precision in IP addressing is the first step toward perfect security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IP address should I use for my Hikvision PoE camera?
Most Hikvision PoE cameras default to 192.168.1.64 out of the box. Ensure your router or network matches this subnet to establish initial communication.
How do I find the IP address of my Hikvision PoE camera on the network?
Use Hikvision’s SADP (Search Active Devices Protocol) tool or the iVMS-4200 software to scan your network. These tools automatically detect connected Hikvision devices and display their IP addresses, including those for PoE cameras.
Can I change the IP address of my Hikvision PoE camera?
Yes, you can modify the IP address via the SADP tool, web interface, or Hik-Connect app. Always assign a static IP or DHCP reservation to avoid conflicts in larger networks.
Why can’t I connect to my Hikvision PoE camera’s default IP address?
This often occurs due to subnet mismatches or firewall restrictions. Verify your computer’s IP is in the same range (e.g., 192.168.1.x) and temporarily disable firewalls to troubleshoot.
Does Hikvision use the same default IP address for all PoE cameras?
While 192.168.1.64 is the most common default, some models or firmware versions may differ. Always check the product manual or label for model-specific details.
How do I reset the IP address on my Hikvision PoE camera?
Press and hold the reset button (if available) for 20+ seconds to restore factory settings, including the default IP. Alternatively, use the SADP tool to reset it remotely if accessible.