How to Change CCTV Camera IP Address

If your CCTV camera suddenly goes offline after a router replacement, fails to connect to your NVR, or won’t show up in your mobile app, the culprit is often a mismatched IP address. Changing the IP address of a CCTV camera is a fundamental networking task that restores communication between your surveillance devices and network. Whether you’re installing a new camera, replacing your router, or troubleshooting connectivity issues, understanding how to reconfigure IP settings ensures your system stays online and accessible. This guide walks you through every method—using manufacturer tools, NVR menus, web interfaces, and factory resets—so you can confidently manage your camera’s network identity. You’ll also learn how to prevent IP conflicts, adapt to network changes, and maintain long-term system stability.

Use Manufacturer Configuration Tool

The fastest and most reliable way to change a CCTV camera’s IP is using a brand-specific configuration utility that scans and reconfigures devices on your network.

Scan and Detect with Config Software

Download the correct tool based on your camera brand:
– Hikvision: iVMS-4200
– Dahua: DSS or ConfigTool
– Viewtron / Generic ONVIF: Montavue IPConfig or CCTV Camera Pros Tool
– Security Cameras Inc (SCI): SCI Config Tool

Ensure your computer is connected to the same network as the camera—via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Install and launch the software, allowing it through your firewall if prompted. Click Search or Refresh to scan the network. The tool will display all detectable cameras, showing model, MAC address, current IP, and firmware version.

Pro Tip: If your camera doesn’t appear, expand the scan range in settings (e.g., 192.168.1.1–254) or try a different subnet like 192.168.0.x.

Assign Static IP via Software

Select the target camera and click Edit (often a pencil icon). Switch the IP mode from DHCP to Static IP. Enter the following:
– IP Address: Choose an available address in your network (e.g., 192.168.1.150)
– Subnet Mask: Almost always 255.255.255.0
– Gateway: Your router’s IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
– DNS: Use your gateway or a public DNS like 8.8.8.8

Enter the camera’s admin password—common defaults are admin / 123456, but this may match your NVR password. Click OK. Wait for confirmation that the change was successful. The camera will reboot and reconnect with its new IP.

Warning: Always test IP availability first. Open Command Prompt and type ping 192.168.1.150. If you get replies, that address is already in use—choose another.

Change IP Through NVR Interface

When your camera is already added to your NVR, updating its IP directly through the recorder is efficient and avoids external tools.

Access Camera List on NVR

Connect a monitor to your NVR via HDMI. Power on and log in using your admin credentials (check the label on the device if unsure). Navigate to:
– Main Menu > Camera > Camera List

Click Device Search or Refresh. The NVR will scan the network and list all connected cameras.

Modify Camera IP Settings

Locate the camera in the list and click Edit or Modify. Change the IP assignment from DHCP to Static. Update:
– IP Address: e.g., 192.168.1.115
– Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
– Gateway: 192.168.1.1

Enter the camera’s password—this is typically the same as your NVR admin password. Save the changes. The camera will disconnect briefly and reboot. Once it reconnects, verify the live feed appears.

Expert Note: If you’re unsure which IP is safe to use, temporarily set the camera to DHCP, note the assigned address, then switch it to static with the same IP to lock it in.

Access via Web Browser

If you know the camera’s current IP, direct access through a web browser gives full control over network settings.

Log Into Camera Web Interface

Open Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Type the camera’s IP into the address bar:
http://192.168.1.64

Log in using default credentials:
– Username: admin
– Password: 123456 (common for Dahua, Viewtron, Hikvision)

If login fails, consult the manual or manufacturer’s website for model-specific defaults.

Note: Older cameras may require Internet Explorer due to ActiveX plugins for video preview.

Update Network Settings

Navigate to:
– Configuration > Network > TCP/IP

Uncheck Obtain IP automatically (DHCP). Select Use the following IP address. Enter:
– IP Address: New address in your network range
– Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
– Default Gateway: Router IP
– DNS: 8.8.8.8 or router IP

Click Save. The camera will disconnect. Reopen your browser and access it using the new IP.

Caution: After saving, your browser may show “page not found”—this is normal. Simply re-enter the updated IP to reconnect.

Factory Reset and Reconfigure

When a camera is unreachable and its IP is unknown, a factory reset restores default settings so you can start over.

Perform Hard Reset

Locate the reset button—a small pinhole on the camera body. With power connected:
1. Press and hold for 10–15 seconds
2. Watch for LED flashes (often red/green blinking)
3. Release when the reset completes

The camera reboots with factory defaults:
– IP: Often 192.168.1.64, 192.168.0.100, or 10.1.1.100
– Username: admin
– Password: 123456, blank, or model-specific

Warning: All custom settings—motion detection, recording schedules, time zones—are erased.

Reassign IP After Reset

Use a config tool or web browser to find the camera. Assign a new static IP matching your network. Re-add it to your NVR if necessary.

Pro Tip: Label each camera after setup to avoid confusion in multi-camera systems.

Use Router DHCP Reservation (Alternative)

Instead of changing the camera’s firmware, reserve its IP at the router level—ideal for preventing IP drift without manual configuration.

Reserve IP in Router Settings

Access your router at:
– http://192.168.1.1 (TP-Link, Netgear)
– http://192.168.0.1 (some ISPs)

Find the camera in the client list by hostname or MAC address. Assign a reserved IP (e.g., 192.168.1.150). Save.

Now, the router always assigns the same IP to that camera—even if it uses DHCP.

Benefit: No changes to camera firmware. Works seamlessly across reboots and power cycles.

Fix Router Change Issues

After replacing a router, cameras with old static IPs (e.g., 192.168.1.200) become unreachable if the new network uses 192.168.3.x.

Temporarily Set PC to Old Subnet

To regain access:
1. Manually set your PC’s IP to 192.168.1.123
2. Subnet: 255.255.255.0
3. Gateway: 192.168.1.1

Now you can reach cameras still on 192.168.1.x.

Update Camera to New Network

Open a browser and go to the camera’s old IP (e.g., 192.168.1.200). Log in. Change:
– IP: 192.168.3.200
– Gateway: 192.168.3.1
– Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

Save and reboot. Restore your PC to automatic (DHCP) IP assignment.

Shortcut: Run arp -a in Command Prompt after setting your PC to the old subnet. It may reveal connected devices and their IPs.

Handle NVR-Connected Cameras

Many NVRs use internal PoE switches that assign cameras private IPs like 10.1.1.2, 10.1.1.3.

Understand Internal NVR Networking

Cameras connected to NVR PoE ports:
– Use subnet like 10.1.1.x
– Are not on the main LAN
– Communicate only with the NVR

Important: You do not need to change these IPs unless moving cameras to a router or switch.

The NVR itself must be on the LAN (e.g., 192.168.1.100) for remote viewing.

When to Change NVR Camera IPs

Only change 10.x.x.x IPs if:
– You’re removing cameras from NVR PoE ports
– You’re connecting them directly to a router/switch
– You’re integrating with a third-party VMS

Otherwise, leave as-is—this setup is normal and functional.

Troubleshoot Offline Cameras

If a camera goes offline after an IP change, most issues are quick to fix.

Check for IP Conflict

Two devices sharing the same IP causes disconnection.

Test:
Open Command Prompt → ping 192.168.1.150
If you get replies but the camera is unreachable, another device is using that IP.

Fix: Choose a different IP (e.g., 192.168.1.151) and reassign.

Verify Subnet and Gateway

Mismatched subnet or wrong gateway blocks communication.

Ensure:
– Subnet mask is 255.255.255.0
– Gateway matches your router’s IP
– IP is in the correct range (e.g., 192.168.1.x)

Confirm Password Accuracy

Entering the wrong password during IP change locks access.

Try default credentials or reset the camera.

Use Network Scanner

Tools like Fing, Advanced IP Scanner, or Angry IP Scanner detect live devices.

Run a scan after IP change. If the camera appears with a different IP, it defaulted back to DHCP.

Follow IP Management Best Practices

Avoid future issues with smart network planning.

Assign IPs in Dedicated Range

Reserve a block for cameras only:
– Cameras: 192.168.1.100–199
– Other devices: .2–99

Avoid .1 (router), .255 (broadcast), and .100 if used by NVR.

Document All Camera Details

Keep a log:
– Location: Front door, garage, backyard
– Model: Hikvision DS-2CD2043G0-I
– IP Address: 192.168.1.150
– MAC Address: A4:5E:60:AB:CD:EF
– Password: MyCam!2024

Store securely—never on a sticky note.

Disable Default Credentials

Change admin / 123456 immediately. Use strong passwords.

Security Risk: Default logins make cameras vulnerable to hacking.

Update Firmware Cautiously

Only update firmware if:
– It fixes a known bug
– Manufacturer recommends it
– You’ve verified model compatibility

Avoid updates “just because”—they can brick cameras with mismatched chipsets.

Isolate Surveillance Network (Optional)

Use a VLAN or separate switch to:
– Prevent bandwidth competition
– Improve security
– Reduce risk of network interference

Complete Final Setup Steps

After changing an IP, finish strong.

Remove Old Camera from NVR

Go to Camera List. Delete the old entry using the previous IP.

Re-Add with New IP

Run Device Search again. The camera should appear. If not, manually add:
– IP: New address
– Port: Usually 80, 8000, or 8080
– Username: admin
– Password: Current password

Verify Live Feed

Check all channels. Ensure video is stable and motion detection works.

Test Remote Access

Open your mobile app:
– DMSS (Dahua)
– iVMS-4200 (Hikvision)
– Manufacturer-specific app

Note: DMSS alerts may be delayed—this is normal and not necessarily related to IP settings.

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