Where to find the SSID and Wi-Fi password to connect a camera to a smartphone: 5 proven methods

You've bought a new IP camera for video surveillance or a baby monitor with Wi-Fi support, but you can't connect it to your smartphone because you don't know where to get it. Network SSID And password? This problem is familiar to many people - especially if the camera is of a brand Xiaomi, TP-Link Tapo, Dahua or Ezviz, which require mandatory linking to a mobile app. In 90% of cases, the connection details are hidden in unobvious places, and manufacturers don't always explain how to find them.

In this article we will look at all possible sources. Wi-Fi SSID and password — from the standard (a sticker on the router) to the more exotic (hidden camera networks, QR codes in the manual). You'll learn how to access the network even if you've lost your router data, how to reset the camera to factory settings, and why your smartphone sometimes doesn't see the camera's SSID. And also— Why do some cameras create their own access point with a unique SSID in the format "CAM-XXXX," and how to connect to it without a password?.

1. What is a camera's SSID and Wi-Fi password—and why are they hard to find?

Before you look for connection data, it's important to understand what exactly your camera requires. SSID (Service Set Identifier) - This is the unique wireless network name that your camera will search for to connect to. Password (or security key) confirms the right to connect to this network. But there's a catch:

  • 📡 A regular router: SSID and password are the details of your home network (eg. KEENETIC-123 with a password 12345678). They can be found on the router's sticker or in its web interface.
  • 📱 Mobile hotspot: SSID is the name of your smartphone's access point (e.g. iPhone_Pro), and you set the password yourself when you activate it.
  • 🎥 Own camera network: Some models (eg Xiaomi Mi Home Camera 360° or TP-Link Tapo C200) create a temporary network with an SSID of the type CAM-XXXX or EZVIZ_XXXXThe password for her is often absent or specified in the instructions.

The difficulties begin when the camera requires connection to specific network, but does not specify which one. For example, the instructions for Ezviz C6N It might say, "Connect the camera to a 2.4 GHz network," but not say that the SSID must contain only Latin characters (Cyrillic is not supported!). Or the camera Dahua may ignore encrypted networks WPA3, demanding WPA2-PSK.

📊 Which camera are you trying to connect?
Xiaomi/Ezviz/TP-Link
Dahua/Hikvision
Reolink/Uniview
Another one (write in the comments)

2. Method 1: Where to look for a sticker on the router or camera box

The most obvious, but often overlooked, source is physical stickers. Manufacturers use them to indicate factory SSID and password by default. Where to find them:

  • 🔍 On the router: Usually a sticker on the bottom or back panel. Look for the margins SSID/Network Name And Password/KeyExample for . Keenetic: 
    Network Name (SSID): KEENETIC-1234

    Password: 1234567890

  • 📦 On the camera box: Rarely, but it is found in brands Ezviz or ReolinkLook for the QR code with connection information.
  • 📄 In the warranty card: Sometimes the SSID and password are printed on the back of the coupon (relevant for Hikvision).

⚠️ Attention: If you changed the router password via the web interface (for example, 192.168.1.1), the information on the sticker is out of date! In this case, the SSID may have remained the same, but the password has not. To find the current password, you'll need to access the router settings or reset it to factory defaults (see Section 5).

☑️ Check the stickers before connecting

Completed: 0 / 4
Router brand Where to find the SSID/password Example format
TP-Link Sticker at the bottom, field Wireless Network Name TP-LINK_1A2B, password: 8 digits
Keenetic Sticker on the side, Network name KEENETIC-XXXX, password: 10 characters
ASUS Sticker on the bottom, SSID And Key ASUS_XX_5G, password: mixed characters
Xiaomi Sticker under the lid, QR code No name (hidden SSID), password: 8 digits

3. Method 2: Router web interface – how to find out current Wi-Fi settings

If the information on the sticker is outdated or you've changed it, there's only one reliable way to find it: access your router settings. To do this:

  1. Connect your computer or smartphone to the router via cable or Wi-Fi (even if you don't know the password, an Ethernet connection works without authorization).
  2. Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. Standard options: 
    192.168.1.1

    192.168.0.1
    

    192.168.8.1 (for Xiaomi)
    

    10.0.0.1 (for some Apple)

  3. Enter your username and password to log in. By default, this is often admin/admin or admin/empty. For Keenetic login can be user.
  4. Go to the wireless network section. Here are the paths for popular brands:
    • TP-Link: Basic → Wireless
    • ASUS: Wireless Network → General
    • Keenetic: Wi-Fi → Hotspot

In the settings you will see the current SSID (field Network name or Network Name) And password (field Password, Key or Passphrase). If the password is displayed as asterisks, look for the "Show symbols" option (the little eye next to the field).

4. Method 3: Mobile hotspot - how to connect a camera to a phone directly

Many cameras (eg. TP-Link Tapo C210 or Xiaomi Mi Home Camera 2K) support connection to smartphone access pointThis is convenient if you don't have a router or the camera is intended for remote use (for example, while traveling). How to set it up:

  1. On Android: open Settings → Wireless & networks → Hotspot. Ask network name (SSID) without Cyrillic (for example, CameraHotspot) And password (minimum 8 characters).
  2. On iPhone: Settings → TetheringEnable "Allow others" and set a password.
  3. Connect the camera to this network through its application (for example, Tapo or Mi Home).

    4. ⚠️ Attention: Some cameras (eg. Ezviz) do not support connection to hotspots with WPA3 - you will have to select it manually in your phone settings WPA2-PSKAlso, cameras often only work with networks 2.4 GHz, and modern smartphones create a hotspot by default 5 GHzTo change the frequency:

    • 📱 Android: In the access point settings, select AP Band → 2.4 GHz.
    • 🍎 iPhone: The frequency cannot be changed - if the camera does not connect, use a router.
    Why can't the camera see the phone's hotspot?

    The problem is most likely a frequency issue: cameras typically only support 2.4 GHz, while smartphones default to 5 GHz. Also, check if the hotspot's SSID is hidden (on Android, you can make it visible in the advanced settings).

    5. Method 4: Resetting the camera to factory settings - when it is necessary

    If the camera was previously connected to a different network and hasn't forgotten the old settings, it may ignore your SSID. In this case, hard resetHow to make it:

    • 🔄 Reset button: On most cameras (eg. Dahua or Hikvision) There's a small reset button. Hold it down for 10-30 seconds (check the instructions for the exact time) until the indicator light flashes.
    • 📱 Via the app: IN Mi Home or Tapo Go to camera settings and select "Reset settings".
    • 🔌 Power outage: Some cameras (eg. Reolink RLC-510A) are reset after 3-5 on/off cycles while holding the reset button.

    After reset the camera:

    • Create your own network with an SSID of the type CAM-XXXX or EZVIZ_XXXX (a password is usually not required or is specified in the instructions).
    • It will start flashing yellow/blue - this is a signal that it is ready for a new setup.
    • Will require reconnection via the app (you will have to go through the device addition process again).

    ⚠️ Attention: Resetting the camera deletes all previous settings, including recorded videos (if they were stored on the camera's memory card). Before resetting, remove the microSD card if it contains important data.

    6. Method 5: Hidden networks and QR codes - non-obvious sources of SSID

    Some cameras (especially models Xiaomi And Ezviz) are used hidden networks or QR codes For a simplified connection. Here's what to do if standard methods don't work:

    • 🔍 Hidden SSIDThe camera may be searching for a network that isn't listed as available on your smartphone. To connect:
      1. In your phone's Wi-Fi settings, select "Add network manually."
      2. Enter the SSID (eg. XIAOMI_CAM) and password (see instructions).
      3. Save and connect.
    • 📷 QR code: Your camera may come with a sticker or card with a QR code. Scan it using your camera app (e.g. Mi Home), and the connection data will be downloaded automatically.
    • 📡 AP (Access Point) mode: The camera creates its own network (for example, TAPO-CAM-1234). Connect to it from your smartphone, then enter your primary Wi-Fi details in the app.

Example for Xiaomi Mi Home Camera 360°:

  1. The camera turns on and flashes yellow.
  2. On your phone, connect to the network XIAOMI_CAM_vXXXX (without password).
  3. In the appendix Mi Home select “Add device” → “Camera” → “Connect via Wi-Fi”.
  4. The app will automatically find the camera and prompt you to enter the password for your home network.

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even if you entered the SSID and password correctly, the camera may fail to connect. Here are common causes and solutions:

Problem Cause Solution
The camera doesn't see the network. The SSID contains Cyrillic or special characters Rename the network in the router to Latin (for example, MyCameraWiFi)
The connection is interrupted Incompatible encryption (eg. WPA3) In the router, select WPA2-PSK or mixed mode WPA2/WPA3
The application gives an error The camera is connected to 5 GHz, but the app is searching for 2.4 GHz. In the router, enable separate operation of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (disable Smart Connect)
The QR code cannot be read. Too bright lighting or a dirty phone camera Scan the code in normal lighting or enter the SSID manually

⚠️ Attention: If your router supports 802.11r (Fast Roaming), disable this feature—it interferes with the connection of many IP cameras. You can find it in the advanced Wi-Fi settings (section Roaming or 802.11r).

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect a camera to Wi-Fi without a password?

Yes, but only if:

  • The camera creates its own network (for example, CAM-XXXX) without a password.
  • Your router is configured to open network (not recommended for safety reasons).
  • You are using WPS (press the WPS button on the router, then on the camera).

Most modern cameras require a password to connect to the main network.

The camera connects to Wi-Fi, but the image isn't transferred to the app. What should I do?

The problem may be:

  • Router firewall: Open ports 80, 443, 554 (RTSP) for the camera's IP address.
  • DNS servers: In the router, specify public DNS (for example, 8.8.8.8 And 8.8.4.4).
  • Application settings: IN Mi Home or Tapo Check the region (must match the account region).
How can I find out the SSID of the network the camera is connected to?

Methods:

  • In the router's web interface, look at the list of connected devices (DHCP Clients or Connected Devices).
  • In the camera app (for example, Ezviz) open the device settings - the current SSID may be displayed there.
  • Use a network scanner app (eg. Fing for Android/iOS) to find the IP camera and its MAC address, then match it with the router data.
Is it possible to change the camera's SSID after connecting?

No, the camera does not create its own SSID all the time - it connects to yours networks. However, you can:

  • Rename the network in the router (then the camera will automatically connect to the new SSID if the password has not changed).
  • Create a separate SSID for cameras (e.g. CameraNetwork) in the router settings and connect only video surveillance devices to it.
Which brand of cameras are easiest to connect to Wi-Fi?

According to user reviews, the most user-friendly ones are:

  • TP-Link Tapo: Support QR code, work with most routers.
  • Xiaomi Mi Home: Automatic connection via the app, but requires a Mi account.
  • Ezviz: Good documentation, but there may be problems with Cyrillic in the SSID.

The hardest thing to set up is Hikvision And Dahua - They often require manual entry of IP addresses and ports.

📖 Read also

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