Installing CCTV in your home or office often requires the flexibility that comes with IP camera, operating over Wi-Fi. However, the standard mode of operation via a P2P cloud server doesn't always provide the required data transfer speed or connection stability, especially if the internet connection is limited. Switching the device to direct communication with the router allows you to set up a local network with minimal latency.
Many users encounter difficulties when trying to switch the camera from AP (Access Point) mode to Client (Station) mode so it automatically obtains an IP address from the router. This is a critical step for integrating the device into an existing smart home infrastructure. Proper setup ICSee via a router, it provides access to advanced features such as recording to network-attached storage (NAS) or integration with video recording systems.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of connecting, configuring network settings, and troubleshooting common errors. You don't need to be a network engineer to complete these steps, but an understanding of the basic operating principles local network This will significantly simplify the task. We'll cover both software configuration methods via the app and hardware reset and reconfiguration methods via the web interface.
Preparing equipment and selecting the operating mode
Before you begin configuration, you need to physically prepare the device. Cameras of the series ICSee Cameras typically support multiple operating modes, but for a stable connection via a router, we'll need client mode. Make sure your Wi-Fi router is working properly and broadcasting at 2.4 GHz, as most budget cameras don't support the 5 GHz standard.
Place the camera close to the router during setup. This will prevent a weak signal from interfering with the initial configuration process. Also, have a smartphone with the app installed ready. ICSee or V380 Pro, since it is through it that the initial connection of the device to the network will be made.
There are two main ways to input network data into the camera: via AP mode (where the camera creates the network automatically) and via audio signal (Audio Code). The first method is considered more reliable for older firmware versions. The second is faster, but sometimes requires fine-tuning the phone's speaker volume.
- 📱 A smartphone with the app installed and Bluetooth/Location enabled.
- 📡 A router with a known password for the Wi-Fi network (preferably 2.4 GHz).
- 🔌 Camera power supply and USB cable (if power supply is separate).
- 🔘 A paperclip or thin object to press the Reset button.
⚠️ Note: If your camera was previously linked to a different account, a standard reset may not unlink it from the cloud. In such cases, you will need to contact the manufacturer's technical support to unlock it using the serial number.
Resetting the settings and entering configuration mode
To begin setup, you need to put the camera in a ready state. If the device has already been used, a full reset is required. reset settings (Hard Reset). This will clear saved Wi-Fi profiles and restore factory settings, eliminating address conflicts.
Find the hole with the inscription Reset or RST On the camera body. Turn on the device and wait for a beep or voice prompt indicating startup. Press and hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds until the camera makes a distinctive sound or says "factory reset."
After rebooting, the camera will enter connection standby mode. The Wi-Fi indicator (if present) should begin blinking, usually red or blue and red. This means the device is ready to accept new commands from the mobile app.
What to do if the Reset button does not work?
If the physical button sticks or doesn't respond, try resetting it through the web interface if the camera is temporarily connected via cable. Also, on some models, the reset function can be activated by quickly pressing the button five times in a row instead of holding it down.
Setting up a Wi-Fi connection via the app
Open the app on your smartphone and tap the Add Device button. Select the "Wi-Fi" or "Smart Config" connection type. The app will request location permission—this is a mandatory Android requirement for scanning available networks. Enter the password for your home Wi-Fi router.
Next, follow the on-screen instructions. If you selected the audio signal method, hold the phone's speaker close to the camera's microphone. You'll hear a series of clicks and beeps as the camera "listens" to the network password encoded in the audio. After a successful read, the camera's indicator should turn blue or green, and an image will appear in the app.
It is important to understand that at this moment the camera receives IP address From your router via the DHCP server. The router decides which address to allocate to the device. If the camera doesn't connect, check whether MAC address filtering or client isolation is enabled on the router.
- 🔊 Make sure your phone volume is set to maximum when transmitting the sound code.
- 📶 Confirm that your phone is connected to a 2.4 GHz network, not 5 GHz.
- 🔐 Check that you entered your Wi-Fi password correctly (case sensitive).
- 🔄 Restart your router if the camera cannot obtain an IP address for a long time.
⚠️ Please note: Camera app interfaces and firmware are constantly being updated. If the steps described here differ from yours, please check the latest instructions in the "Help" section within the app or on the manufacturer's official website.
Finding the camera's IP address on a local network
Once the camera is successfully connected to the router, it becomes a full member of the local network. For further configuration, such as recording to a computer or setting up port forwarding, you need to know its current IP address. The application's standard tools often hide this information.
The easiest way is to use a mobile network scanner app, such as Fing or IP ToolsRun a scan while on the same Wi-Fi network and find the device with the manufacturer Shenzhen XiongMai or a similar name. Write down the address, for example, 192.168.1.105.
An alternative method is to log into the router's web interface. Go to the gateway address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), log in and find the section Client list (DHCP Client List). This will display the device name and its assigned IP address. This is the most reliable method, as it shows information directly from the source of the address distribution.
IP address fixation and static routing
The dynamic IP address assigned by the router may change after a reboot. This can cause problems if you've configured video recording to your computer's hard drive or are using third-party video surveillance software. To avoid connection interruptions, you should secure the address.
The best way is to set up a static lease in the router itself. Find the LAN section in the settings. Static DHCP or Address Reservation. Add a new rule by specifying the camera's MAC address and the desired IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.200). Now the router will always give the camera this address.
Some camera models allow you to enter a static IP directly into their settings via the web interface. To do this, enter the camera's IP address in a computer browser. However, this method is less reliable, as changing your router will reset the settings, requiring you to search for the camera again.
☑️ Setting up a static IP
Port forwarding and remote access
To view video from anywhere in the world without using cloud services (P2P), you need to set up port forwarding. This forwards external requests from the internet directly to your camera within the local network. You'll need TCP and UDP ports, which are typically 80 (web interface) and 34567 (video stream), but may differ.
Find the section in your router settings Virtual Server, NAT or Port ForwardingCreate a new rule: specify the camera's internal IP address, protocol (TCP/UDP), and port range. The external port can be left as default or changed to a unique one for security.
After setup, check the availability of ports using online port checking services by connecting to the network from a mobile data connection (with Wi-Fi disabled). If the ports are closed, check your router's firewall settings or the presence of a "private" IP address from your ISP.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP port | 80 | 8080 or 88 | To access the web interface |
| Port Media | 34567 | 34567 | To transmit a video stream |
| Protocol | TCP/UDP | Both | Connection type |
| IP Address | Dynamic | Static | Local address of the camera |
⚠️ Warning: Opening ports creates a potential vulnerability. Be sure to set a complex, unique password on the camera (change the factory
adminor123456) before forwarding ports to the Internet.
Common problems and solutions
Even with proper settings, issues may still occur. The camera may appear "Offline" in the app, even though it's available on the local network. This is often due to time synchronization issues or DNS blocking. Try setting the camera's DNS servers in the network settings. 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
Another common issue is loss of connection after a few hours of operation. This could indicate an IP address conflict, if there's another device on the network with the same address, or the camera is overheating. Check your router logs for DHCP errors.
If the camera constantly reboots when connected to Wi-Fi, it may be lacking power from the power supply, especially if using a long USB cable. Use the original power adapter and a shorter cable to test.
Why doesn't the camera see the 5 GHz network?
Most budget Wi-Fi modules in ICSee cameras only operate in the 2.4 GHz band. Routers often combine 2.4 and 5 GHz networks under a single name (Smart Connect). Separate the networks in your router settings by giving them different names (for example, Home_24 and Home_5), and connect the camera only to the network ending in _24.
How do I reset the camera administrator password?
If you've changed your password and forgotten it, a software reset via the menu may not help. A physical reset is required using the Reset button (press and hold for 15-20 seconds while the power is on). In rare cases, you may need to generate a reset file through technical support using the serial number.
Is it possible to connect the camera directly to the computer?
Yes, but the computer must issue an IP address (become a DHCP server) or manually assign a static IP address to the PC's network card in the same subnet as the camera (e.g., camera 192.168.1.10, PC 192.168.1.11). Without a router, the camera won't connect to the internet.