How to Find a CCTV Camera ID via Wi-Fi on Your Phone: 5 Working Methods

To know CCTV camera ID There are several ways to identify Wi-Fi from your phone, from viewing settings in the mobile app to analyzing network traffic. This information is often needed to set up remote access, integrate with a smart home, or restore access to the device. However, not all manufacturers display the identifier prominently, and some models (e.g., Hikvision or Dahua) use complex encryption schemes.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methodsHow to find a camera's ID via a smartphone—from basic (checking the sticker on the camera's body) to advanced (scanning the network using specialized utilities). We'll pay special attention to bypassing restrictions from manufacturers that hide identifiers for security purposesAll instructions apply to Wi-Fi-enabled cameras connected to a home or office network.

1. Checking the physical markings of the camera

The most obvious way is to inspect the camera body for a data sticker. Manufacturers (TP-Link Tapo, Xiaomi Mi Home, Ezviz) usually indicate there:

• 🔢 Serial number (often coincides with ID)
• 📡 MAC address (can be used as part of ID)
• 🔐 QR code (when scanned, displays ID in the app)

If the camera is mounted high, use phone camera zoom or a flashlight to illuminate the sticker. For models Reolink And Annke The ID is sometimes duplicated on the packaging or in the warranty card.

⚠️ Please note: Some manufacturers (eg. Uniview) apply ID stickers to the inside of the case. To access them, you'll need to remove the camera from its mount.

2. Finding ID in the mobile camera app

Most modern IP cameras are controlled via proprietary apps. Device IDs can be found in the following sections:

If the ID is not displayed, try export settings (if the feature is supported). In the configuration file (.json or .xml) usually contains complete information about the device, including hidden identifiers.

3. Scanning the network using analyzer applications

If physical examination and application do not help, use network scanners To search for cameras on a local network. These tools display all connected devices with their IP, MAC address, and other information.

Recommended apps for Android/iOS:

• 🔍 Fing (scans the port 80 or 554, typical for IP cameras)
• 🌐 Network Analyzer (shows open ports and services)
• 📡 WiFi Scanner (records MAC addresses and device manufacturers)

After scanning:

1. Find the device in the list with the camera manufacturer's name (for example, Hangzhou Hikvision).
2. Write it down IP address And MAC.
3. Connect to the camera via a browser at http://[IP cameras] — The ID can be displayed in the web interface.

⚠️ Please note: Some cameras (eg. Dahua) block access by IP without authorization. In this case, use standard logins/passwords (admin/admin or admin/123456) or reset the settings.

Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as the camera|Close background apps to ensure accurate scanning|Write down the MAC addresses of known devices (router, TV)|Check your router's firewall settings (it may be blocking scanning)-->

4. Using the router's web interface

The camera ID can be found in list of connected devices on the router administration page. This method works even if you don't have access to the camera's mobile app.

Instructions:

1. Open your browser and enter your router's IP (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Log in (default logins: admin/admin or see the sticker on the router).
3. Go to the section DHCP Client List, Connected Devices or similar (depending on the router model).
4. Look for a device with the camera manufacturer's name or an unusual MAC address (for example, one that starts with 28:6D:97 For Dahua).

In some routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U or Keenetic) is displayed host name device, which may contain the camera ID. If there is insufficient data, use MAC to IP binding (chapter ARP Table) for precise determination.

How to find out the router's IP if it is unknown?

On Android: Settings → Wi-Fi → [Your network] → Advanced (field "Gateway").

On iOS: Settings → Wi-Fi → ⓘ next to network → Router.

On Windows: Run in command prompt ipconfig and find the line "Default gateway".

5. Advanced Methods: ONVIF and Telnet

For experienced users, methods using the protocol are suitable ONVIF or access by TelnetThese methods require technical knowledge, but allow you to obtain ID even from closed cameras.

Method 1: ONVIF Device Manager

• Download the utility ONVIF Device Manager on PC.
• Connect your PC and camera to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Run the scan - the program will find the camera and display it UID, MAC and other data.

Method 2: Telnet (for cameras running Linux firmware)

1. Install the application on your phone Termux (Android) or use iSH Shell (iOS).
2. Connect to the camera via Telnet:

   telnet [IP cameras] 23
   Login: admin
   password: [camera password or default]

3. Run the command to view information:

   cat /etc/version

   or

   ifconfig | grep HWaddr

   (the output will contain MAC or serial number).

⚠️ Warning: Using Telnet is not secure—data is transmitted unencrypted. After receiving the ID, disconnect immediately and change the camera password in the settings.

Common problems and solutions

When searching for a camera ID via Wi-Fi, users encounter typical difficulties:

Problem 1: The camera does not appear in the router's device list.

• 🔌 Check if the camera is connected to power and Wi-Fi (the network indicator should be green/blue).
• 🔄 Reboot the camera and router.
• 📵 Make sure the camera is not connected to another network (for example, a guest Wi-Fi).

Problem 2: The camera app requires an ID to add, but it is not on the case.

• 📧 Check the email you provided when registering the camera - some manufacturers (Ezviz) send the ID in a letter.
• 🔍 Use the QR code scanner on the case (even if the code is damaged, some data can be read).
• 📞 Contact the manufacturer's support team with a photo of the sticker and your purchase receipt.

Problem 3: The camera displays an "Invalid ID" error when connecting.

• 🔤 Make sure you enter the ID without spaces and in the correct case (e.g. ABC123DEF456, and not abc123def456).
• 🔄 Try resetting the camera to factory settings (button Reset on the body).
• 📱 Update your camera app to the latest version.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out the camera ID if it is connected to someone else's Wi-Fi network?

No, if the camera is on a different network, you won't be able to access it without authorization on that network. The exception is cloud cameras (Xiaomi, Ezviz), where the ID is linked to an account, not a local network. In this case, check the information in your personal account on the manufacturer's website.

What should I do if the ID sticker is worn off or missing?

You can restore your ID via:

1. Mobile application (section "Devices" or "Settings").
2. Camera web interface (go to the IP address in your browser).
3. Contact the manufacturer - send a photo of the serial number (if available) and the receipt.

For cameras Hikvision And Dahua Sometimes a utility helps SADP Tool (downloaded from the official website), which scans the network and restores access.

How do I protect my camera after I've found its ID?

After receiving the ID:

• 🔒 Change the default password complex (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
• 🌐 Disable internet access, if it is not needed (close the ports in the router settings 80, 554, 8000).
• 🔄 Update the firmware cameras to the latest version (eliminates vulnerabilities).
• 📵 Set up two-factor authentication in the mobile app (if supported).

Can the camera ID change after a factory reset?

No, ID (UID or serial number) It's tightly tied to the camera hardware and doesn't change after a reset. However, the following may change after a reset:

• 🔢 Local IP address (assigned by the router via DHCP).
• 🔑 Password for access.
• 🌐 Cloud connection settings.

If the camera does not connect after a reset, check whether its IP address on the network has changed (via a scanner app or router).

How to find out the camera ID Reolink without an app?

For cameras Reolink:

1. Connect the camera to the router via Ethernet (if Wi-Fi is not working).
2. Use the utility Reolink Client for PC - it will find the camera on the local network and display it UID.
3. Alternative: check the email you provided during registration - Reolink sends an email with device data.

If the camera is old (before 2019), the ID may match the MAC address (without colons, for example A1B2C3D4E5F6).