How to Find a CCTV Camera ID via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide

Organizing a video surveillance system often requires accurate identification of devices on a local network. When you connect a new IP camera When connected to a home Wi-Fi router, it automatically receives an address, but setting up a DVR or mobile app often requires knowing its unique ID. Without this parameter, it's impossible to properly configure recording, remote access, or smart home integration.

There are several proven ways to locate a device, even if you've forgotten its factory settings or lost the manual. In this article, we'll cover methods that work both on a computer and a smartphone. You'll learn how to use specialized software and standard router features to find the device you need.

It is worth noting right away that "ID" in different contexts can mean different things: it can be MAC address (physical address), network IP address, or cloud service serial number (P2P). We'll consider all options to ensure you find exactly what your system requires.

Searching for a camera via the router's web interface

The most reliable method, which doesn't require installing additional software, is to check the list of connected clients directly in your router settings. Since the camera is already connected to Wi-Fi, the router knows its exact address and physical name. You need to log in to the router's administrative panel, usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.

After logging in, find a section that may be called "DHCP Server," "Client List," "Wireless Status," or "Client List." This table displays all devices currently accessing the internet. Look for lines with brand names, such as Hikvision, Dahua, TP-Link or Hi3518 (this is a popular chipset).

⚠️ Note: Some budget camera models may appear in the list as "Unknown Device" or simply by their MAC address. In this case, compare the first 6 characters of the MAC address (OUI) with the manufacturer's table to confirm that it is your camera.

Write down the IP address assigned to the camera by the router. You'll need it for further configuration. If the address is dynamic, the camera may receive a new IP address after a reboot, so for fixed-system systems, it's best to set up a static binding in the same router menu.

Using network scanners on a PC

If access to the router is limited or the client list is too large, it is more effective to use specialized tools for scanning ports and addresses. Programs like Advanced IP Scanner or Angry IP Scanner Allows you to quickly scan the entire address range of your subnet. This is especially useful if you have multiple cameras installed.

After running the scan, the program will display all active devices. Pay attention to the "Manufacturer" column. CCTV cameras often have specific open ports, such as port 554 (RTSP) or 80 (HTTP). The presence of these ports is a sure sign that you've found a DVR or camera.

For a more in-depth analysis, you can use the console utility. arp -aIt displays a table of IP and MAC address mappings already stored in your computer's cache. Enter the command in the Windows command line or macOS/Linux terminal to see a list of recently contacted devices.

What is MAC filtering?

MAC filtering is a network security method where the router only allows devices with specific physical addresses. If it's enabled, the camera won't connect until you add its MAC address to the router's whitelist.

Mobile apps for ID search

When a computer isn't at hand, smartphones are often the answer to the problem of finding a CCTV camera ID via Wi-Fi. There are network scanner apps that work similarly to desktop versions. Popular apps for Android include Fing or Network Scanner, and for iOS - Network Analyzer.

Install the app and connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as the camera. Run a scan. The app will display a list of all devices, their names, IP addresses, and MAC addresses. Camera manufacturers often use standard prefixes in their device names, making it easier to find.

Also, many manufacturers have their own applications for initial setup (for example, Hik-Connect, DMSS, Tuya Smart). When adding a device via QR code or local network search, the app automatically reads the ID and links the camera to your account. This is the easiest method for users who don't want to understand network protocols.

Determining ID via command line

For users who prefer a command-line interface, there is a powerful tool ping And arpFirst, you need to find out the default gateway, then you can try knocking on all addresses in the range to update the ARP table and display its contents. This is a quick way to find the MAC address of an unknown device.

In Windows, open a command prompt and enter the command to clear the cache, then ping the broadcast address or range:

arp -d *
ping 192.168.1.255
arp -a

In the resulting list, look for unknown MAC addresses. The first three pairs of characters (for example, A4-DA-32) indicate the manufacturer. Knowing your camera's brand, you can easily determine its IP address. This method is fast and doesn't require installing any additional software.

Table of popular MAC address prefixes

To quickly identify a device in a list, it's helpful to know the first six characters of the MAC address (OUI) of popular security system manufacturers. This will help differentiate a camera from a smart light bulb or a guest's phone.

Use this table as a reference. If you see an address starting with 44:19:B6, then with a high degree of probability you have equipment in front of you HikvisionThis knowledge allows you to immediately proceed to configuration using the correct software.

Reset and find factory ID (P2P)

If software methods don't work, or the camera was previously configured by someone else and you don't know the passwords, physical access may be required. Each camera has a label with a unique serial number on the body, box, or manual. In P2P (peer-to-peer) systems, this number often serves as the ID for the cloud connection.

In some cases, especially with Chinese OEM cameras, the ID may be hidden within the web interface. Try entering the camera's IP address (found earlier) in your browser. After entering your username and password, go to the "Network" or "Information" section. It will be listed there. Device ID or UID, required for cloud services.

⚠️ Note: Camera interfaces may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you can't find the ID field, try resetting the camera to factory settings using the Reset button (usually press and hold for 10-15 seconds). After the reset, the camera will return to its factory name and ID.

Please note that a hard reset will erase all current network settings, requiring the camera to be reconfigured. Use this method only if other options have been exhausted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to find out the camera ID if it is not connected to the router?

Yes, if the camera has Wi-Fi Direct or creates its own access point (AP Mode). Connect to the Wi-Fi network that the camera itself broadcasts (the network name usually includes the model), and log in to its web interface using the default IP (often 192.168.1.10). The ID will be indicated in the system status.

What should I do if the camera's IP address keeps changing?

This means your router doesn't have a static IP address reserved. Go to your router's DHCP settings, find your camera by MAC address, and select "Static IP" or "Address Reservation." The address will now be permanent.

I see the device on the network, but I don't know the password to log in.

Try standard combinations: login admin without password, or login admin and password 12345, adminIf the camera is used, it will most likely need to be physically reset using the Reset button.

Which port should I use to connect to the camera?

Standard HTTP port - 80, video stream port (RTSP) — 554, ONVIF port — 80 or 8080In some models, ports can be changed in the security settings.