Owners of video surveillance systems often face the need to connect a new device to an existing network or add it to a smartphone app, but the process stalls due to the lack of a unique identifier. Camera ID (often referred to as a UID, Device ID, or serial number) is the key that allows software to locate your device among millions of others on the global P2P network. Without this code, remote viewing is impossible, as the server simply won't know which device to route to.
The situation is complicated by the fact that manufacturers use different terms and marking methods: somewhere it is a long string of numbers, somewhere it is a combination of letters and numbers, and sometimes it is required MAC address for static binding in a router. Understanding the difference between these parameters and how to find them is critical for properly configuring a security system. In this article, we'll cover all possible methods for obtaining this data, from simple visual methods to advanced network scanning.
Users often confuse the local IP address assigned by the router with the global device identifier, which leads to configuration errors. The global UID does not change when you change your router or provider, unlike the local IP, which is temporary. This is why initial registration in the cloud service requires the factory code, programmed into the device's firmware by the manufacturer.
Visual inspection of the device body and packaging
The easiest and most reliable way to find unique identifier — This is a physical inspection of the device itself. Most CCTV system manufacturers, such as Hikvision, Dahua, TP-Link, or Xiaomi, include the necessary information on a factory sticker. It's typically located on the bottom of the housing, on the end, or under the pan/tilt mechanism of a dome camera. If the camera is already mounted at a height, you may need to use a stepladder to view the markings.
On the sticker, you should look for fields labeled "UID", "Serial Number", "S/N", "Device ID" or "ID Code". Next to the text designation, as a rule, there is QR code, which contains the same information in a machine-readable format. This is specifically designed to simplify the connection process: you don't need to manually enter long strings of characters; simply point your smartphone's camera at it.
⚠️ Attention: If the sticker is worn off, faded, or removed by the previous owner, it won't be possible to find the ID through physical inspection. In such cases, attempting to peel off stickers or disassemble the case in hopes of finding the chip with the number will void the warranty.
Don't forget to also check the original packaging and user manual. The box often has a duplicate sticker on the side or end containing serial number and MAC address. Saving the box is useful not only for ID retrieval but also for potential warranty service, where proof of purchase date and model is required.
ID search via mobile app and QR scanning
Modern smart home ecosystems are designed for maximum automation, so the primary method for obtaining an ID is scanning a QR code through the official app. When adding a new device in apps like Tuya Smart, Hik-Connect or Mi Home, the system will prompt you to point the camera at the QR code. At this point, the app reads the encrypted UID and automatically enters it into the registration field.
However, there are situations when a camera has already been added to the system, and you need to know its current ID to transfer it to another user or to set up integration. In this case, you need to go to the specific device's settings within the app. Typically, the path is as follows: select the camera -> click the gear icon (Settings) -> select "Device Info." This will show Device ID, which can be copied to the clipboard.
- 📱 Open the app and go to the list of devices.
- ⚙️ Click on the settings icon for the selected camera.
- ℹ️ Find the "About device" or "Network status" section.
- 📋 Copy the UID string or take a screenshot.
It's important to understand that some apps hide the full UID for security purposes, displaying only the last 4-6 characters or masking some of the data with asterisks. This is a normal practice to protect against unauthorized access. If you need the full serial number To work with APIs or third-party software, you may need access to the advanced developer menu or web interface.
Defining an ID via the web interface
If you have access to the local network where the camera is located, its web interface will be the most informative source of data. To log in, you need to know the device's local IP address, which can be found through the router or specialized scanner utilities. Entering the IP address in your browser will take you to the authorization page, and after entering your username and password, the control panel will open.
The settings menu, usually under the "Network" or "System" section, displays complete technical information. Here you'll find not only UID, but also MAC address, firmware version, current IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. For IP cameras, the MAC address is often used as the basis for generating an identifier, so knowing this parameter is critical.
Menu navigation may vary depending on the brand. For example, in devices Hikvision information is in the menu Configuration → Network → Basic Information, and in the cells Dahua need to go to Setup → System → BasicThe interface may not be translated into Russian, so please use English terms for guidance.
What should I do if I forgot my web interface password?
If the default password (often admin/admin or admin/12345) doesn't work, and you've changed it and forgotten it, you'll need to perform a factory reset. This typically involves holding the Reset button on the camera body for 10-15 seconds while the power is on. After the reset, the password will revert to the factory settings specified in the instructions.
Using network scanning tools
When visual access to the camera is limited and the IP address is unknown, specialized local network scanning utilities come to the rescue. Programs like Advanced IP Scanner, Angry IP Scanner or mobile app Fing Allows you to see all devices connected to your router. They display the IP address, manufacturer (via MAC address), and often allow you to access the web interface with one click.
Pay special attention to the "Manufacturer" column. If you see the brand name of your camera there (for example, Hikvision, Axis, Uniview), then this is the device you're looking for. Knowing the MAC address obtained through the scanner, you can use it as an identifier for certain types of settings or simply verify that the camera is visible on the network.
For a more in-depth analysis, you can use console utilities. On a Windows computer, open a command prompt and enter the command arp -aIt will display a table of IP addresses and physical MAC addresses of all devices with which your computer has recently communicated. network identifier unique for each network interface and does not change when flashing.
C:\Users\User> arp -aInterface: 192.168.1.5 --- 0xc
Internet Address Physical Address Type
192.168.1.1 00-1a-2b-3c-4d-5e dynamic
192.168.1.20 a4-12-3f-56-78-90 dynamic
⚠️ Attention: If the camera is on a different subnet (for example, it has a static IP in the 192.168.0.x range, while your router is using 192.168.1.x), the scanner won't see it. In this case, you'll need to temporarily change the IP address of your computer's network card to get it into the same range.
Table of common identifier designations
Different manufacturers use different terminology, which often leads to confusion. Below is a table to help you find the information you need depending on the brand and type of device. Understanding these differences saves time when setting up complex systems.
| Brand / Ecosystem | Title in the appendix | Location on the sticker | Data format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hikvision | Serial number / Verification Code | DS code (starts with DS-) | 6 capital letters (verification code) |
| Dahua | SN / Device ID | Barcode with the inscription SN | A long string of numbers and letters |
| Xiaomi / Yi | MI ID / MAC | QR code on the bottom | 8 characters (for older models) |
| TP-Link Tapo | Device Account | QR sticker | Set of letters and numbers (tapo_...) |
| Generic (P2P) | UID | VMS logo sticker | 20 characters (numbers and letters) |
Please note that for cameras of the brand Hikvision It's not so much the serial number that's critical, but the "Verification Code." This is used to encrypt the video stream and connect via P2P. By default, it's often set to ABCDEF, but for security reasons it is strongly recommended to change it to a unique one.
Specifics of identifiers for different protocols
When integrating cameras into smart home systems (e.g. Home Assistant, Apple HomeKit or Google Home) may require specific identifiers. HomeKit, for example, requires an 8-digit setup code, which is printed on a separate sticker with the Apple logo. For the record ONVIF A login, password and port combination is often used, and a unique ID can be generated within the NVR system itself.
If you use third-party cloud services, they may assign their own internal ID to your device after registration. This "cloud ID" should not be confused with the factory UID. The factory UID is used for initial "introduction" of the device to the cloud, while the internal ID is used for API requests and script management.
- 🏠 HomeKit: requires an 8-digit setup code (on the sticker).
- 🌐 ONVIF: uses the MAC address as a unique key on the network.
- ☁️ P2P Clouds: use long UID for tunneling.
- 📹 RTSP: identifies a stream by URL (path to the stream).
In some cases, especially with Chinese OEM cameras, the UID may be generated randomly upon initial startup. If you reset the camera to factory settings, its UID may change, requiring re-linking in the app. This is a characteristic of low-cost solutions without a hard link to the hardware.
☑️ Checking readiness for setup
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change the UID or MAC address of the camera?
Changing the MAC address is generally impossible, as it is hardcoded into the network chip at the factory. Attempting to change it using software may render the network module inoperable. The UID (serial number) is also a constant, with the exception of some low-end models, where it is generated by the firmware. Changing these values is generally neither necessary nor recommended.
What should I do if the UID sticker is lost or illegible?
If there's no sticker, try finding the camera on your local network using an IP address scanner (as described above). Log in to the web interface using the IP address—the serial number will definitely be listed there. The ID is also often displayed in the OSD menu (on-screen if you connect the camera directly to a monitor) or in the app if the camera has previously been linked to an account.
What is the difference between UID and MAC address?
A MAC address is the physical address of a network interface required for operation on a local network (layer 2). A router needs it to know where to send data packets. A UID (Unique Identifier) is a logical identifier used by cloud services and P2P technologies to locate a device on the global network without the need for port forwarding.
Why does the app say "UID not found"?
This could be due to several reasons: the camera isn't connected to the internet (the red light is on or there's no Wi-Fi signal), your router is blocking external connections, or you're entering data incorrectly (confused between the number 0 and the number O). The manufacturer's servers may also be temporarily unavailable.
Do you need internet to get camera ID?
The initial ID reading from the sticker or web interface doesn't require internet access; a local connection is sufficient. However, registering this ID in the cloud service and accessing P2P functions requires internet access. Without internet access, the camera will only operate within the local area network (LAN).