Wi-Fi cameras have become an integral part of smart home and video surveillance systems, but what if you've forgotten your device's password? This problem occurs more often than you might think: after changing your router, reinstalling an app, or leaving the camera idle for a long time. Unlike traditional gadgets, IP cameras often have two levels of passwords: one for connecting to a Wi-Fi network, the other for accessing the device itself via an application or web interface.
In this article we will look at all possible ways to recover your password — from simple (checking the sticker on the case) to radical (a complete reset). We'll pay special attention to the nuances for popular brands: Xiaomi, TP-Link Tapo, Hikvision, Dahua And EzvizYou'll also learn how to avoid camera blocking due to incorrect password entry and what to do if the device doesn't respond to connection attempts at all.
A word of caution: some methods require physical access to the camera or router. If you're renting a place or the camera is installed in an office, check with your network administrator for access rights before attempting any of these methods.
1. Where to look for a Wi-Fi camera password: 4 standard places
Before attempting complex manipulations, check for obvious sources. Manufacturers often duplicate login information in multiple places:
- 📋 Sticker on the camera body — usually located on the bottom or back panel. Look for inscriptions like
Default Password,Admin PasswordorPIN. U Xiaomi Mi Home Camera The password may be indicated next to the QR code. - 📄 Documentation in the box — the instructions or warranty card sometimes contain factory registration data. For TP-Link Tapo it could be a sheet with a name
Quick Start Guide. - 📱 Manufacturer's application — if the camera was previously connected, the password could be saved in the device profile. For example, in Mi Home (for Xiaomi) or Tapo (for TP-Link) data is synchronized with the cloud.
- 🖥️ Router web interface - some cameras (for example, Hikvision) display their password in the list of connected devices. More on this in the next section.
If you have found the factory password (often it is admin, 123456 or an empty field), try using it. Keep in mind that after the first connection, many cameras they force you to change your password - This point is easy to miss during setup.
2. How to find out the password through a router: step-by-step instructions
If the camera is connected to your Wi-Fi network, the router can store information about its settings. This method works for devices that use ONVIF protocol (most IP cameras) or have an open web interface. Here's how:
Open the router's web interface by entering into your browser
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1(The address is indicated on the router's sticker). Log in with administrator rights.Go to the section with the list of connected devices. Depending on your router model, this may be called:
DHCP Clients List(Asus, TP-Link)Connected Devices(Netgear, Keenetic)Local Area Network → Clients(routers with Russian interface)
Find your camera in the list by model name (for example, Xiaomi DACF02CM or Tapo C200). Copy it. IP address.
Enter the copied IP address into a new browser tab. If the camera supports a web interface, a login window will open. Try the following standard combinations:
Login: admin,Password: adminor123456Login: root,Password: (empty)orpassword
If the camera's web interface is blocked, but you can see its IP address, you can try connecting via network scanning programs, For example, Advanced IP Scanner or Angry IP ScannerThey sometimes show open ports and services that can be accessed.
3. Password recovery via the manufacturer's application
Most modern Wi-Fi cameras are linked to mobile apps that store login credentials. Let's look at the process using popular brands as examples:
| Brand | Application | Recovery method | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi | Mi Home / Xiaomi Home | Click "Forgot your password?" on the login screen → confirm via email or SMS → reset your password. | Requires linking to a Xiaomi account. If the camera is offline, recovery is impossible. |
| TP-Link (Tapo) | Tapo | Go to "Account Management" → "Security" → "Password Reset". | The password is reset for the entire Tapo account, not for an individual camera. |
| Hikvision | Hik-Connect / iVMS-4500 | Use the "Forgot your password?" feature with your linked email address. Older models may require a support request. | Some models require you to enter the camera's serial number. |
| Ezviz | Ezviz | Log in to your account → "My devices" → select your camera → "Reset password". | If the camera is offline, recovery is only possible through a factory reset. |
If you don't remember your app account details (for example, email for Xiaomi or Hikvision), you won't be able to restore access to the camera through the software. In this case, your only options are hardware methods - reset or connection via cable.
What should I do if the app doesn't see the camera?
If your camera doesn't appear in the app's device list, check:
1. Is it connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone?
2. Has the Wi-Fi password changed (the camera may become disconnected from the network).
3. Does the router firewall block access to the manufacturer's cloud servers (check the settings) Parent Control or Firewall).
4. For battery-powered cameras (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Home Camera 2K>) make sure the battery is high enough to connect.
4. Resetting the camera to factory settings: when is it necessary?
If all the previous methods have not worked, there remains hard resetThis method will clear all camera settings, including the password, and restore it to its "out of the box" state. The procedure varies depending on the model:
- 🔧 Reset button on the case — the most common option. The button is usually recessed into the housing and requires a thin object (paper clip, toothpick). Hold it down. 10–30 seconds (the exact time is indicated in the instructions) until the indicator starts flashing yellow/red.
- 🔌 Power off by holding the button - for some models Dahua And Hikvision You need to remove the power cable, hold down the Reset button, and then reconnect the power without releasing the button.
- 📱 Reset via app - in some chambers (for example, TP-Link Tapo C210) reset is available in the device settings, but requires entering the current password.
After resetting, the camera will create a new Wi-Fi network with a name like Camera_XXXX or TP-Link_XXXXConnect to it from your phone (usually no password is required or is indicated on the sticker) and complete the initial setup through the app.
Disconnect the camera from the power supply (unless instructed to do so)
Prepare a paperclip or toothpick for the reset button.
Make sure you have access to the Wi-Fi network that the camera will connect to after the reset.
Download the latest version of the manufacturer's application
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⚠️ Attention: A factory reset deletes all recordings from the memory card (if one is installed) and unlinks the camera from your cloud account. For models with cloud storage (e.g., Ezviz C6N) this may mean the loss of all archived videos.
5. Alternative methods: cable connection and ONVIF
If the camera supports ONVIF protocol (most professional IP cameras), you can try connecting to it directly through the program ONVIF Device ManagerThis method works even without knowing the password if:
- The camera is connected to the router via an Ethernet cable.
- You have physical access to the LAN port on the camera.
- The router does not have any blocked ports.
80(HTTP) or37777(ONVIF).
Instructions:
- Download and install ONVIF Device Manager (official website:
onvif.org). - Connect the camera to the router with a cable (if it was via Wi-Fi, temporarily use Ethernet).
- Run the program and click
DiscoverThe found devices should appear in the list. - Select your camera and try to connect with the default credentials (
admin/adminoradmin/123456).
If the connection is successful, you will be able to change the password in the camera settings through the interface. ONVIF Device ManagerFor cameras Hikvision And Dahua There is also a utility SADP Tool, which allows you to reset your password without physical access to the Reset button.
⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (eg Xiaomi) block ONVIF access in the latest firmware. If your camera was manufactured after 2022, this method may not work.
6. What to do if the camera is blocked due to an incorrect password
Many Wi-Fi cameras have password protection. For example, after 5-10 unsuccessful attempts TP-Link Tapo blocks the entrance for 5 minutes, and Hikvision may completely disable access until a reboot. If you see a message like Device locked or Too many attempts, proceed as follows:
- ⏳ Wait — Most cameras unlock automatically after 5–30 minutes. Do not attempt to enter the password during this period.
- 🔄 Restart the camera — Turn the power off and on again. Sometimes this resets the failed attempts counter.
- 📧 Use email recovery - some models (for example, Ezviz) when blocked, you are asked to send a recovery code to the linked email.
- 🔧 Reset settings — if the blocking is permanent, the only option left is a hardware reset (see section 4).
For cameras Xiaomi There is an undocumented way to unlock the device after an incorrect password. Mi Home:
- Remove the camera from the list of devices in the app.
- Reboot the camera (turn off the power for 10 seconds).
- Add it again by selecting "Device nearby" (
Add nearby device).
This method does not work for all models, but it often helps to avoid a full reset.
7. How to protect your camera password from future loss
To avoid the problem of a forgotten password again, follow these recommendations:
- 📝 Save your data in a password manager - use 1Password, KeePass or the browser's built-in manager. Include not only the password, but also:
- IP address of the camera;
- Model and serial number;
- Date of last password change.
- 🔐 Set up backup access — in applications Hik-Connect or Ezviz You can add a trusted person who can unlock the camera if the password is lost.
- 🔄 Update your firmware regularly — new software versions often fix vulnerabilities that allow access to be restored without a reset.
- 📌 Attach QR code - some cameras (for example, TP-Link Tapo) allow you to generate a QR code for quick connection. Print it out and keep it in a safe place.
If you use the camera in an office or rent out your property, change the factory password A complex password (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and special characters). This will protect your device not only from forgetfulness but also from hacking.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Wi-Fi Camera Passwords
Is it possible to find out the camera password if it is connected to someone else's Wi-Fi?
No, unless you have access to the router or the owner's app. Cameras don't transmit their password in plaintext over the network. The only option is to physically reset the device (but this could be considered trespassing).
Why doesn't the camera create its own Wi-Fi network after a reset?
Possible reasons:
- The Reset button was not held down long enough (try 20-30 seconds).
- The camera is faulty (check the power indicators).
- The device requires firmware update via cable (relevant for some models) Hikvision).
Check the manual for your model - some cameras (eg. Dahua) after the reset, they do not create an access point, but wait for an Ethernet connection.
How do I reset the password on a camera without a reset button?
For cameras without a physical button (e.g. some models Ezviz) use:
- Software reset via the app (if the camera is online).
- Manufacturer's utility (For example, SADP Tool for Hikvision).
- Feedback to support - some brands (for example, TP-Link) can reset the password using the serial number.
If all else fails, the only option left is to disassemble the case to access the board (risky for inexperienced users).
Is it possible to hack the camera password if I forgot it?
Technically possible, but:
- This violates the law on unauthorized access to information (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
- Modern cameras use encryption, and it can take years to crack the password.
- Manufacturers block the device after several unsuccessful attempts.
Legal alternatives: contact the brand's support team or reset the device through a service center.
Which brand of camera is easiest to recover after losing the password?
In our experience, it is easiest to work with:
- TP-Link Tapo - reset via app without data loss.
- Xiaomi — recovery via Mi account.
- Ezviz — support responds quickly to unlock requests.
The hardest part is Hikvision And Dahua - often a physical reset or special software is required.