Your Amcrest Camera Has Been Hacked — Here’s What to Do
If your Amcrest camera has been compromised, hacked cameras are a growing concern, often due to weak passwords, outdated firmware, or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. This guide will help you secure your camera, recover control, and prevent future breaches. Take action now to protect your home.
Quick Fixes to Try First
Try these quick checks to address the security issue:
- Power cycle your camera: Unplug the camera or remove the battery (if applicable) for 10 seconds, then reconnect it. This can clear temporary glitches.
- Restart the Amcrest View Pro 2 app: Close the app completely and reopen it. Force quit the app if needed via your device’s multitasking menu.
- Check the LED status: A blinking red LED may indicate a firmware update is pending or a security alert. Refer to your model’s manual for specific LED meanings.
- Verify the power cable or battery: Ensure your camera is receiving stable power. For battery-powered models, charge the battery fully before reconnecting.
- Review shared users: In the Amcrest View Pro 2 app, check the Shared Users section and remove any unfamiliar accounts immediately.
Deep Troubleshooting: Secure Your Camera
Check Your Wi-Fi Band Settings
Some Amcrest cameras, like the IP4M-SN2110EW-AI, may only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n). Connect your camera to the 2.4GHz band only, as 5GHz networks can cause connectivity issues. In the Amcrest View Pro 2 app, navigate to Device Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Band and select 2.4GHz if available.
Update Firmware Immediately
Outdated firmware is a common entry point for hackers. To update your camera’s firmware:
- Open the Amcrest View Pro 2 app.
- Tap the Menu icon (three dots) and select Device Settings.
- Choose Firmware Update and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Ensure your camera remains connected to power during the update.
If your camera does not support automatic updates, manually download the latest firmware from Amcrest’s support site and follow the installation guide for your model.
Review Access Logs and Shared Users
Unauthorized access can occur if your camera has been shared with others or if credentials were leaked. In the Amcrest View Pro 2 app:
- Go to Device Health → Access Logs.
- Look for unfamiliar devices or users. If found, tap the Remove button.
- Navigate to Shared Users and delete any unauthorized accounts.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in the app’s Account Settings to add an extra layer of security.
Factory Reset Your Camera (If Needed)
If your camera remains compromised, perform a factory reset:
- For the IP4M-1041B: Press and hold the factory reset button on the back of the camera for 20 seconds until the green LED turns red.
- For the AD410 Video Doorbell: Hold the reset button on the back for 10 seconds until a chime confirms the reset.
- For the IP4M-SN2110EW-AI: Press and hold the factory reset button on the camera body for 20 seconds until the device responds.
After resetting, reconnect your camera to your Wi-Fi network and set up new credentials through the Amcrest View Pro 2 app.
Port Forwarding and Firewall Settings
If your camera is on a local network, ensure your router allows traffic on the required ports. Check your manufacturer’s documentation for the correct ports. For example, Amcrest cameras typically use TCP 80, 443, and UDP 554. Ensure these ports are open in your router’s firewall settings.
Advanced Diagnostics and Support
Check Diagnostic Logs
If your camera remains unstable, generate diagnostic logs for troubleshooting:
- In the Amcrest View Pro 2 app, go to Device Settings → Diagnostics.
- Tap Generate Log and save the file to your device.
- Send the log to Amcrest support via their website for further analysis.
Contact Manufacturer Support
If basic troubleshooting fails, visit Amcrest’s official support page (https://amcrest.com/support) and submit a detailed request. Include your model number, firmware version, and steps you’ve already taken. For urgent issues, contact support via the Live Chat or Phone Support options if available.
Understanding the Root Cause
A hacked Amcrest camera is often the result of:
- Weak or default passwords that have been brute-forced.
- Outdated firmware with known security vulnerabilities.
- Unsecured Wi-Fi networks (e.g. using WEP instead of WPA2/WPA3).
- Shared accounts or users with insufficient access control.
In the UK, many homeowners use dual-band routers, which can cause compatibility issues with older Amcrest models that only support 2.4GHz. Ensure your camera is connected to the correct Wi-Fi band. Additionally, AmcrestView app crashes and inconsistent smart detection are known pain points, which can be mitigated by using a managed system like scOS.
Consider a Managed Alternative
If you find yourself repeatedly resetting your Amcrest camera or dealing with security breaches, a managed system like scOS could provide peace of mind. scOS handles monitoring, updates, and security automatically, eliminating the need for manual troubleshooting. Your footage is stored in encrypted EU-based infrastructure, with strict need-to-know access controls. No data is sold, shared, or used for advertising — even scOS staff cannot view your footage without your consent. For a fully GDPR-compliant solution. scOS offers a subscription starting at £19/month.
Prevent Future Breaches
To avoid future hacks, follow these best practices:
- Use a strong, unique password for your Amcrest camera and enable 2FA.
- Update firmware regularly through the Amcrest View Pro 2 app.
- Secure your Wi-Fi network with WPA2/WPA3 encryption and change default passwords.
- Review Access Logs and Shared Users weekly to detect unauthorized activity.
- Consider a managed system like scOS if DIY troubleshooting becomes overwhelming.
When to Replace Your Camera
If your Amcrest camera is over 5 years old, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan. Wired cameras typically last 5–8 years, while battery-powered models last 3–5 years. Signs your camera may need replacement include:
- Frequent firmware update failures.
- Persistent connectivity issues despite troubleshooting.
- Battery-powered models that no longer hold a charge.
- Hardware malfunctions like a non-responsive LED or unresponsive app integration.
Under the UK’s Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have a 6-year right to claim faulty goods (5 years in Scotland). If your camera is under warranty, contact Amcrest support to discuss repair or replacement options.
Final Tips for Security
- Always use HTTPS when accessing your camera’s web interface.
- Avoid using the same password for your camera as other online accounts.
- Enable motion detection alerts to monitor for unusual activity.
- Regularly back up your camera’s settings and footage to an external storage device or cloud service.
- If you use a NVR system, ensure your hard drives are surveillance-rated (e.g. WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk) and replace them every 3–5 years to avoid data loss.
By following these steps, you can secure your Amcrest camera, protect your privacy, and ensure your home remains safe from unauthorized access.