Can't Add Your New Axis Camera? Let's Solve It.
Adding a new Axis camera to your security system should be a straightforward process, but network complexities, password issues, or configuration mismatches can sometimes cause frustrating roadblocks. This guide covers the most common problems encountered when trying to add an Axis camera to a VMS or access it for the first time.
## Problem 1: The Camera Cannot Be Discovered
You've connected your camera to the network, but when you run AXIS IP Utility or use the discovery feature in your VMS, the new camera doesn't appear in the list.
### Common Causes and Solutions:
- Network Segmentation: Discovery tools typically work by broadcasting a request across the local network. If the camera is on a different subnet or VLAN from the computer running the tool, the broadcast will not reach it.
- Solution: For initial setup, ensure the camera and your computer are connected to the same simple, unmanaged network switch. This eliminates any complex network routing as a potential issue.
- Firewall Blocking: A firewall on your computer or network can block the discovery protocols (e.g., UPnP, Bonjour).
- Solution: Temporarily disable the firewall on your computer to see if the camera appears. If it does, you will need to create an exception in the firewall for the discovery tool.
- Camera Not Fully Booted: Give the camera a few minutes to fully boot up before running a discovery scan. The status LED should be solid green.
- Faulty Cable or Port: Rule out a bad network cable or switch port by testing with a known-good cable and port.
## Problem 2: Authentication Failed or Incorrect Password
You can see the camera on the network, but when you try to add it, you get an "Authentication Failed," "Incorrect Credentials," or "401 Unauthorized" error.
### Understanding Axis Passwords:
- Factory Default State: A brand new Axis camera has no password. The
rootuser is unlocked, and the system will force you to create a strong password on the first connection. - Previously Configured: If you are being asked for a password you don't know, it means the camera is not in its factory default state. It has been configured before.
### Solutions:
- Set the Initial Password: When connecting for the first time, your VMS or the camera's web page will prompt you to create a password for the
rootuser. This will be the main administrator password for the device. - Perform a Factory Reset: If the camera has an unknown password, the only way to regain access is to perform a hard factory reset.
- Find the control button or P-button on the camera body (its location varies by model).
- With the camera powered on, press and hold this button.
- Continue holding the button until the status LED indicator flashes amber (this can take 15-30 seconds).
- Release the button. The camera will reboot with all settings, including the password and IP address, restored to factory defaults. It will now be discoverable and have no password.
## Problem 3: Camera is Found but Inaccessible
The device appears in your discovery tool with an IP address, but you can't connect to it with your VMS or open its web page.
### Common Causes and Solutions:
- IP Address Mismatch: If the camera was previously configured with a static IP address (e.g., 192.168.10.100) that is not on the same subnet as your current network (e.g., 192.168.1.x), you will not be able to communicate with it.
- Solution: Perform a factory reset as described above. This will set the camera back to DHCP, allowing it to obtain a valid IP address from your network's router.
- VMS Incompatibility: If you are trying to add a brand new camera model to an older VMS, the VMS may not have the correct driver to support it.
- Solution: Always ensure your VMS (e.g., AXIS Camera Station, Milestone, Genetec) is updated to the latest version before adding new cameras. This ensures you have the most recent driver pack and device compatibility.