How to Fix an Axis Camera That Won't Connect
An Axis camera that fails to connect to the network is unable to perform its duties, leaving your property unmonitored. This common issue can be frustrating, but it's usually solvable by systematically checking a few key areas. This guide will provide you with a clear, step-by-step process to diagnose and fix the connectivity problems with your Axis camera.
## Pinpointing the Cause of the Connection Failure
When your Axis camera is unreachable, the problem generally falls into one of these categories:
- Physical Layer Issues: This includes problems with the ethernet cable, the power supply (especially Power over Ethernet or PoE), or the network switch port.
- IP and Network Configuration: The camera may have an incorrect IP address, be in conflict with another device, or be blocked by a firewall.
- Camera Software or State: The camera's firmware might have encountered a glitch, or it may have been reset to a default IP address you are not aware of.
## Your Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Let's start with the most basic physical checks and move on to network configuration.
### Step 1: Check the Physical Connections and Indicators
- Verify Network Cable: Ensure the ethernet cable is securely plugged into both the camera and the network switch or router. Look for the small LED lights on the camera's ethernet port (if visible) and on the switch port. A solid or blinking green light typically indicates a good link, while no light suggests a problem. If possible, try using a different ethernet cable and a different port on the switch.
- Confirm Power Source: How is the camera powered?
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): Make sure the switch or injector you are using is providing power. Check the switch's status lights. Is the PoE budget of the switch exceeded?
- External Power Adapter: If you are using a separate power supply, ensure it is the correct voltage and is plugged into a working outlet. A failing power adapter can prevent the camera from booting up properly.
- Reboot All Devices: A simple power cycle can resolve many temporary issues. Disconnect the power from your Axis camera, your network switch, and your router. Wait for about 60 seconds before plugging them back in. Allow a few minutes for all devices to boot up and try to connect again.
### Step 2: Discovering the Camera on the Network
If the physical connections seem fine, the next step is to find the camera on your network. The camera may be online but at an IP address you don't expect.
- Use the AXIS IP Utility: Axis provides a free software tool called AXIS IP Utility. Download and install it on a computer that is on the same physical network as the camera. Run the tool, and it will scan the network and list all detected Axis devices, showing you their current IP address, MAC address, and status.
- What to do if the camera is found: If the utility finds your camera, it will display its IP address. You can then try to access the camera's web interface by typing this IP address into your web browser. If the IP address is on a different subnet from your computer, the utility will allow you to assign a new, correct IP address to the camera.
- What to do if the camera is NOT found: If the AXIS IP Utility cannot find the camera, it strongly suggests a physical connection issue (revisit Step 1) or a more serious problem with the camera itself.
### Step 3: Resolving IP Address Issues
If the camera is found but you can't access it, you likely have an IP address problem.
- IP Address Conflict: The camera might be trying to use an IP address that is already taken by another device. Use the AXIS IP Utility to assign a static IP address to the camera. Choose an address that is within your network's range but outside the range that your router assigns automatically (the DHCP pool).
- Incorrect Subnet: Your computer and the camera must be on the same IP subnet to communicate. For example, if your computer's IP is 192.168.1.50, your camera's IP should be something like 192.168.1.100. If the camera has an address like 192.168.0.100, they cannot communicate directly. Use the utility to change the camera's IP to match your network's scheme.
### Step 4: The Last Resort - Factory Reset
If you have tried all the above steps and still cannot connect, the camera's configuration may be corrupted. A factory reset will return it to its out-of-the-box settings.
- How to Reset: The exact method varies by model, but it typically involves pressing and holding a physical control button on the camera while applying power. The camera's default IP address after a reset is often 192.168.0.90. You will need to connect it directly to a computer with a manually set IP address (e.g., 192.168.0.5) to access and reconfigure it.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can solve the vast majority of connectivity issues and get your Axis camera back online.