Axis Camera Not Pairing or Connecting? We Can Help

Troubleshooting Connection Issues with Your Axis Camera

Axis network cameras are professional-grade security devices known for their reliability and advanced features. Unlike consumer-grade smart home cameras, Axis devices don't typically have a simple 'pairing' process through a mobile app. Instead, they are added to a network and then configured via a web interface or specialised software. This process can sometimes be challenging if you're not familiar with network principles.

If you're having trouble discovering, accessing, or 'pairing' your Axis camera with your system, this guide is for you. We'll cover the fundamental steps for troubleshooting connectivity issues to get your camera online and operational.

## Understanding the Axis Connection Process

Connecting an Axis camera involves a few key stages:

1. Physical Connection: The camera must be physically connected to your network via an Ethernet cable and supplied with power, either through Power over Ethernet (PoE) or a dedicated power supply.
2. IP Address Assignment: The camera needs an IP address to communicate on the network. By default, it will try to get one automatically from a DHCP server (which is usually your router). If no DHCP server is found, it will default to 192.168.0.90.
3. Discovery: You need to find the IP address that has been assigned to the camera.
4. Access and Configuration: Once you have the IP address, you can access the camera's built-in web server to configure its settings.

Problems can arise at any of these stages.

## Key Tool: AXIS Device Manager

Before you begin, the most important tool you should have is the AXIS Device Manager or the simpler AXIS IP Utility. These are free software applications available from the Axis website. They are designed to scan your network and find all connected Axis devices, which is the easiest way to solve the "I don't know the IP address" problem.

## Common Problems and Step-by-Step Solutions

Let's address the issues you might be encountering.

### Symptom: The Camera is Not Discoverable on the Network

You've connected the camera and run AXIS Device Manager, but the camera doesn't appear in the list.

• Solution 1: Check Physical Connections: Look at the network port on the camera. You should see flashing green and/or amber lights, indicating a live network connection and data activity. If there are no lights, check that the Ethernet cable is securely plugged in at both ends (camera and network switch/router). Try a different cable and a different port on your switch.
• Solution 2: Verify Power: If you are using PoE, ensure your network switch or midspan injector is providing power and is 802.3af/at compliant. If using a separate power supply, confirm it's the correct voltage and is working.
• Solution 3: Firewall Issues: Your computer's firewall (including Windows Defender Firewall) can sometimes block the discovery protocols used by Axis software. Temporarily disable your firewall and rescan for the device. If it appears, you will need to add an exception for AXIS Device Manager.
• Solution 4: Check Network Subnet: The discovery tools work best when your computer and the camera are on the same IP subnet. If your camera has defaulted to 192.168.0.90 and your computer's network is 192.168.1.x, the discovery may fail.

### Symptom: The Web Interface is Inaccessible

You've found the camera's IP address, but when you type it into your web browser, the page won't load.

• Solution 1: Confirm Subnet: As above, your computer must be on the same network subnet as the camera to communicate with it. If the camera is at 192.168.0.90 and your PC is at 192.168.1.50, you cannot connect. You must temporarily configure your computer's IP address to be on the same range, for example, 192.168.0.50.
• Solution 2: Check for IP Conflicts: It's possible another device on your network is already using the same IP address as the camera. You can test this by unplugging the camera and using the 'ping' command (ping 192.168.0.90 in the command prompt) to see if another device responds. If it does, you have a conflict.
• Solution 3: HTTP/HTTPS Port: Ensure you are using the correct protocol. Try accessing the camera with both http://[IP_ADDRESS] and https://[IP_ADDRESS].

### Symptom: The Default Password is Not Working

You can access the login page, but you can't get in.

• Solution 1: Understand the Password Policy: On modern Axis cameras, there is no default password. The very first time you connect, you are forced to set one for the 'root' user. The only time the password is 'pass' is on much older, non-updated cameras.
• Solution 2: Factory Reset: If you have lost or forgotten the password, the only solution is to perform a factory reset. This will erase all settings, including the password. The procedure usually involves:
  1. Powering off the camera.
  2. Pressing and holding the control button/reset button.
  3. Powering the camera on while still holding the button.
  4. Continuing to hold the button for 15-30 seconds until the status LED flashes amber.
  5. Releasing the button. The camera will restart with factory default settings, allowing you to set a new password.

By methodically checking your network configuration and using the proper Axis tools, you can resolve virtually any connection issue.