Dahua App Won't Connect? Troubleshooting DMSS Connection Issues
The DMSS (or older iDMSS/gDMSS) app is essential for remotely viewing your Dahua security cameras. When it fails to connect, showing your devices as "Offline" or giving a "Login Failed" error, it can be very frustrating. This guide will help you solve the most common connection problems.
Step 1: Check Your Phone's Internet Connection
The app needs internet access to reach your security system. This is the first and simplest thing to check.
- Wi-Fi vs. Mobile Data: Try switching between Wi-Fi and your mobile data (4G/5G). If the app works on one but not the other, you've narrowed down the problem.
- Works on Mobile Data, Not Wi-Fi: This suggests something on your local Wi-Fi network (like a firewall or content filter) is blocking the connection.
- Works on Wi-Fi, Not Mobile Data: Ensure mobile data is enabled for the DMSS app in your phone's settings and that you have a stable data signal.
- Browse a Website: Simply open a web browser on your phone and try to visit a website. If it doesn't load, the problem is with your phone's connectivity, not the Dahua system.
Step 2: Verify the Dahua Device is Online
The app can't connect to a device that is itself offline. You need to check the source: your NVR, DVR, or IP camera.
- Local Network Access: You will need to be at the same location as your Dahua device for this step. Connect a monitor directly to your NVR/DVR or log in to its web interface from a computer on the same network.
- Navigate to Network Settings: Log in with your admin credentials and go to the TCP/IP Network settings.
- Check P2P (Easy4IP) Status: Find the section for P2P (sometimes called NAT or Easy4IP).
- Look for "Online" Status: This screen will show a status for the P2P connection. It must say "Online". If it says "Offline," "Connecting," or "Disabled," your device is not connected to the internet, and the app will not work remotely.
- Solution: If the P2P status is not "Online," ensure the device's Ethernet cable is securely plugged in and that its network settings (like IP address and Gateway) are correct for your local network. Make sure P2P is enabled. A simple reboot of the device can often resolve this.
Step 3: Check Your Device Login Credentials in the App
A common mistake is confusing the DMSS account password with the password for the camera system itself.
- Device Username/Password: When you add a device to the DMSS app, you have to enter the username and password for that device. The default is often
admin, but you should have changed the password for security. - "Incorrect username or password" Error: If you see this error in the app, it means the credentials you've saved in the app for that device no longer match the credentials on the device itself.
- Solution: In the DMSS app, go to the device list, select the problematic device, and choose to "Edit" it. Carefully re-enter the correct username and password for your NVR/DVR.
Step 4: Re-add the Device
If all else fails, a corrupt configuration in the app could be the cause. Removing and re-adding the device can create a fresh connection.
- Delete from App: In DMSS, swipe left on the offline device and tap the delete icon.
- Add Device Again: Tap the '+' icon in the top right of the app.
- Scan SN: Choose "SN/Scan" and scan the QR code on the sticker of your Dahua device. This is the most reliable way to add it.
- Enter Details: Give the device a name and enter its correct username and password.
- Save and Test: Save the device and try to view the live feed.
By following these steps, you can systematically identify whether the connection issue lies with your phone, the Dahua device's internet connection, or the configuration settings within the app itself.