Find Your Camera IP & Configure Port Forwarding
Step-by-step guides to discover your camera's IP address and set up port forwarding on any router brand for seamless remote streaming.
How to Find Your Camera's IP Address
There are several methods to discover your IP camera's local network address.
Router Admin Panel
Log into your router and check the list of connected devices. Look for your camera's name or MAC address.
- 1Open a web browser and go to your router's IP (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
- 2Log in with your router credentials
- 3Navigate to 'Connected Devices', 'DHCP Clients', or 'Network Map'
- 4Find your camera in the list - it may show as the brand name or 'IP Camera'
Manufacturer's App
Most camera brands have mobile apps that can discover cameras on your network.
- 1Download your camera manufacturer's app (e.g., Reolink, Hikvision, Dahua)
- 2Connect your phone to the same WiFi network as your camera
- 3Open the app and use the 'Add Device' or 'Discover' feature
- 4The app will show your camera's IP address in the device settings
Network Scanner Tools
Use free network scanning software to find all devices on your network.
Free, open-source tool that scans IP ranges and shows device information
Mobile app that discovers all devices on your network with detailed info
Fast and free network scanner that detects all network devices
Camera's Default IP
Some cameras have a factory default IP address. Check your camera's manual.
- Hikvision: 192.168.1.64
- Dahua: 192.168.1.108
- Reolink: Automatic DHCP
- Amcrest: 192.168.1.2 (older) or DHCP
- Axis: 192.168.0.90
Understanding Port Forwarding
Port forwarding allows external access to your camera through your router.
What is Port Forwarding?
Port forwarding is a router configuration that directs incoming internet traffic on specific ports to a device on your local network. This is essential for accessing your camera remotely.
Common Camera Ports
Security Considerations
- Change default camera passwords before enabling port forwarding
- Use non-standard ports to reduce automated attack attempts
- Enable HTTPS if your camera supports it
- Consider using a VPN instead of direct port forwarding for better security
- Keep your camera firmware updated
- Disable UPnP on your router for better security control
Alternatives to Port Forwarding
Cloud Services
Many cameras offer cloud access without port forwarding (may require subscription)
VPN
Set up a VPN server on your router to securely access your home network
CamTuber
Our service connects to your camera locally and streams to YouTube - no port forwarding needed!
Router Port Forwarding Guides
Select your router brand for step-by-step port forwarding instructions.
Skip Port Forwarding with CamTuber
Our cloud service connects to your camera locally and handles all the streaming to YouTube. No port forwarding, no security risks, no hassle.
Works with any RTSP camera - no network configuration needed