Search IP-The address of your security camera may be required for a variety of purposes: setting up local recording, integrating into third-party smart home systems, or diagnosing connection problems, IP-Xiaomi and Yi cameras often run on specific subnets, which can make them difficult to detect by standard methods. Understanding where to look for this numerical identifier is key to advanced device management.
There are several proven ways to get the necessary network data, ranging from built-in router functions to specialized software. IP-The address is a unique number that is assigned to the camera by your router when you connect to your home Wi-Fi network or cable. Without knowing that address, you can't direct video flow inside the network or configure a static route.
In this article, we will take a look at all the methods available, from the simplest to the most advanced, that will help you cope with the task even in complex network conditions. We will look at working with the official application, administrative panels of routers and third-party utilities for network scanning.
Finding an address through the Mi Home app
The most obvious and affordable way is to use the official Mi Home mobile app (or Yi Home for the respective models). Although the app interface is primarily focused on watching videos, the technical information is often hidden in the depth of the device's settings. You need to open the app, select the right camera from the list and go to the control menu.
In the upper right corner of the video stream screen, there's usually a three-dot button or a gear icon that opens the settings. By scrolling down the settings list, you can find the "Camera Settings" or "General Settings" section. This is where, depending on the firmware version and model, network connection information can be located. However, it is worth noting that modern versions of software often hide direct communication. IP-Address from the user to simplify the interface.
⚠️ Note: In some versions of the Mi Home app IP-The address may not be displayed at all if the camera is connected via a cloud server or uses technology. P2P data-transmitting.
If the standard menu doesn't contain information, try to go to "Advanced" or "About the device." MAC-For a deeper diagnosis, you can try to activate debugging mode if your camera model supports it, but it requires already advanced knowledge.
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If not in the appendix IP-Addresses, find out MAC-Device address – it is often listed on a sticker on the camera body and will help you find it in the router list.
Use of the router's administrative panel
The most reliable and informative source of data about all connected devices is the router itself. DHCP-servers, giving addresses to all gadgets on the network, including your Xiaomi camera. To access this data, you will need to log into the router's web interface through a browser on a computer or smartphone.
In the address bar of the browser enter IP-The gateway address, which is most often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. Once you enter the credentials (login and password, often listed at the bottom of the router), the control panel will open","LAN","DHCP Server" or "Client List).
In the list of connected devices, look for a name that contains the brands Xiaomi, Yi, Imilab or Aqara. Often devices are displayed simply as"IP "Camera" or MAC-If you know the address. MAC-The camera address (it's on the box or sticker), match it with the data in the table, next to the device name will be its current local location. IP-address.
If you use Keenetic, TP-Link or Asus routers, the interface may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same. In modern Xiaomi and Mi Wi-Fi routers, this information is available in the smartphone app under "Settings" → "Device List." There you can not only see the address, but also attach it to the device so that it does not change.
Scanning the network with a computer
If you have limited access to your router or want more technical information, you can use specialized software to scan the network, scanners send requests to all possible addresses on your subnet and analyze responses, a professional approach that gives guaranteed results.
One of the most popular and free slits is Advanced. IP Scanner for Windows. Once you run it, just click the Scan button and it quickly detects all active devices. Xiaomi cameras are often identified by the network card manufacturer or by open ports. IP-address, MAC-address and possibly the name of the manufacturer.
For macOS and Linux users, Angry IP Scanner or the console utility nmap is a great tool. When using nmap, you can get a very detailed report. The command for quick scanning of the local network is as follows:
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24Instead of 192.168.1.0/24, substitute your subnet address, and you'll see a host list. Security cameras often have open ports that are typical of streaming video, such as port 554 (RTSP) or 1935 (RTMP), and having an open port can be an additional confirmation that you've found the camera.
☑️ Pre-scan check
Definition of address through the command line
For those who prefer not to install the software, the operating system's built-in tools provide sufficient functionality. ARP-a table that stores the correspondence between IP and MAC-Addresses of devices that your computer has recently communicated with.
First, you need to wake up your camera connection. Open the Mi Home app and start the video stream from the camera for a few seconds. This is guaranteed to create network traffic between your PC (if it is on the same network) and the camera. Then open the command prompt (CMD on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
Enter the arp command. -a And you press Enter. You'll see a list of all the addresses that your computer knows, and the problem is, there's a lot of records on the list. MAC-address (first) 6 The characters are the manufacturer's code. Find the line in the list where MAC-The address starts with Xiaomi or Yi code and look at the corresponding one. IP.
⚠️ Attention: ARP-The table is dynamically updated, and if the camera hasn't transmitted data in a long time, its recording may have disappeared from the table, so it's mandatory to pre-start the video stream.
An alternative method is to use the ping command to check the entire subnet, although it will take longer. You can write a simple script or use a command line loop that will poll all addresses from 1 to 254. ARP-chart.
Table: Comparison of IP search methods
To make it easier to choose the right method, we will look at the main characteristics of each method in a comparative table, which will help you understand which option will be most effective in your particular situation.
| Method | Difficulty | precision | Required SOFTWARE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Home appendix | Low. | Medium (often hidden) | Mi Home / Yi Home |
| Router panel | Medium | Tall. | Web browser |
| Network scanners | Medium | Maximum | Advanced IP Scanner |
| Command line | Tall. | Tall. | OS (CMD/Terminal) |
As you can see from the table, the router bar and the network scanners give the most complete and reliable result. Using the application is convenient for quick check, but not always informative. Command Prompt is the choice for advanced users who appreciate minimalism.
Set up a static IP for the camera
Once you know your current address, it is recommended to assign it to the camera permanently. Dynamic Address Change (DHCP) can cause the camera to receive a new IP after a few days and your configured scripts or links to the video stream will stop working.
The best way to do this is not on the camera itself (unless it has an option), but on the router. DHCP","Address Reservation" or "Tieting IP". You need to find a section with this name in the router settings, select your camera from the list (by MAC-address) and indicate desired IP-address that must be the same as the current address or be free in the network range.
Why is static IP important?
Make sure that the selected address does not fall into the dynamic distribution range to avoid conflicts. For example, if the router distributes addresses from 100 to 200, it is better for the camera to assign an address in the range 2-99. After saving the settings, the router may require a reboot, after which the camera will always be available at the same address.
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Fixing IP-addresses behind the camera in the router settings are a mandatory step for the stable operation of the video surveillance system in the long term.
Frequent problems and their solution
You may encounter a number of common problems when you search for an address, and one of the most common is that the camera simply doesn't show up in the router's customer list, which can happen if the camera is connected to a guest Wi-Fi that is isolated from the main network, or if the client isolation function is enabled.
Another problem is address conflict, if there's already a device on the network that has the same address. IP, The camera may not get the network or work unstable, in which case a complete reset of the network settings of the router or a manual change will help. IP-camera addresses through the manufacturer's special software, if it is provided.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t try to steal the camera. IP-an address reserved by the system (e.g., 1 or 254) will result in loss of access to the router or disruption of network operation.
If the camera is connected to IPv6 and you're only looking for IPv4 addresses, you may not find it. Make sure your router and computer support and see both types of addresses, although IPv4 is often enough for local use.
Safety when working with IP-camera
Knowledge IP-Not only does the camera address open up the possibility of customization, but it also opens up the potential risks. If you put the camera port out (ports rolling), the device will be accessible from the Internet.
Always change your factory passwords into complex combinations. Use a separate Wi-Fi network for smart home devices (IoT) isolated from your personal computers and smartphones, which will prevent a possible attack through a vulnerable camera on your main devices.
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Use the Guest Network feature on your router to connect Xiaomi cameras, which will create an additional layer of security and isolate the camera from the main home network.
Additional Opportunities Through RTSP
Getting IP-address, you can use the camera in more than just your native app. RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol allows you to stream video into players VLC or video-recording systems NVR. The standard link format often looks like rtsp://username:password@IP_ADDRESS:554/stream1.
To activate this feature in some Xiaomi and Yi models requires the installation of modified firmware or the use of special hacks, since the manufacturer can block this feature in the sewage software.
The stream availability check is done by typing the address into the player, and if the stream is running, you've successfully configured local access, which gives you tremendous flexibility in using video surveillance, allowing you to integrate cheap Chinese cameras into professional security systems.