ONVIF camera not found? Seven fixes.
When camera software cannot see an IP camera, it is almost always one of these seven things. Work down the list — most people are done by number two.
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ONVIF is switched off
Newer firmware on Hikvision, Dahua and others ships with ONVIF disabled. Open the camera's web page and enable it — on Hikvision it is under Configuration › Network › Advanced Settings › Integration Protocol.
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There is no ONVIF user
Many cameras keep ONVIF accounts separate from the admin login, and ONVIF will not sign in with admin alone. Create an ONVIF user and use those details in the software.
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Different network or subnet
Discovery only works on the same local network. A PC on 192.168.1.x will not discover a camera on 192.168.0.x.
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The camera is behind an NVR
Cameras plugged into an NVR's PoE ports sit on the recorder's own private network. Connect the camera to your router or switch instead.
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Wrong port
ONVIF usually answers on port 80, but not always: Reolink normally uses 8000 and TP-Link Tapo uses 2020.
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Firewall blocking discovery
Windows Firewall can block the discovery broadcast. Allow the camera software through the firewall on private networks.
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Non-standard video format
Smart codecs such as H.264+ or H.265+ are not part of ONVIF. Switch the camera to standard H.264 if it connects but shows no picture.
Quick answers.
Does ONVIF need a separate password?
On many cameras, yes. Hikvision, Dahua and Axis all keep ONVIF users separate from the admin account.
Which port does ONVIF use?
Usually the camera's HTTP port, 80. Reolink normally uses 8000 and Tapo uses 2020.
Is there software that finds ONVIF cameras automatically?
VISEC's scan button searches the network for ONVIF cameras and lists them. It is free on one camera license.
Try it on your own camera tonight.
The complete software, free for life on one camera license. No card, no email, no trial clock.