How to Add an IP Camera to Security Eye

Before adding an IP camera to Security Eye, make sure the camera itself is powered on, connected to the same local network as the Windows PC, and reachable through the camera manufacturer's app or web interface. Doing that first separates camera/network problems from Security Eye configuration problems.

1. Start the Add Camera wizard

Open Security Eye and click Add Camera on the toolbar.

Choose Network (IP) camera. If the camera is already configured and working on your network, continue to the discovery step. If it is not yet working, complete the manufacturer's initial camera setup first.

2. Let Security Eye scan the local network

Security Eye scans the network and can list devices it finds through UPnP and ONVIF discovery. If your camera appears, select it and continue.

Automatic discovery is convenient, but a camera not appearing in the list does not necessarily mean it cannot be used. Discovery can fail because of network segmentation, disabled discovery protocols, Wi-Fi isolation, firewall rules, or camera-specific behavior. Security Eye therefore also provides a manual setup path.

3. If necessary, enter the camera manually

Choose the option to manually specify the IP camera address. Use the network information supplied by the camera manufacturer. Depending on the camera, this can include its IP address, port, camera model/profile, or stream address.

Many network cameras expose video using RTSP, while ONVIF can provide standardized discovery and media information. These technologies are related but are not the same thing. If you are troubleshooting compatibility, read ONVIF vs RTSP for Security Cameras.

4. Enter the camera username and password

If the camera requires authentication, enter the credentials configured on the camera itself. Do not assume that the Windows account, router password, or Security Eye Web Access password is the same as the camera password; these are separate credentials.

If you do not know the camera login, consult the camera's own documentation or administration interface. Avoid leaving a blank or factory-default password on a camera that will remain connected to your network.

5. Use Connect & Test

Security Eye provides a connection test before the camera is added. Click Connect & Test and wait for the preview.

If you see video, continue to the next step. If you do not, troubleshoot from the simplest layer upward:

1. Can the PC reach the camera? Open the camera's local web address or manufacturer tool from the same Windows PC.
2. Are the credentials correct? Re-enter the camera username and password carefully.
3. Did the camera's IP address change? Check the router's connected-device or DHCP list.
4. Is the camera on a different network? Guest Wi-Fi and client-isolation features can prevent devices from reaching each other.
5. Is the chosen stream/profile correct? If you are configuring the camera manually, confirm the address and stream information with the camera manufacturer.
6. Is another configuration blocking access? Check local firewall rules, camera connection limits, and whether the camera requires a specific protocol or codec.

6. Give the camera a useful name

Choose a descriptive name such as Front Door, Garage, Reception, or Warehouse East. Clear names matter once you have several cameras, especially when you configure schedules, notifications, recordings, or review captured events later.

7. Configure what should happen after the camera is connected

After the connection is complete, review the settings that control the camera's behavior:

• Detection: adjust motion sensitivity and mask areas that should be ignored.
• Recording: choose motion-triggered or scheduled recording behavior and the destination for recordings.
• Alarm: configure any audible or other alarm actions you actually need.
• Notifications: set up email or SMS options if you want event messages.
• Scheduler: define when monitoring or recording should run automatically.

Do not enable every option at once. First confirm stable video. Then configure recording. Then tune motion detection. Finally add notifications and schedules. That order makes it much easier to identify the cause if something behaves unexpectedly.

Common problems after a camera has been added

For the original software-specific walkthrough, see the Security Eye manual page for adding an IP camera.