Home › Dahua Help › How to add an IP camera to a Dahua NVR
Applies to: Dahua NVRs with Dahua IP cameras or ONVIF-compatible cameras. Menu names vary between firmware versions.
Quick answer: On a Dahua NVR with PoE ports, plug the camera into a PoE port and it is usually added automatically. For a camera on your network switch, open Camera > Camera List or Registration, click Search, tick the camera and add it, then enter the camera's password if asked.
Adding a camera to a Dahua NVR is usually quick. How you do it depends on whether the camera plugs into the NVR's own PoE ports or into a separate switch on your network, and whether it is a Dahua camera or another brand.
This guide covers all three routes, plus the checks that save most of the trouble.
Before you start
The camera initialised with a password, or new and ready to initialise
A network cable to a PoE port on the NVR or a PoE switch
The NVR admin password and a monitor and mouse on the NVR
The camera's password, if it is already set up
Method 1: Plug and play with PoE ports
Connect the camera to one of the NVR's PoE ports with a network cable.
Wait a minute or two for the camera to power up.
On many models the NVR initialises and adds the camera automatically, using the NVR's password.
Check the camera appears in live view on a free channel.
Method 2: Camera on a network switch
Connect the camera to a PoE switch on the same network as the NVR.
On the NVR, open the camera registration page (often Main Menu > Camera > Camera List or Registration).
Click Search or Device Search. Cameras on the network appear in the list.
If the camera shows as uninitialised, select it and use the initialise option to set a password. Many people use the NVR's password for simplicity.
Tick the camera and click Add.
If the status shows a red or failed icon, edit the entry and type the camera's correct username and password.
Some firmware has a Smart Add button, which can initialise and add all found cameras in one go.
Method 3: Third-party camera with ONVIF
Make sure ONVIF is switched on in the camera, and an ONVIF user is set up if the camera needs one.
Give the camera an IP address in the same range as the NVR.
On the NVR registration page, click Manual Add.
Choose ONVIF as the protocol, enter the camera's IP address, port (often 80) and login details.
Save and check the image. Some smart features may not pass across between brands.
Check recording
Once the camera is live, check it is recording. Open the recording schedule for the channel and confirm it is set to record continuously or on motion, as you prefer. Then play back a few minutes to confirm footage is saved.
Troubleshooting
Problem
Likely cause
What to try
Camera not found in search
Different network range, or cable or PoE fault
Check the link light and try the camera on an NVR PoE port
Red status after adding
Wrong camera password
Edit the channel and enter the correct password
IP address conflict
Two devices on the same address
Give the camera a unique IP address
ONVIF camera will not connect
ONVIF off, or wrong ONVIF login
Enable ONVIF and use the ONVIF user details
No free channels
NVR at its channel limit
Remove an unused channel or use a larger NVR
Picture but no recording
Schedule not set
Set the recording schedule for that channel
Frequently asked questions
Can I add a Hikvision camera to a Dahua NVR?
Often, yes, using ONVIF. Basic video usually works. Some smart detection features may not work across brands.
How many cameras can a Dahua NVR take?
It depends on the model. The channel count is in the model's specification, often 4, 8, 16 or 32 channels.
Do I have to use the PoE ports?
No. Cameras can connect through a PoE switch on the same network, then be added from the registration page.
Why does my camera show a red icon?
Usually the NVR cannot log in to the camera. Re-enter the camera's password in the channel settings.
Does the camera need the same password as the NVR?
No, but using the same password can make adding cameras easier. Keep it strong either way.
Can Zenith Security Co. help me add cameras?
We are a supplier, not an installer, but we offer technical support by phone and bookable remote setup sessions.
Camera still not showing? Call our technical line or book a remote setup session. Since 2012 we have supplied CCTV equipment from Wolverhampton to homeowners, businesses and installers, with delivery across England, Scotland and Wales. Installers can apply for a trade account for trade pricing.
