Dahua IP Camera Configuration Guide - Kings Engineer Helper

# Dahua IP Camera Configuration Guide

Complete setup and configuration guide for Dahua IP cameras and NVRs.

## Overview

Dahua Technology is a leading CCTV manufacturer offering a wide range of IP cameras. This guide covers configuration using Dahua ConfigTool and camera web interface.

## Pre-Configuration

### Default Settings

### Requirements

– Dahua ConfigTool (Windows)
– Network connection
– PoE switch or injector
– Computer on same subnet

## Using ConfigTool

### Download and Install

1. Download ConfigTool from Dahua website
2. Install on Windows PC
3. Launch application

### Device Discovery

1. Connect camera to network
2. Open ConfigTool
3. Click "Search" button
4. Cameras appear in list with:
– IP address
– MAC address
– Model
– Firmware version

### Initial Activation

New cameras require password activation:

1. Select camera in ConfigTool
2. Click "Initialize"
3. Create strong admin password
4. Set security questions (optional)
5. Click "OK" to activate

### IP Configuration

1. Select initialized camera
2. Click "Modify IP"
3. Choose:
– Static IP (recommended)
– DHCP
4. Enter:
– New IP address
– Subnet mask
– Gateway
5. Click "Save"

## Web Interface Configuration

### Accessing the Camera

1. Browser: `http://[camera-ip]`
2. Login with admin credentials
3. Install plugin if prompted

### Basic Settings

**Date and Time**:
– Set timezone (GMT for UK)
– Enable NTP synchronization
– Server: pool.ntp.org

**Device Information**:
– Set device name (e.g., "Front Door")
– Set location
– Configure language

### Video Settings

**Main Stream (Recording)**:

**Sub Stream (Network)**:

### Image Settings

**Exposure**:
– Mode: Auto (indoor) or Manual (outdoor)
– Shutter: 1/25 to 1/10000
– Adjust for scene brightness

**Day/Night**:
– Mode: Auto
– IR Cut: Auto
– IR LED: Auto

**Wide Dynamic Range**:
– Enable for high contrast scenes
– Adjust level (1-100)

**Noise Reduction**:
– 3D NR: Enable
– Level: 50-70

### Network Settings

**TCP/IP**:
– Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
– Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4

**Port Settings**:
– HTTP: 80 (or custom)
– TCP: 37777
– UDP: 37778
– RTSP: 554

**DDNS** (for remote access):
– Enable Dahua DDNS
– Register device
– Or use third-party DDNS

## SmartPSS Integration

### What is SmartPSS?

SmartPSS (Smart Professional Surveillance System) is Dahua's free VMS software for managing cameras and NVRs.

### Installation

1. Download SmartPSS from Dahua website
2. Install on Windows PC
3. Launch application

### Adding Devices

**Method 1 – Auto Search**:
1. Click "Device Management"
2. Click "Add"
3. Select "IP/Domain"
4. Click "Search"
5. Select discovered device
6. Enter username/password
7. Click "Add"

**Method 2 – Manual**:
1. Click "Add"
2. Enter device IP
3. Enter port (37777)
4. Enter username/password
5. Click "Add"

### Recording Setup

1. Go to "Storage" → "Record"
2. Select camera
3. Set schedule (continuous or motion)
4. Configure storage location
5. Set retention period

## Mobile Access (DMSS App)

### Enabling P2P

1. Camera web interface
2. Go to Network → P2P
3. Enable P2P
4. Note serial number
5. Create QR code

### App Setup

1. Download "DMSS" app (iOS/Android)
2. Create account
3. Tap "+" to add device
4. Scan QR code or enter SN manually
5. Enter device password
6. Device appears in app

### App Features

– Live view (up to 4 cameras)
– Playback
– Push notifications
– Two-way audio
– PTZ control
– Video intercom (with compatible devices)

## Event Configuration

### Motion Detection

1. Go to Event → Video Detection
2. Select "Motion Detection"
3. Enable
4. Draw detection zones
5. Set sensitivity (1-6)
6. Configure recording/snapshot
7. Set arming schedule

### Video Loss

1. Enable video loss detection
2. Set alarm actions
3. Configure notifications

### Tamper Detection

1. Enable tamper detection
2. Set sensitivity
3. Configure alarm output

## Storage Configuration

### SD Card (if equipped)

1. Insert microSD card
2. Go to Storage → Destination
3. Select SD card
4. Set overwrite mode
5. Format card

### NAS/Network Storage

1. Go to Storage → Destination
2. Add NFS or SMB share
3. Enter path and credentials
4. Test connection
5. Set as primary/backup

## Troubleshooting

### Camera Not Detected

1. Check power (PoE LED)
2. Verify network cable
3. Check ConfigTool version
4. Try different switch port
5. Factory reset if needed

### Cannot Login

1. Verify IP address
2. Check credentials
3. Reset password via ConfigTool
4. Factory reset last resort

### Poor Image Quality

1. Clean lens
2. Check focus
3. Adjust exposure
4. Enable WDR
5. Check bitrate settings

### No Night Vision

1. Check IR LEDs (red glow)
2. Verify power supply
3. Check day/night settings
4. Clean dome/cover

### Motion Detection Not Working

1. Check detection zone
2. Adjust sensitivity
3. Verify arming schedule
4. Check event linkage

## Best Practices

1. **Change default password** immediately
2. **Use strong passwords** (complex)
3. **Update firmware** regularly
4. **Enable encryption** (HTTPS)
5. **Set time sync** (NTP)
6. **Document configuration**
7. **Test all features** before handover
8. **Backup configuration**

## Related Resources

– [ConfigTool Download](/dahua-configtool/)
– [SmartPSS Guide](/dahua-smartpss/)
– [DMSS Setup](/dahua-dmss/)
– [Dahua NVR Setup](/dahua-nvr-setup/)

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*Last updated: February 2026*
*For qualified CCTV installers. Follow manufacturer guidelines.*