Camera Bridge

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ONVIF Setup ​

ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) is a standard that lets Camera Bridge discover cameras, read their settings, and use their built-in motion and doorbell events.

What ONVIF Gets You ​

With ONVIF, Camera Bridge can:

  • Discover the camera automatically on your network
  • Read streams without guessing RTSP paths
  • Adjust settings like resolution, framerate, and keyframe interval directly from the camera
  • Use motion events from the camera instead of just Camera Bridge's built-in detection
  • Detect doorbell presses on video doorbell cameras

Does Your Camera Support ONVIF? ​

Check one of these:

  1. The box or manual: Look for "ONVIF Profile S" or "Profile T"
  2. onvif.org: Search for your camera model in the conformant products list
  3. Camera's web page: Look under Network, Integration, Platform Access, or Advanced Settings

Creating an ONVIF User ​

Many cameras keep ONVIF users separate from the main web admin account. You may need to create a dedicated ONVIF login.

On the Camera's Web Page ​

  1. Open the camera's web interface and sign in with the admin account
  2. Find the ONVIF settings. Look under:
    • Network → Advanced Settings or Integration
    • Integration Protocol or Platform Access
    • Server Settings or Account Settings
  3. Enable ONVIF (if it's off)
  4. Add a new user with a strong password (Administrator or Operator role)
  5. Use this username and password in Camera Bridge

Using a Phone App Setup ​

Some cameras are configured entirely through a phone app:

  1. Open the camera's app
  2. Look for Camera Account, Device Account, or Advanced Settings
  3. Create a username and password there
  4. Use those credentials (not your cloud account) in Camera Bridge

After Creating the Account ​

Some cameras lock out login attempts after several wrong passwords. If Camera Bridge can't connect after a few tries:

  1. Wait — the camera may be locked for up to 30 minutes
  2. Camera Bridge will show when it will try again
  3. Make sure the username and password are exactly right (including spaces and case)

Adding an ONVIF Camera in Camera Bridge ​

  1. Click + to add a camera
  2. If discovered, select it from the list; otherwise click Add by Address
  3. Enter the ONVIF username and password
  4. Click Next

Camera Bridge will now connect to the camera and detect:

  • All available video streams
  • The camera's motion event types
  • Available settings for adjustment

Troubleshooting ONVIF ​

Camera shows as "not responding"

  • Check that the ONVIF user's password is correct (many cameras are case-sensitive)
  • Make sure ONVIF is enabled on the camera
  • Try creating a new ONVIF user with a simpler password (no special characters)

ONVIF settings aren't changing

  • Not all cameras allow all settings over ONVIF. Use Optimize for HomeKit to see what Camera Bridge can control
  • If a setting shows a wrench icon, Camera Bridge can apply it; if it shows information, change it on the camera directly

Motion events aren't coming through

  • Make sure the camera's motion detection is enabled in its own settings
  • Check that Camera Bridge has Local Network permission

Still stuck?

Use the Diagnostics tool to check your connection and see detailed error messages.