What is the Axis Default Password? (2026 Guide)

Administrator A
Jul 15
5 min read

Setting up a high-end surveillance system is one of the smartest investments you can make for your property, but hitting a login wall can bring your progress to a screeching halt. If you are staring at a login screen trying to figure out the Axis default password, you are not alone. Whether you are setting up a brand-new camera or taking over an inherited surveillance system for a local business, figuring out how to gain access is a common hurdle.

As professional security camera technicians, we encounter this daily. In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we will explain why the concept of a "default password" has changed, how to access your Axis IP cameras for the first time, and exactly what to do if you are locked out.

The Short Answer: There is No Axis Default Password

If you are looking for a universal, pre-set password like "12345" or "admin" to log into a modern Axis communications device, we have some important news: modern Axis cameras do not have a default password.

For years, cybersecurity standards in physical security have evolved. To prevent unauthorized hackers from scanning the internet and taking control of IP cameras using publicly listed credentials, Axis Communications implemented a strict "no default password" policy across all modern firmware versions (typically firmware 6.50 and higher).

Instead of a pre-configured password, Axis devices ship in an uninitialized state. The first time you attempt to access the camera, the system will actively prevent you from viewing any video feeds until you manually define a unique, secure password for the primary administrator account (known as the root user).

Axis Default Login Credentials Reference

While there is no pre-set password, Axis cameras do utilize consistent default network configurations and administrative usernames. Use the table below as a quick-reference guide for your initial connection:

Parameter	Default Value	Notes
Default Username	root	This is the hardcoded master admin account.
Default Password	None	Must be created by the installer/user upon first login.
Default IP Address	192.168.0.90	Used automatically if no DHCP server is found on the network.
Discovery Protocol	ON (Bonjour / UPnP)	Helps configuration tools locate the camera automatically.

How to Log In & Configure Your Axis Camera for the First Time

If you have a brand-new or factory-reset Axis camera, getting it up and running is a straightforward process. Follow these professional setup steps to initialize the camera securely:

1.Connect the Camera to the Network:Prerequisite.

Plug your Axis camera into a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch or a PoE power injector connected to your local network. Ensure your setup computer is on the same local subnet.

2.Locate the Camera's IP Address:Required Software.

Download and open the free AXIS IP Utility or AXIS Device Manager from the official Axis website. These tools will scan your local network and display the current IP address of your camera.

3.Access the Web Interface:Via Web Browser.

Type the camera’s IP address directly into the address bar of your web browser (e.g., [http://192.168.0.90](http://192.168.0.90)) and press Enter.

4.Create the Root Password:Security Initialization.

You will be greeted by a configuration screen prompting you to "Configure Root Password". Enter a strong, complex password (at least 8 characters, combining uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters). Click Create Login to complete the initialization.

What About Older or Legacy Axis Models?

If you are working with legacy or discontinued Axis models (typically manufactured before 2018), they may still use older firmware that utilized hardcoded default passwords.

Security Warning: If you run across a legacy device using these credentials, it is highly recommended to upgrade its firmware immediately to close known security vulnerabilities.

For older equipment, try these legacy login combinations:

Username: root | Password: pass
Username: root | Password: admin
Username: root | Password: [Leave Blank]

If these credentials do not work, it means the device has already been initialized and the password was modified from its legacy default. To regain access, you will need to perform a physical reset.

Locked Out? How to Perform a Hard Factory Reset

If you have inherited a security camera system at your home or business and the previous owner or IT administrator did not hand over the passwords, there is no digital backdoor. For security reasons, the only way to bypass a forgotten password is to perform a Hard Factory Reset.

This process clears all customized network configurations, user profiles, and passwords, reverting the camera to its original factory-fresh, uninitialized state.

Step-by-Step Physical Reset Guide:

Disconnect the Power: Unplug the network cable (if powered by PoE) or the power adapter from the camera.
Locate the Control Button: Find the physical "Control" or "Reset" button on the camera body. Depending on the specific model, it may be a small recessed button located near the SD card slot, behind a weatherproof cover, or on the back of the housing.
Press and Hold: Using a small tool or paperclip (if recessed), press and hold down the Control button.
Reconnect the Power: While keeping the button pressed down, reconnect the PoE cable or power adapter.
Observe the LED Light: Keep holding the button down for 15 to 30 seconds until the camera’s status LED indicator flashes amber or green.
Release and Reboot: Release the button. The camera will proceed to reboot, which can take up to 2–3 minutes.
Re-initialize: Once the status light returns to normal, open the AXIS IP Utility to locate the camera and configure a brand-new root password.

Why Professional CCTV Configuration Matters

Many homeowners and commercial property owners across Cleveland try to tackle CCTV troubleshooting on their own. While finding an IP address is relatively straightforward, building a secure, reliable, and compliant surveillance network requires professional expertise.

Cybersecurity Hardening: Axis cameras send initial setup passwords in clear text over unencrypted networks. A professional technician will immediately establish encrypted HTTPS connections, configure 802.1X authentication, and disable unused network ports to shield your network from hackers.
NDAA Compliance: If your business has federal contracts, operates in healthcare, or works under strict insurance regulations, you must ensure your cameras are NDAA compliant. Axis Communications is fully NDAA compliant, making them excellent replacements for banned brands like Hikvision or Dahua.
Network Optimization: High-definition cameras can easily choke your local network if not managed correctly. Professionals optimize compression settings (like Axis Zipstream) to preserve bandwidth and storage space without sacrificing image quality.

Need Expert Help with Your Security Cameras in Cleveland?

Whether you’re locked out of your system, need a professional installation, want to upgrade to NDAA-compliant cameras, or require remote troubleshooting support — the team at Cleveland Security Cameras is here to help.

Our local experts can:

Install new security camera systems
Reset and recover access to existing cameras and NVRs
Upgrade or replace restricted/outdated equipment
Provide remote support and ongoing maintenance

Call us today at 2163338245

We proudly serve homeowners and businesses across Cleveland and Northeast Ohio with reliable, professional security solutions.

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