Setting up a new VIGI IP camera or Network Video Recorder (NVR) for the first time? Each VIGI device arrives in a factory default, inactive state, which means it must be activated before it can be added to your CCTV system. This guide will show you how to activate your VIGI device in seven quick steps using the VIGI Config Tool on a PC, including how to set a secure password and assign a valid IP address, so that you can access the device's settings or integrate it with the rest of your system.
NB - If you plan to connect your VIGI camera to a VIGI NVR, then you only need to activate the NVR, as the NVR will automatically find and activate any VIGI cameras during the initial setup. However, if you plan to use cameras standalone and record at the edge, you'll need to activate them first.
In the pop-up, set a secure password and recovery email address for resetting it. If you’re using an NVR, setting the same password on your NVR and cameras makes life easier when you connect your cameras.
If you're not sure, then select the Dynamic IP mode, which will allow your router to assign an appropriate IP address:
You may need to refresh the device list to view the updated IP address.
That's it - the device is not activated and ready to be fully configured and added to a system!
Another easy way to access the camera settings is to click on the cog button in the Action column for your device, which will open the full settings menu in the config tool. You can also click the Upgrade button to make sure the firmware is up to date:
Another option, which works on any PC that's on the same network as the camera, is to use VIGI Cloud VMS:
Step 1: Connect the device to your local network.
Cameras are typically connected via a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch or injector, which also powers the camera. However, NVRs can be connected to any RJ45 port that connects back to your router.NB - If you plan to connect your VIGI camera to a VIGI NVR, then you only need to activate the NVR, as the NVR will automatically find and activate any VIGI cameras during the initial setup. However, if you plan to use cameras standalone and record at the edge, you'll need to activate them first.
Step 2: Install and launch the VIGI Config Tool on a Windows PC.
You can download the latest version of the Config Tool on this page. If you don't have access to a Windows PC, then please follow the instructions at the end of this guide for activating your device with the VIGI App or VIGI VMS.Step 3: Select the device, click 'Initialize', and set a strong password.
The tool will scan your network for all VIGI devices and show them in the Discovered Devices section at the bottom. Inactive devices will show as 'Uninitialized'; select the device by ticking the box, and click Initialize.In the pop-up, set a secure password and recovery email address for resetting it. If you’re using an NVR, setting the same password on your NVR and cameras makes life easier when you connect your cameras.
Step 4: Set your region, time zone, language and frequency.
Most countries use a frequency of 50Hz, but the Americas and some of Asia use 60Hz. If you're unsure, you can use this webpage to find the correct frequency for your country.Step 5: Set your security questions and click 'Confirm'.
These will be used to reset your password as well as the backup email from step 3. Once you've clicked Confirm, the device will finish activating, and the status will change to Initialized.Step 6: Add the device to the Device List.
Tick the box for the device, click Add to Device List and enter the password that you set in step 2.Step 7: Click 'Change IP' to set a new IP address.
It's essential to assign an IP address that isn't already in use, which allows you to log in to the device via a web browser, add it to VIGI VMS, and connect it with other devices. If you already know which IP address and gateway to set, then you can use the Static IP mode and enter them:If you're not sure, then select the Dynamic IP mode, which will allow your router to assign an appropriate IP address:
You may need to refresh the device list to view the updated IP address.
That's it - the device is not activated and ready to be fully configured and added to a system!
Other Tips...
You can either click on the IP address in the device list to launch its web page or enter the IP in the URL bar manually. This will let you live view, watch playback, and make any changes to the device's settings from a web browser:Another easy way to access the camera settings is to click on the cog button in the Action column for your device, which will open the full settings menu in the config tool. You can also click the Upgrade button to make sure the firmware is up to date:
What if I don't have access to a Windows PC?
Don't worry, you can also use the VIGI mobile app to activate your device. Once you've downloaded the app from your app store, press the '+' in the top-right corner and then Scan / Add Device. This will let you scan the QR code on the back of the camera or NVR to activate it and set your password.Another option, which works on any PC that's on the same network as the camera, is to use VIGI Cloud VMS:
- Once you have logged in with your TP-Link ID, go to Devices > Add.
- Then, select the device from the list of discovered devices, select a site, and click Apply, which will take you through all of the same activation steps mentioned above in this guide:
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