RTSP stream not working? Troubleshooting

Run through this checklist when your camera won't play.

1. Is the address public?

A private IP (192.168.x.x, 10.x.x.x, 172.16–31.x.x) is only reachable inside your local network. Use your public IP or a DDNS hostname, and forward the RTSP port on your router.

2. Are the credentials correct?

Most cameras require a username and password in the URL. A missing or wrong login is the most common cause of a stream that connects but never shows video.

3. Right path and port?

The stream path is vendor-specific — see finding your RTSP URL. The default port is 554, but some cameras use 8554 or a custom one.

4. Codec support

We support H.264, H.265 and AV1 video. Exotic or very old codecs may not decode in the browser. Try the camera's sub-stream, which is usually plain H.264.

5. Firewall / CGNAT

Some ISPs place you behind Carrier-Grade NAT, so inbound RTSP never reaches you even with port forwarding. A DDNS hostname won't help in that case — ask your ISP for a public IP.