Dahua DMSS Not Showing Video? Easy Fixes for “Camera Offline” (2025)
If your Dahua DMSS app says “Camera Offline” or the screen is black, don’t panic. Most of the time nothing is broken. It’s usually the internet, the app connection, or a simple power/cable issue. Follow the steps below—even if you’re not “techy.”
Quick truth: “In most homes we visit, the camera is fine. A simple restart and adding the system to DMSS the right way fixes it.” — Sipko Security Technician (Melbourne)
Before You Start
- Make sure your internet works on your phone (try opening any website).
- Check that your NVR/recorder and internet router are powered on.
- If only one camera is offline, it’s likely a cable or power issue for that camera.
Step-by-Step Fix (Do this in order)
- Restart the right way: turn off power to your PoE switch (if you have one), then your internet router/modem, then your NVR. Wait 2 minutes. Turn them back on in this order: PoE switch → router/modem → NVR.
- Refresh the DMSS app: open DMSS and pull down on the screen to refresh. Try viewing on Wi-Fi and also on mobile data. If it works on Wi-Fi but not on mobile data, go to step 3.
- Re-add your system the “QR” way: in DMSS, remove the old device entry. Tap +, choose Scan, and scan the QR code from your recorder’s “P2P” page (your installer can show where it is). Log in with your recorder username/password.
- Try the lighter video: in the live view, choose Sub (lighter stream). If that works, your phone/connection was struggling to load the heavy “Main” stream.
- Only one camera is offline? Gently push in the camera’s plug. Try a different port on the PoE switch/NVR. If possible, test with a short known-good cable. If it works, your long cable or plug needs fixing.
- Keep time and app updated: update the DMSS app on your phone. Make sure the recorder’s date/time is correct (ask your installer to turn on “automatic time”).
Tip: “If video works at home but not when you’re out, the system was likely added the ‘local’ way. Re-add it by scanning the QR code in DMSS.” — Customer Support Note
Quick Problem → Quick Fix (Easy Table)
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Works on home Wi-Fi, not on mobile data | Added the system the “local” way | Remove device in DMSS → add again by scanning the QR code |
| DMSS says “Offline” | Recorder can’t reach the cloud | Restart gear; re-add by QR; if needed ask installer to check “internet/DNS” |
| Black screen in the app | Video quality too heavy | Switch to Sub in the app; it’s lighter and loads faster |
| Only one camera is offline | Cable/plug or power to that camera | Try a different port; test with a short cable; re-crimp or replace cable if needed |
| Offline returns after storms/power cuts | Home network “shuffles” devices | Ask your installer to “reserve” the addresses so they don’t change |
Why This Happens (No Tech Talk)
- Internet hiccups: Your recorder needs the internet to talk to the DMSS cloud. Short dropouts can confuse it.
- Wrong way of adding the system: If you add it “locally,” it won’t work when you leave home. The QR way fixes that.
- Heavy video: Phones can struggle with very high-quality video. The lighter option (“Sub”) is made for mobile.
- Loose cable or weak port: One camera offline is usually a plug, cable, or power issue—easy to test.
Simple Diagram: From Problem to Fix
Works at home, not outside
Fix: Re-add with QR in DMSS
→
Now works everywhere
Good
One camera offline
Fix: Try other port, short cable
→
Camera back online
Good
Black screen
Fix: Use “Sub” (lighter video)
→
Video loads fast
Good
How to Prevent Future Problems
- Small battery backup (UPS): Keep your router, recorder, and camera power on during short blackouts.
- Update the app and system: Update the DMSS app on your phone and keep your recorder/cameras updated.
- Save the QR page: Take a photo of the recorder’s QR page and keep it with your receipts—very handy.
- Label cables and ports: A simple tag on each cable saves time if you ever need help.
Bottom line: “Restart, re-add with QR, try the lighter video, and check one camera’s cable. That fixes most problems in minutes.” — Sipko Quick Guide (2025)
Need a hand in Melbourne?
We help homeowners and small businesses across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. If the steps above don’t work, our licensed technicians can visit your site, test cables, power, and settings, and make sure your Dahua system stays stable and reliable. Whether it’s a simple connection fix or a full CCTV health check, we’ll get your cameras working perfectly again.
