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Camius VMS Pro Software: How to Add Devices (Mac & Windows)

Camius VMS Pro is a powerful, enterprise-grade video management software designed to enhance your surveillance experience. Available for both macOS and Windows, it provides seamless integration and control over Camius security systems. With this centralized platform, users can easily add devices (NVRs, DVRs, and IP cameras), view live video feeds in real-time, and manage remote settings with precision. Whether you are a home user or managing a large multi-site deployment, VMS Pro offers intelligent event filtering, playback, and HD monitoring—all without recurring subscription fees.

There are two supported ways to add a Camius DVR or NVR to VMS Pro. Each method controls how and where the device can be accessed.

  1. Adding using Local IP provides access only inside the same local network. The computer and the recorder must stay on the same network and same IP range.
  2. Adding using Device ID, also known as P2P ID, provides access both on the local network and remotely over the internet. This method works without port forwarding and is recommended for laptops.

Device search in VMS Pro works only on the local network.

Important: Software Compatibility & Access

Camius VMS Pro DVR, NVR Management Software is a premium platform developed exclusively for the Camius ecosystem.

Looking for professional VMS software without monthly fees?

Many customers switch to Camius specifically to access this powerful interface. If you want granular control, local ultra HD recording, and advanced AI analytics without the subscription costs, shop our NVR & DVR systems.

VMS Pro Download and Installation

  1. Click HERE to download the VMS software, designed for Windows PC and MacOS™
  2. After installing the VMS Pro software, navigate to the Home tab on the left side, then click on Home >> Device Management.
VMS device amanagement
Picture 1

Adding Device to the VMS Pro Software

When adding a device to the VMS software, there are two scenarios to consider: adding a device while on the same network or adding it remotely.

Option 1: If your device is in the same LAN

If your device is in the same LAN (Local Area Network) follow the steps:

  1. Click on the Auto Search tab to search for devices within the same LAN Select the device
  2. Click Add, and enter the device’s username and password.

Notes:

  • Device search works only when the computer and the recorder are connected to the same local network and same subnet.
  • If the recorder does not appear in search results, this does not indicate a recorder issue. Network segmentation, VPNs, firewalls, guest WiFi, or mesh systems block local discovery.
  • If search does not find the device, proceed with manual add using Local IP or Device ID.

Adding the device using its local IP address

  • IP Domain uses the recorder local IP address.
  • Devices added using the local IP provide access only inside the same local network. Remote access does not work with this method unless a public IP address with port forwarding is configured.
  • This method is suitable for fixed desktop computers that always stay on the same network.
VMS software for Camius NVR DVR IP camera auto search
Device Management >> Auto Search
  • Run Auto Search, and the Camius devices available on your local network will be detected and listed below.
  • Devices that have been activated (assigned a password) will show an “Activated” status, while those in default settings will display a “No” status.
  • If a device has not yet been added to the VMS software, a checkbox will appear next to it. Check the box for the desired device and click the Add button to include it in the software.
Camius VMS pro AutoSearch populated web 1024
  • Click on All Equipment to view the added devices and their network status. You can also edit the device details from this section.
VMS pro software - device management tab - check if the device is online and access its remote setting

3. Next, navigate to the Mainview, and expand ‘root’ on the left sidebar. Click and drag your device into any blank rectangle, which will display all the available channels.

Camius VMS Pro Mainview icon from all equipment web 1024
Navigate to the Mainview
  • Click and drag your device into any blank rectangle to display all available channels.
  • Dragging the NVR into a rectangle will start displaying video from all connected cameras in real-time preview mode.
  • To expand the NVR view, click the black arrow and drag and drop individual cameras into the blank rectangles.
  • Drop multiple devices into blank rectangles to view cameras from different devices on the same screen.
  • Change the view by clicking the Layout icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Camius VMS Mainview Dragging cameras to the preview web 1024

Remote Viewing Tip: Switch to Substream in VMS Pro for Smoother Performance

For remote viewing, you can select Substream in the VMS pro:

The way to switch cameras from main stream to sub-stream is by right clicking on each camera square and choosing Stream Settings and then Switch to sub stream.

Option 2: Add Devices Remotely using P2P ID

  • Device ID is the P2P ID shown on the recorder menu under System, Information. The same Device ID is also available as a QR code in the same menu and on the recorder’s enclosure.
  • Devices added using Device ID work on the local network and outside the network over the internet.
  • This method does not require port forwarding or a static IP.
  • This is the recommended method for MacBooks and Window PC laptops that connect to different networks.

Follow these steps:

  • Navigate to the Home tab and select Device Management > All Equipment.
  • Verify that successfully added devices are displayed in this section.
  • To add a new device remotely, click the + icon at the top right of the screen. This will open the ‘Add Device‘ dialog.
  • In the ‘Add Device‘ dialog, select the ID tab under Login Type, enter the P2P ID in the ID field, and click Add.
  • After adding the device, it will appear under the Device Management tab.
  • Check the Status column for a green box, which indicates that your device is properly connected.
VMS add a device using ID P2P
Enter the IP address of the device in the appropriate field.
VMS add ID P2P
In the dialog, select the ID tab under Login Type to add the device using its P2P (QR code)

You will see the added devices once you open the ‘Device Management’ tab (Picture 5). The green box under the ‘Status‘ column means your device is connected properly.

VMS DEVICE MANAGEMENT STATUS copy scaled

Accessing the Camius NVR, DVR or IP camera using web client via VMS software

Once you have added the NVR to the VMS pro software, you can access it remotely from anywhere. Just make sure to add it using the P2P ID and not the local IP address, as shown in the following screenshots. Basically, you are accessing the NVR’s remote settings from the VMS software without a browser.
Once you are in Remote Setting, you can manage the NVR and control its settings.

Camius VMS pro all equipment web 1024
Click on the Device Gear icon to open the Device Remote Setting in web client
Remote settings direct from the VMS software
You can access your Camius DVR, NVR or IP camera Remote Setting directly within the VMS Software on your Windows PC or Mac

FAQs About Camius VMS Pro

VMS stands for Video Management Software. It is used to manage, record, store, and access video from surveillance cameras through one centralized interface.

Camius VMS Pro is the latest free video management software for Camius devices (hybrid DVRs, PoE NVRs, IP cameras, Wireless NVR). It runs on Windows and macOS and gives you:

  • Live video monitoring
  • Playback of recorded footage
  • Recording schedule configuration
  • Alarm and event management
  • Alerts for motion or AI-based events

It supports multi-camera setups across different locations and provides secure remote access and full control of your Camius system — all without subscription fees.

Note: VMS and VMS Pro is free and supported only for Camius devices.

To run VMS Pro smoothly, your computer should have:

No, they are different.

  • VMS Pro password – This is the login you create when you first install the VMS Pro software on your computer. It controls access to the program itself.
  • NVR/DVR device password – This is the password set on your recorder (or IP camera). You enter it in VMS Pro when adding the device so the software can connect to it.

Both passwords must be correct: you use the VMS Pro password to open the software, and the NVR/DVR password to connect your cameras inside the software.

The VMS software has the Substream and Mainstream preview.

In case the network speed on the PC client software was not sufficient to display smooth video, we recommend switching down the Substream bandwidth from 1024 to 512 and trying again:

1. In VMS Pro, navigate to Home >> Device Management
2. Select the NVR, following by clicking on the NVR’s Remote Setting 
3. Continue to Record >> Encode >> Substream >> Bitrate

For the remote viewing, we recommend selecting Substream in the VMS pro software.

If VMS Pro is logging you out or locking the screen automatically after a few minutes of inactivity, it may be due to the screen lock or session timeout behavior. While the current system settings do not provide a direct “timeout duration” field, you can manage related settings as follows:

Steps to Review System Configuration:

  • Launch VMS Pro and log in.
  • From the main menu, go to System Config.
  • On the System Configuration page, under the General section, verify the following:
  • Enable Auto-Login: Enable this option if you want the software to log in automatically when restarted.
  • Hotkeys – Lockscreen: Check whether a hotkey is set to trigger screen locking and avoid accidental use.
  • Switch User or Lockscreen Hotkey: If you’re being logged out, check if these are being triggered unintentionally.

After making adjustments, click Save.

VMS Pro software - auto login

Note: At this time, the VMS Pro client does not provide a specific setting to change session timeout or auto-lock duration. If auto-logout continues unexpectedly, make sure your system is not triggering screen lock or sleep mode at the OS level.

We recommend ensuring that the operating system’s power and screen timeout settings are configured to avoid interruptions if you’re using VMS Pro for continuous monitoring.

 

Log in with the Administrator account in VMS Pro (the password created when you first installed the software).

  • Go to Account Management.
  • Select your user and make sure permissions for Live View, Playback, Capture, and Record are enabled.
  • Save the changes, log out, and log back in.

Camius VMS pro account management

If you forget your password, click Forgot Password on the login page. Answer the security questions you set during the first login, and then create a new password.

You can add devices in three ways:

  1. Auto Search – best for adding multiple devices in the same network
  2. Manual Add – use the device’s IP address, domain name, or serial number
  3. Import Configuration File – if you already have the device settings saved in a file.

Yes. From the Mainview page, you can:

  • Watch cameras in real time.
  • Record video locally.
  • Take snapshots.
  • Use voice intercom (if supported).
  • Zoom in digitally.
  • Enable cruise view (automatic switching between cameras).

Go to Remote Playback to search and view recordings stored on your DVR/NVR. You can:

  • Search by time, channel, and type of recording.
  • Cut and download specific clips.
  • View multiple channels side by side.
  • Export recordings to your computer.
  • You can also use Local Playback to view recordings saved on your 

Visit our detailed guide about the playback

Yes. If you have Camius 4K PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras, you can control them directly from the preview screen in VMS Pro.

With PTZ control you can:

Move the camera view using the directional arrows.

  • Adjust zoom, focus, and iris manually or automatically.
  • Use auto scan mode to sweep an area continuously.
  • Create and manage presets (specific saved positions).
  • Configure cruise paths with multiple waypoints and dwell times (up to 255 positions).
  • Start or stop a cruise plan with one click.

This makes it easy to monitor wide areas and automate patrols without needing physical repositioning of the camera.

The below screenshot of the PTZ control panel is showing the direction pad, zoom/focus/iris sliders, presets, and cruise configuration options PTZ control

Camius PTZ control 

 

Yes. Depending on your camera/DVR/NVR model, VMS Pro can support:

  • Face detection & attendance
  • Human & vehicle detection
  • License plate detection
  • Intrusion and line-crossing detection
  • Heat maps and crowd counting

We recommend setting up those features in the Camius NVR/DVR for the best results

Admins can create sub-users with different permissions. For example, you can allow some users to only view live video but not export recordings.

Yes. On the Account Management page, the Administrator can add sub-users and set their rights. For example, you can allow a sub-user to view Live Video only, without the ability to export recordings.

Steps to add a sub-user:

  • Log in as Administrator (the super user created at first setup).
  • From the main menu, choose Account Management.
  • Click the “+” (Add User) button in the upper right corner.
  • Fill in the User Name, Password, and Confirm Password.
  • Under Base Rights, check or uncheck what the user can manage (Device Management, Log Management, Alarm Config Management, E-map Management, Attendance Management, Topology Management, AI Search, Data Analysis, AI Scene, AI Config, Change Password).
  • Under Channel Permissions, assign rights for each channel:
    • Live View – Real-time Preview
    • PTZ Control – PTZ Control
    • Capture – Snapshot
    • Record – Manual Recording
    • Playback – Playback
    • Download Record – Export a Recording
    • Local Record Schedule – Local Recording Plan
    • Local Playback – Local Playback
  • Click OK to save.

Important: The Administrator (super user) has all rights by default, and these cannot be modified or deleted. Added users can be modified or deleted at any time in Account Management.

If your security camera footage plays smoothly on the mobile app or on an HDMI monitor but skips on your computer (Mac or Windows), it is likely a data decoding issue rather than a hardware defect.

  • Cause: The VMS Pro software is struggling to decode the high-bitrate Main Stream (4K/High Definition) in real-time due to local network limits or the computer’s processing power.
  • Solution 1 (Live View): Switch to SubStream. For smoother remote viewing, we recommend using the “Substream,” which uses less bandwidth. In the VMS software, right-click your device name in the left-hand menu and select “Set all ch substream.”
  • Solution 2 (Recorded Playback): Change Compression to H.264. If recorded footage skips during playback, your computer may be struggling to process the newer H.265 (HEVC) video format. To fix this for future recordings, go to Remote Setting > Record > Encode > MainStream and change the “Compression” or “Video Codec” from H.265 to H.264.
  • Diagnostic Test: To confirm if the issue is network-related, download a small clip of the footage to your computer’s hard drive. If the downloaded file plays smoothly in a local media player (like VLC), the file is healthy, and the issue is strictly related to live network streaming or software decoding.
  • When the phone app shows live video, the recorder internet connection is active and working.
  • VMS Pro on a computer connects differently. Local device discovery and local IP access work only when the computer and the recorder are on the same local network and same subnet. VPN software, computer firewalls, guest WiFi, mesh systems, or secondary routers often block this connection.
  • If the computer is not on the same local network, the recorder will not appear in device search and local IP access will fail.
  • To avoid local discovery limits, add the recorder to VMS Pro using Device ID. This method works on the local network and remotely over the internet and does not depend on local network discovery.