Axis RTSP URL Parameters: VAPIX, Profiles & H.264/H.265

Updated 2026-07-19

Direct answer: Axis cameras commonly use /axis-media/media.amp. Add a named stream profile or supported VAPIX parameters for codec, resolution, frame rate, or source. Availability varies by model and AXIS OS. Use the basic Axis connection guide for onboarding.

Step 1: Access Your Axis Camera's Web Interface

Open a web browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox)
Enter your camera's IP address: http://192.168.1.100:80 (replace with your camera's IP)
Log in with the account created during device setup
Use a least-privilege streaming account and keep its password private

Axis RTSP URL Formats

H.264 Main Stream

rtsp://username:password@camera_ip:554/axis-media/media.amp

H.265 Main Stream (if supported)

rtsp://username:password@camera_ip:554/axis-media/media.amp?videocodec=h265

Sub-stream (Lower Bandwidth)

rtsp://username:password@camera_ip:554/axis-media/media.amp?resolution=640x480

Axis RTSP Stream Profiles

Axis cameras use configurable stream profiles that control resolution, frame rate, compression, and codec. You can reference profiles directly in your RTSP stream URL.

Main Stream Profile (profileName=Quality)

rtsp://username:password@camera_ip:554/axis-media/media.amp?streamprofile=Quality

Mobile Stream Profile (lower bandwidth)

rtsp://username:password@camera_ip:554/axis-media/media.amp?streamprofile=Mobile

Tip: You can create custom stream profiles in the camera web interface under Video → Stream Profiles.

Using VAPIX Query Parameters

Axis cameras support advanced RTSP parameters:

Parameter	Example	Effect
`videocodec`	`h264` or `h265`	Select video codec
`resolution`	`1920x1080` or `1280x720`	Set video resolution
`fps`	`30` or `15`	Limit frame rate

Complete Example URLs

Axis Q1635-E (Main stream, H.264)

rtsp://camera_user:YourPassword@192.168.1.100:554/axis-media/media.amp

Axis M3044-WV (Sub-stream, 640x480, 15fps)

rtsp://camera_user:YourPassword@192.168.1.100:554/axis-media/media.amp?resolution=640x480&fps=15

Axis P3367-VE (H.265, high quality)

rtsp://camera_user:YourPassword@192.168.1.100:554/axis-media/media.amp?videocodec=h265

Adding to SmartRTSP

Open SmartRTSP on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
Tap the + button to add a new camera
Select Manual Setup (or try ONVIF auto-discovery first)
Paste the RTSP URL above into the URL field
Give your camera a friendly name (e.g., "Front Door")
Tap Save

Troubleshooting

Authentication Failed

Verify username and password are correct
Use the account created during initial device setup
Check account permissions and AXIS OS authentication settings before considering a documented recovery procedure

ONVIF Discovery Not Working

Make sure camera and iPhone/Mac are on the same network
Check if ONVIF is enabled in camera settings
Try using the manual RTSP URL instead

Testing URL in VLC

To verify your RTSP URL works before adding to SmartRTSP:

Open VLC media player on your Mac
Go to File → Open Network Stream
Paste your RTSP URL and click Open
If video plays, the URL is correct

Pro Tips

✅ Use H.264 for best compatibility across devices
✅ Use H.265 for lower bandwidth requirements (better for remote viewing)
✅ Set a static IP for your camera to avoid connection issues
✅ Test URL in VLC first before adding to SmartRTSP
✅ Use sub-streams for network-constrained environments

Primary sources: Axis VAPIX video streaming · AXIS OS documentation. Verified 2026-07-19; check the exact model and firmware.

Ready to set up your Axis camera?

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