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Get Started with Verkada Video Surveillance
Get Started with Verkada Video Surveillance

Learn about what you need to get your Verkada camera set up and connected

Updated this week

Before you begin

You will need the following to get started:

Create your Command account

To activate and configure any camera, you first need to have a Verkada Command account. You can do this on either a web browser or through the mobile app.

Add your camera to Command

  1. In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Devices.

  2. Click Add Devices, and enter the camera serial number to claim it. Each camera has a serial number (located on the camera's box and on the bottom of its mount plate). If you need more information or have a large number of cameras to add, read how to add a device to your Command account.

Check your network settings

Verkada cameras are designed to help you easily configure security cameras and connect them to a local area network (LAN). If your environment includes a firewall, however, you may need to make some small updates to get your camera online. Please see the list of required network settings for details.

For security purposes, please ensure that each camera you plan to install is successfully added to Command before proceeding. If you are unable to add a camera, contact Verkada Support.

Plug in your camera

All Verkada cameras are powered over Ethernet (PoE), which means electrical or coaxial wires are not required. To get your camera online, you need to connect it to a PoE-enabled network switch or a similar connection. 

For security purposes, please ensure that the camera is successfully added to Command before you connect the camera. If you were unable to add a camera, contact Verkada Support and resolve the issue before you plug in the camera.

Once connected, your camera will run an automatic firmware update and begin auto-provisioning into your Command account. Typically this takes about 5–7 minutes. 

The camera's flashing orange status light indicates a firmware update; a solid blue light indicates the camera is operational. Read more about camera status lights.

Recommendation. While Verkada cameras are considered low-voltage devices that do not require a certified electrician to install, we strongly recommend you work with a system integrator or other professional for installation.

Camera power requirements

  • Indoor cameras require 802.3af PoE

  • Outdoor cameras require 802.3at PoE

  • CH52-E cameras require 802.3bt PoE

Review your available bandwidth

While Verkada cameras store video data locally in on-camera storage, they do require an internet connection to enable remote access and to send metadata to your Verkada cloud-based account. Depending on the number of cameras installed, your internet connection requirements may vary, see Bandwidth Consumption & Uplink Requirements.

Learn more

Visit the Verkada Training Center for bite-sized video tutorials on how to accomplish role-based tasks in Command.


Need more help? Contact Verkada Support

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