> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.useargus.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Add a camera

> Connect a camera to ARGUS in a few steps.

ARGUS works with the cameras you already have. A small **ARGUS agent** runs on an
always-on computer in your store that can see your camera feeds on the local
network, and streams them to ARGUS for analysis. You install the agent once,
pair it to your account, and ARGUS finds your cameras for you.

You'll do this as part of the setup wizard the first time you sign in. Most
stores finish in under 10 minutes, and you can step away during the waits —
ARGUS keeps listening.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install the ARGUS agent">
    Run the ARGUS installer on a computer in your store that can see your cameras
    on the local network — usually an always-on PC near your recorder. It's a
    small download (around 50 MB) and runs quietly in the background.

    The wizard gives you a download link for your machine. If you're not sure
    which computer to use, [contact support](/help/support) and we'll help you
    pick one.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pair the agent to your account">
    Open the agent after it installs. It connects to ARGUS on its own and pairs
    itself to your account — no codes to copy in the normal case. If it asks,
    enter the short pairing code the agent shows you.

    The agent reaches us automatically. You don't need to change any firewall
    settings or set up port forwarding.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm your system and let ARGUS find your cameras">
    ARGUS detects the kind of computer the agent is running on and asks you to
    confirm it. After that, the agent scans your network for cameras — it just
    needs one live frame to confirm everything is working.

    If ARGUS doesn't find a camera, make sure your DVR or NVR is powered on and
    reachable from the machine running the agent.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name your cameras">
    As ARGUS finds your cameras, give each one a name your team will recognize —
    like **Front Register** or **Back Door**. Clear names make incidents much
    easier to read later. You can rename cameras at any time from your dashboard.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set your business hours (optional)">
    Tell ARGUS when your store is normally open. Separately, activity outside
    your normal operating hours may get extra attention. You can change your
    hours later in **Settings**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Nothing to open on your network: the ARGUS agent connects out to us on its own,
  so there are **no firewall changes and no port forwarding** to set up.
</Note>

## What kind of cameras work

ARGUS works with most modern IP cameras and network video recorders (NVRs). If
you're not sure whether your setup is compatible, see
[Supported hardware](/cameras/supported-hardware) or ask us to check a specific
model.

## If a camera doesn't show up

Most issues come down to the agent machine not being able to reach the camera or
recorder on the network. See [Health & troubleshooting](/cameras/troubleshooting)
for the things to check, or [contact support](/help/support) and we'll take a
look with you.

## Next steps

* New to ARGUS? Start with the [Quick Start](/get-started/quickstart).
* Want to watch a feed live? See [Live view](/cameras/live-view).
* Curious what happens after a camera is connected? Read
  [How ARGUS works](/get-started/how-argus-works).