How to Hard Reset Hikvision Camera

How to Hard Reset a Hikvision IP Camera: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

A true "hard reset" on a Hikvision IP camera wipes its flash memory clean, deletes all custom configuration scripts, eliminates forgotten admin passwords, and completely returns the device to an "Inactive" factory state.

There are two primary ways to achieve this: a physical hardware method (crucial if you are locked out) and a digital software method (ideal if you are working remotely and still have the credentials).

Method 1: The Physical Reset Button (Lockout Recovery)

This is the definitive hard reset method. If you do not know the camera's password and cannot access its web panel, this mechanical sequence overrides the operating system.

⚠️ The Location Trap: The physical reset button is almost never out in the open. On Turret and Bullet cameras, it is hidden behind a small, weatherproof trap door secured by two Phillips screws (usually right next to the MicroSD card slot). On Dome cameras, you must unthread or unscrew the outer plastic/metal dome bubble to expose the internal camera collar.  

The Precise Reset Sequence:

1.Completely Power Down the Camera:Cut the power lines.

Unplug the Ethernet cable if the camera runs on Power over Ethernet (PoE), or pull the 12V DC power adapter out of the wall. Ensure the camera's status LEDs turn completely off.

2.Press and Hold the Reset Button:Locate the micro-switch.

Using a precision screwdriver, an alignment pin, or a sturdy paperclip, press and hold down the tiny tactile reset button. You should feel a distinct mechanical "click."

3.Reapply Power While Holding the Button:Simultaneous execution.

While keeping the reset button pressed down firmly, plug the PoE Ethernet cable or 12V DC power jack back into the camera. Do not let go of the button.

4.Maintain Pressure for 15 to 20 Seconds:Timing is critical.

Continue holding the reset button down for a full 15 to 20 seconds. This forces the internal bootloader circuit to reject the current configuration profile and reload the baseline factory firmware image.

5.Release the Button and Wait for the Boot:Reinitialization phase.

Release the button. Leave the camera completely alone for 2 to 3 minutes to finish its internal processing cycle. The camera will cycle back onto the network under its default factory configuration profile.

Method 2: The Digital Software Hard Reset (Web GUI)

If the camera is mounted high on a pole or building facade making physical access dangerous, you can execute a full hard factory reset via software—provided you still know the current admin password.

The Step-by-Step Walkthrough:

1. Open your web browser and type the camera's current local IP address into the search bar. Log in using your admin credentials.

2. Navigate to the top menu tabs and select Configuration.

3. From the left-hand sidebar, click System, then select Maintenance (labeled Upgrade & Maintenance on some firmware variations).  

4. Look for the Default management window block. You will be presented with two distinct reset options:

   • Restore: This is a soft reset. It resets all imaging configurations, video compression setups, and user accounts back to factory settings, but preserves the camera's current IP address. (Choose this if you are working remotely and don't want to lose your network connection link).

   • Default (The Hard Reset): This mimics the physical button. Click Default to completely wipe all parameters, delete all accounts, erase network configurations, and revert the device to its default factory inactive IP state (192.168.1.64).

What to Do Post-Reset (Re-Activation)

Once a hard reset is successful, the camera is completely wiped and will stop streaming video to your NVR or software. To get it back online:

• The IP Address Shift: The camera will no longer live on its old IP address. It will revert to Hikvision’s universal default deployment IP: 192.168.1.64.  

• The "Inactive" State: Open the free SADP Tool on your PC. The camera will appear in the list with a red "Inactive" status flag.  

• Create a New Baseline: Check the box next to the camera inside SADP, create a brand-new strong password for the admin account, and modify its IP parameters to match your local network's subnet scheme.

💡 Integrator Pro-Tip: If this camera is plugged into the back of a Hikvision PoE NVR, the NVR's built-in switch might attempt to automatically re-activate the camera using the NVR's master password. If your camera status shows "Detecting" or "Password Error" on your monitor after a reset, go into the NVR's Camera Management menu, select the channel, click Modify, change the protocol to Plug-and-Play, or manually type in the new camera password you just configured.