How to reset hikvision camera nvr

How to Reset a Hikvision Camera and NVR (Step-by-Step Guide)

Whether you have locked yourself out of your system, inherited a pre-installed surveillance grid, or are clearing configurations for a hardware relocation, knowing how to factory reset your equipment is crucial. Because Hikvision products are enterprise-grade security devices, they lack a simple, external "one-click" reset option to prevent intruders from tampering with the system.

So, how do you wipe the slate clean? How do you reset a Hikvision camera and NVR back to factory defaults?

The process varies drastically depending on whether you still have access to the master password or are locked out completely. In this technical guide, we will break down the exact software and physical hardware master reset methods for both Hikvision IP cameras and Network Video Recorders.

Part 1: How to Reset a Hikvision NVR

A factory reset on a Hikvision NVR deletes all custom network settings, camera channels, recording schedules, and custom layouts while keeping your recorded hard drive footage intact (unless you explicitly choose to format the HDD).

Method A: If You Know the Password (The Software Menu)

If you can still log into the recorder interface, a software reset takes less than two minutes.

1. Right-click anywhere on the monitor screen and log in using your admin password or unlock pattern.

2. Navigate to Maintenance (or click the gear icon for Configuration > System depending on your firmware version).

3. Click on the Default or Maintenance submenu.

4. Select Factory Default (or Restore All Parameters to Default).

5. Click Confirm. The NVR will wipe its settings, reboot, and turn back on in an "Inactive" factory state.

Method B: If You are Locked Out (The Physical Hardware Reset)

If you forgot your master admin password and cannot log into the menu, you must open the metal chassis to trigger a hardware override.  

1.Power Off and Uncap:Step 1.

Unplug the main power supply from the back of the NVR. Use a screwdriver to remove the outer metal housing screws and slide the top cover off.

2.Locate the Motherboard Button:Step 2.

Scan the main green circuit board for a small, tactile push-button (labeled SW1 or RESET). It is usually positioned near the internal SATA data cables or the CMOS coin battery.

3.Hold and Power On:Step 3.

Press and hold down the reset button with a static-safe tool or your finger. While continuing to hold it down, plug the NVR's power cord back in.

4.Wait for Reboot:Step 4.

Keep holding the button down for 20 to 30 seconds. You will hear the internal cooling fans spin up and the machine may beep. Release the button, slide the cover back on, and wait for the initialization screen to display on your monitor.

Part 2: How to Reset a Hikvision IP Camera

If a connected IP camera is showing network communication errors or needs to be assigned to a new subnet, a localized factory reset is required.

Method A: The Physical Reset Button (The Easiest Way)

The vast majority of modern Hikvision dome, bullet, and turret cameras feature a physical reset button protected inside a weather-sealed compartment.

1. Locate the Hatch: Look for a small plastic or metal door secured by two small Phillips screws on the undercarriage or base of the camera chassis (often right next to the MicroSD card slot). Remove the hatch.

2. The Power Cycle Trick: Unplug the Ethernet cable (or PoE power source) from the camera so it turns completely off.  

3. Hold and Boot: Press and hold down the internal reset button. While holding it down, plug the Ethernet/PoE cable back in.  

4. The 20-Second Rule: Keep the button pressed firmly for exactly 20 seconds. Release the button. The camera will cycle its internal relays and reset to its factory "Inactive" state.  

[Diagram showing the location of a Hikvision camera reset button next to a MicroSD slot under a weather-sealed hatch]

Method B: The SADP Tool Method (Password Recovery)

If your camera is mounted high on a pole or roofline and you cannot access the physical button, you must use software to reset the password over your local network.

1. Download and open Hikvision’s free SADP Tool software on a computer connected to the same network switch as the camera.  

2. Check the box next to the locked camera on the device list and click Forgot Password in the bottom right corner.

3. Export the XML File: Select the option to export device parameter data. Save the generated .xml file to your desktop.

4. Email Support: Email this XML file directly to your authorized Hikvision distributor or Hikvision Regional Technical Support, along with a photo of the physical serial number label sticker on the camera body.

5. Import the Key: Keep the SADP software open while you wait. Within a short period, tech support will reply with a replacement unlock XML file or security key code. Import that file back into SADP, create a new master password, and click confirm.  

NVR & Camera Reset Checklist

Reset Variable	NVR Wiping Properties	IP Camera Wiping Properties
Admin Password	Reverts to factory default "Inactive"	Reverts to factory default "Inactive"
IP Addresses	Resets back to default factory IP (192.168.1.64)	Resets back to default factory IP (192.168.1.64)
Recorded Video	Footage is safe (HDDs are not wiped automatically)	MicroSD card footage remains untouched
User Profiles	All sub-accounts and remote viewing permissions deleted	All integrated ONVIF and custom user streams wiped

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the default password for Hikvision cameras after a reset?

A: Modern Hikvision cameras do not have a default password. Following a successful factory reset, the status column in your configuration software will read "Inactive." You must create a brand-new, secure master password from scratch before the camera will output video.  

Q: Will resetting my NVR erase my video recordings?

A: No. Executing a standard factory default reset only wipes the software configuration settings, network subnets, and user layout permissions. The data sectors stored on your internal surveillance hard drives remain intact unless you manually navigate to the storage page and execute an HDD format command.

Q: What is the default IP address of a reset Hikvision device?

A: Whether it is an NVR, DVR, or IP camera, nearly every Hikvision device reverts back to the static factory placeholder IP address of 192.168.1.64 upon completing a reset cycle. Ensure your computer's local network interface card is temporarily assigned to the same subnet to complete setup.