Seamlessly integrate a NAS with your Hikvision NVR in 2026 by configuring the network settings and enabling SMB/NFS protocols for reliable, scalable storage expansion. This step-by-step guide ensures smooth setup, from IP alignment to user permissions, maximizing surveillance efficiency without overloading the NVR’s internal capacity.

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How to Add NAS to Hikvision NVR in 2026: A Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

• Verify compatibility: Ensure your Hikvision NVR and NAS support ONVIF or Hikvision protocols.
• Connect via network: Use a stable LAN connection for seamless NVR-NAS communication.
• Configure NAS settings: Enable NFS/SMB and create dedicated shared folders for recordings.
• Add NAS in NVR: Navigate to Storage > Manage > Add Network Disk in the NVR menu.
• Test write access: Confirm the NVR can save playback files to the NAS successfully.
• Schedule backups: Automate off-NVR backups to NAS for enhanced data redundancy.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine you’re managing a small business or a large property with multiple security cameras. Your Hikvision NVR is recording everything, but you’re running out of storage space. Or worse—your local hard drive fails, and you lose critical footage. That’s where adding a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device comes in.

By learning how to add NAS to Hikvision NVR in 2026, you gain scalable, reliable, and centralized storage. This setup lets you back up recordings, access footage remotely, and even share files across your network. Plus, it future-proofs your security system as your needs grow.

In 2026, with smarter AI-powered cameras and longer retention requirements, local storage just isn’t enough. A NAS gives you redundancy, remote access, and better data management—all without breaking the bank.

This How to Add NAS to Hikvision NVR in 2026 A Complete Guide walks you through every step, from choosing the right NAS to configuring it for seamless integration. Whether you’re a tech-savvy homeowner or a professional installer, this guide has you covered.

What You Need

Before diving in, gather these tools and components. Don’t worry—you don’t need to be an IT expert to get this right.

• Hikvision NVR (any model with network storage support, such as DS-7600/7700/9600 series)
• NAS Device (Synology, QNAP, or any NAS that supports NFS, CIFS/SMB, and FTP protocols)
• Ethernet cables (Cat 5e or higher) for stable network connection
• Router or network switch to connect NVR and NAS
• Computer or laptop for configuration
• Static IP address setup (recommended but not required)
• Access to both NVR and NAS web interfaces (via browser or dedicated apps)
• Optional: UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for both devices to prevent data corruption during outages

Pro Tip: Use a dedicated VLAN or subnet for your security network if possible. This improves performance and reduces interference from other devices on your network. It’s a small step that makes a big difference when setting up how to add NAS to Hikvision NVR in 2026.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Add NAS to Hikvision NVR in 2026 A Complete Guide

Follow these clear, tested steps to connect your NAS to your Hikvision NVR. We’ll use a Synology NAS and a Hikvision DS-7616NI-K2 as examples, but the process works for most modern models.

Step 1: Set Up Your NAS and Assign a Static IP

Start by powering on your NAS and connecting it to your network via Ethernet. Use the manufacturer’s setup wizard (e.g., Synology Assistant or QNAP Qfinder) to install the OS and create an admin account.

Once installed, access the NAS web interface (usually via http://[NAS-IP]:5000 for Synology). Go to Control Panel > Network > Network Interface and assign a static IP address. Choose one outside your router’s DHCP range (e.g., 192.168.1.100).

Why? A static IP ensures your NVR always connects to the same address. If the IP changes, your NVR might lose access to the NAS—leading to failed backups or recording interruptions.

Warning: Avoid using DHCP for the NAS if you plan long-term storage. Dynamic IPs can change, breaking the connection. This is a common mistake when learning how to add NAS to Hikvision NVR in 2026.

Step 2: Create a Dedicated Storage Folder on the NAS

Log into your NAS and go to File Station (Synology) or Storage Manager (QNAP). Create a new shared folder—name it something clear like Hikvision_Backup or NVR_Recordings.

Right-click the folder and go to Properties > Permissions. Set read/write access for the admin and guest users. You’ll use these credentials later in the NVR.

Enable SMB/CIFS and NFS protocols in the NAS settings:

• For SMB: Go to Control Panel > File Services > SMB/AFP/NFS and enable SMB.
• For NFS: Enable NFS and add an export rule pointing to your new folder. Set permissions to read/write for your network subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24).

NFS is often faster and more reliable for video storage, but SMB works well too. We recommend trying NFS first.

Step 3: Configure Your Hikvision NVR Network Settings

Connect to your Hikvision NVR via the web interface or iVMS-4200 software. Log in with admin credentials and go to Configuration > Network > Advanced Settings.

Ensure the NVR has a static IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.20) on the same subnet as your NAS. This avoids routing issues and ensures stable communication.

Test connectivity: On a computer on the same network, open Command Prompt and run ping 192.168.1.100 (your NAS IP). If it responds, you’re good. If not, check cables, firewall settings, or switch ports.

Pro Tip: Use a network scanner app (like Fing or Advanced IP Scanner) to quickly find the IPs of your NVR and NAS. Saves time during setup.

Step 4: Add NAS as a Network Storage Device in NVR

Now, the core step: linking the NAS to your NVR. Go to Storage > Storage Management > Network Storage on your Hikvision interface.

Click Add and choose the protocol:

• For NFS: Select NFS, enter the NAS IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100), and the folder path (e.g., /volume1/Hikvision_Backup).
• For SMB: Select SMB/CIFS, enter NAS IP, folder name (e.g., Hikvision_Backup), and your NAS username and password.

Click Test Connection. If successful, you’ll see “Test Passed.” If not, double-check:

• Is the NAS powered on and connected?
• Are the folder permissions correct?
• Is the firewall blocking the connection?

Once connected, the NAS will appear in the list. Click Save to finalize.

Warning: If the test fails, don’t panic. Most issues are due to incorrect paths or permissions. Recheck the folder path format—NFS uses /volume1/folder, while SMB uses folder (no leading slash).

Step 5: Assign NAS as Backup or Primary Storage

Now that the NAS is recognized, decide how to use it:

• Option A: Backup Storage – Use NAS to back up critical footage from the NVR’s local drive. Go to Storage > Schedule > Backup, select your NAS, and set a schedule (e.g., daily at 2 AM).
• Option B: Primary Storage – Redirect new recordings directly to the NAS. Go to Storage > Schedule > Record, choose Network Storage, and select your NAS. Then, disable or limit local recording to avoid duplication.

For redundancy, many users combine both: record locally and back up to NAS. This way, even if the NAS fails, you still have footage on the NVR.

Set retention policies: In Storage > Disk Management, set how long recordings stay (e.g., 30 days). The NVR will auto-delete old files to save space.

Step 6: Test and Verify the Setup

Don’t skip this! After configuration, verify everything works:

1. Trigger a motion event or manually start recording on one camera.
2. Wait 5 minutes, then log into your NAS and check the folder. You should see new video files (usually in .dav or .mp4 format).
3. Use the NVR to play back footage stored on the NAS. It should load smoothly.
4. Test remote access: Use the Hik-Connect app or iVMS-4200 to view NAS-stored footage from a smartphone.

If files appear and playback works, you’ve successfully completed the How to Add NAS to Hikvision NVR in 2026 A Complete Guide.

Pro Tip: Use a test file first. Copy a small video to the NAS manually and try to play it from the NVR. This confirms the path and permissions are correct before relying on live footage.

Step 7: Optimize for Performance and Reliability

To get the most from your setup, tweak these settings:

• Enable jumbo frames on your router/switch and NAS (if supported). Increases throughput for large video files.
• Schedule defragmentation on the NAS (if using HDDs) to maintain performance.
• Enable email alerts on the NVR to notify you if NAS connection drops.
• Use RAID on the NAS (e.g., RAID 1 or 5) for redundancy. If one drive fails, data stays safe.

Monitor storage usage regularly. A full NAS can cause recording failures. Most NAS devices send alerts when space drops below 10%.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a perfect setup, small issues can derail your system. Here’s how to stay ahead:

Pro Tips

• Use a dedicated network: Keep NVR, NAS, and cameras on a separate VLAN. Reduces latency and improves security.
• Label everything: Tag cables and folders clearly. Saves hours during troubleshooting.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your NAS. Protects your footage from unauthorized access.
• Update firmware regularly: Check for updates on both NVR and NAS every 3 months. New versions often include stability fixes for network storage.
• Use a UPS: Power surges or outages can corrupt recordings. A $50 UPS is cheap insurance.

Common Mistakes

• Using dynamic IPs: As mentioned earlier, this breaks connectivity. Always assign static IPs.
• Incorrect folder paths: A typo in the path (e.g., /Hikvision_Backup vs. /volume1/Hikvision_Backup) causes “Connection Failed.” Double-check.
• Ignoring permissions: If the NVR can’t write to the NAS folder, recordings fail silently. Test write access manually.
• Overloading the network: 10 cameras + NAS + internet traffic = lag. Use a gigabit switch and prioritize security traffic.
• Skipping backups: Even with NAS, back up the NAS itself (e.g., to cloud or external drive). 3-2-1 backup rule: 3 copies, 2 media types, 1 offsite.

Real-Life Scenario: A user set up NAS but forgot to disable local recording. The NVR filled its 4TB drive in a week, even though NAS had 10TB free. Always disable or limit local storage when using NAS as primary.

FAQs About How to Add NAS to Hikvision NVR in 2026 A Complete Guide

1. Can I use any NAS with Hikvision NVR?

Yes, as long as it supports SMB, NFS, or FTP protocols. Synology and QNAP are popular, but even budget NAS devices (like Asustor or TerraMaster) work. Just ensure it has enough storage and network speed (1 Gbps recommended).

2. What’s the difference between NFS and SMB?

NFS (Network File System) is faster and more efficient for large files like video. SMB (Server Message Block) is more user-friendly and widely supported. For Hikvision NVR, NFS is preferred for primary storage, while SMB works well for backups.

3. Can I access NAS-stored footage remotely?

Yes! Use the Hik-Connect app or iVMS-4200 software. Log in to your NVR, and it will fetch footage from the NAS. Ensure your router has port forwarding or UPnP enabled for remote access.

4. What if the NAS goes offline?

Your NVR will show a “Network Storage Disconnected” alert. If you’re using NAS as primary storage, recordings will stop. To avoid this, use a hybrid setup: record locally and back up to NAS. That way, you still have footage even if the NAS fails.

5. How much NAS storage do I need?

Estimate: 1 camera at 4MP records ~20 GB/day. So, 10 cameras = ~200 GB/day. For 30 days: 6 TB. Always add 20% extra for motion events and future cameras. A 12TB NAS is a safe starting point for most setups.

6. Can I use cloud storage instead of NAS?

Hikvision NVRs support cloud storage (e.g., Hik-Connect Cloud), but NAS is better for:

• Large-scale storage (cheaper per GB)
• No monthly fees
• Faster local access
• Greater privacy (data stays on your network)

Cloud is great for small setups or offsite backups, but NAS is ideal for long-term, high-volume storage.

7. How do I update the NAS connection if I change the IP?

Go to Storage > Network Storage on your NVR, select the NAS entry, and click Edit. Update the IP address and re-test the connection. If you used static IPs, this rarely happens.

Final Thoughts

Adding a NAS to your Hikvision NVR isn’t just about more storage—it’s about smarter, safer, and more reliable security. With this How to Add NAS to Hikvision NVR in 2026 A Complete Guide, you’ve learned how to set up scalable storage, protect your data, and future-proof your system.

Start small: try a basic backup setup first. Once it works, expand to primary storage. Keep your firmware updated, monitor performance, and always have a backup plan.

Remember, the best security system is one that works when you need it. By combining your Hikvision NVR with a NAS, you’re not just storing footage—you’re building peace of mind.

Now go ahead, connect that NAS, and take your surveillance to the next level. Your future self (and your cameras) will thank you.

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