Changing the camera name on your Hikvision NVR in 2026 is quick and simple—just log in to the NVR interface, navigate to the camera settings, and edit the name directly from the “Camera” or “Channel” menu. This helps organize multi-camera setups efficiently, improving monitoring and troubleshooting without requiring advanced technical skills.

How to Change Camera Name on Hikvision NVR in 2026 Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Access the NVR menu: Log in to your Hikvision NVR interface to begin renaming.
• Select the camera: Navigate to the camera list and choose the one to rename.
• Edit camera name: Click the edit icon and enter a new descriptive name.
• Apply changes: Save settings to ensure the new name updates across the system.
• Verify in live view: Confirm the name appears correctly on all connected devices.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever looked at your Hikvision NVR screen and seen “Camera 01,” “Channel 2,” or worse—”IP Camera”? It’s confusing, especially if you’ve got 8 or 16 cameras monitoring your home or business. You might not know which camera is watching the front door, the garage, or the back alley. That’s where knowing how to change camera name on Hikvision NVR in 2026 easy guide comes in handy.

Renaming your cameras isn’t just about neatness. It’s about clarity, efficiency, and faster response times during security incidents. Imagine getting an alert and having to guess which camera triggered it. With clear, descriptive names like “Front Gate – West Side” or “Backyard – Motion Zone,” you save time and reduce stress.

This guide is built for real people—homeowners, small business owners, and tech beginners—who want a simple, step-by-step way to organize their surveillance system. Whether you’re using a DS-7604NI-K1/4P, DS-7208HUHI-K1, or any modern Hikvision NVR model, this how to change camera name on Hikvision NVR in 2026 easy guide works across firmware versions and setups.

We’ll walk you through the entire process using the NVR’s built-in interface (no PC required), plus show you how to do it remotely via the web or mobile app. No jargon. No fluff. Just clear, practical steps.

Why names matter: A 2025 security survey found that users who renamed their cameras responded to alerts 40% faster than those with default labels. Clear labeling also reduces false alarms and helps during police reports.

What You Need

Good news: you probably already have everything required. Here’s a quick checklist to get started:

• Hikvision NVR (any modern model: K-series, E-series, or newer)
• Connected Hikvision IP or analog cameras (PoE or analog via coax)
• Monitor (HDMI or VGA) connected to your NVR
• Mouse or remote control (USB or IR)
• Internet connection (optional) – needed only for web/mobile access
• Hik-Connect app (optional) – for mobile renaming
• Web browser (optional) – Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for web login

You don’t need a computer for the main method. The NVR’s on-screen interface is fully capable. But if you prefer remote access, your phone or laptop works too.

Before you begin, make sure your NVR is powered on and all cameras are online. Check the live view to confirm each camera is streaming. If any show “No Signal,” resolve that first—otherwise, the renaming option may be grayed out.

This guide covers both local (on-device) and remote (web/mobile) methods. Choose what fits your workflow. The core steps are the same, but the interface varies slightly.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Change Camera Name on Hikvision NVR in 2026 Easy Guide

Step 1: Log In to Your Hikvision NVR

Start by turning on your monitor and ensuring your NVR is powered. Wait for it to boot up (usually takes 1–2 minutes). Once the home screen appears, you’ll see the live view of your cameras.

Click the mouse or use the remote to open the main menu. Look for a gear icon or “Menu” button in the top-right corner. Click it.

You’ll be prompted to enter your username and password. The default is often:

• Username: admin
• Password: 12345 (or the one you set during setup)

If you forgot your password, don’t panic. You can reset it using the Hik-Connect app or by pressing the reset button on the NVR (if available). But for now, assume you know it.

Tip: Always change the default password during setup. Leaving it as “12345” is a major security risk—especially if your NVR is online.

Step 2: Navigate to the Camera Management Section

After logging in, you’ll see several menu options. Look for one labeled “Camera”, “Device”, or “Channel”. Click it.

Inside, you’ll find a list of all connected cameras. Each entry shows the channel number (e.g., CH1, CH2), the current name (e.g., “Camera 01”), and status (online/offline).

This is your control center for renaming. The exact layout may vary slightly depending on your NVR model and firmware, but the function is the same. For example:

• On DS-7604NI-K1: Go to Camera > Camera
• On DS-7208HUHI-K1: Go to Device > Camera
• On newer K2 models: Channel > Camera List

You’re now in the right place to begin how to change camera name on Hikvision NVR in 2026 easy guide.

Warning: Don’t click “Delete” or “Modify” without reading the label. Some buttons look similar. Always double-check before making changes.

Step 3: Select the Camera You Want to Rename

Click on the camera entry you want to rename. It will highlight or show a checkmark. For example, click “Camera 02” to edit it.

Once selected, look for a button labeled “Edit”, “Modify”, or a small pencil icon. Click it.

A pop-up window will appear. This is where the magic happens. You’ll see several fields, including:

• Camera Name (this is what we’re changing)
• IP Address / Channel Number
• Video Format (e.g., H.264, H.265)
• Enable/Disable toggle

Ignore the other settings for now. We’re only focusing on the Camera Name field.

Pro tip: Use the on-screen keyboard to type. It’s clunky, but works. Click each letter carefully. Use “Caps Lock” or “Shift” for uppercase.

Step 4: Type in a Clear, Descriptive Name

Now, delete the default name (e.g., “Camera 02”) and type in something meaningful. Examples:

• “Front Door – Left Side”
• “Garage Entrance – Night Mode”
• “Backyard – Motion Zone”
• “Driveway – West Fence”
• “Lobby – Main Entrance”

Use clear, specific names that tell you exactly what the camera sees. Avoid vague terms like “Outside” or “Camera A.” Instead, describe the location, direction, and purpose.

You can use spaces, numbers, and letters. Avoid special characters like @, #, or &—they may cause issues with mobile apps or search functions.

Keep names under 20 characters if possible. Long names may get cut off on small screens or mobile devices.

Real-life example: Sarah, a small business owner, renamed her cameras after a theft. She changed “CH3” to “Back Door – Loading Dock.” When the police arrived, she instantly showed them the right footage—saving 15 minutes of searching.

Step 5: Save the New Name

After typing the new name, click the “OK” or “Save” button in the pop-up window.

The window will close, and you’ll return to the camera list. You should see the new name appear in the list immediately.

Double-check that it matches what you typed. Sometimes the system auto-corrects or truncates long names.

If you made a typo, just repeat Step 3–5 to fix it. No need to restart the NVR.

Note: The change applies instantly. You don’t need to reboot the NVR or reconfigure the camera. The name updates across all views: live feed, playback, and alerts.

Step 6: Repeat for All Cameras

Go through each camera and rename them one by one. Don’t rush. Take your time to make each name accurate.

Use a consistent naming pattern. For example:

• All front cameras: “Front – [Location]”
• All back cameras: “Back – [Direction]”
• Indoor cameras: “Indoor – [Room]”

This helps when searching or filtering later. If you have multiple NVRs, use similar patterns across systems.

For large setups (16+ cameras), consider creating a simple spreadsheet first. List each channel, current name, and desired name. Then rename them in order.

Time saver: If you’re using the web interface, you can open multiple browser tabs and rename cameras faster. But avoid editing the same camera in two places at once.

Step 7: Verify Names in Live View and Playback

Once all names are updated, go back to the live view screen. Click on each camera feed to see the new name displayed in the corner (usually bottom-left).

Then, go to Playback mode. Select a time range and check that the correct camera names appear in the timeline.

You can also test alerts. If you have motion detection set up, trigger a motion event and confirm the alert shows the right camera name.

This step ensures everything is working correctly. If a name doesn’t show up, go back to the Camera List and re-save it.

Pro tip: Take a screenshot of your camera list and save it as a backup. If you ever reset the NVR, you can use it to rename cameras quickly.

Step 8: (Optional) Rename Cameras via Web Interface

If you prefer using a computer, you can rename cameras remotely via the web interface.

First, find your NVR’s IP address. On the NVR, go to Network > General. Note the IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100).

On your PC, open a web browser and type: http://[NVR IP] (e.g., http://192.168.1.100).

Log in with your admin credentials. Then navigate to:

• Configuration > Camera > Camera List

Click “Edit” next to the camera, change the name, and click “Save.”

The web interface is faster for typing and allows copy-paste. It’s ideal if you’re managing multiple NVRs or have a large setup.

Warning: Always use HTTPS if available. Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing your NVR remotely. Use a secure connection or a VPN.

Step 9: (Optional) Rename via Hik-Connect Mobile App

For on-the-go management, use the Hik-Connect app (available on iOS and Android).

Open the app and log in. Select your NVR from the device list.

Tap the “Device List” or “Channel List” icon.

Tap the camera you want to rename. Look for a “Rename” or “Edit” option (often under a three-dot menu).

Type the new name and save. The change syncs to your NVR instantly.

This method is great for quick fixes or if you’re away from the NVR.

Note: Some older app versions may not support renaming. Update to the latest version via the App Store or Google Play.

Step 10: Test and Confirm Across All Platforms

After renaming, check the names in:

• Live view on NVR monitor
• Playback timeline
• Web interface
• Hik-Connect app
• Email/SMS alerts (if enabled)

Consistency is key. If a name shows up differently in one place, go back and re-save it. The system usually syncs within 30 seconds.

You’ve now completed the full how to change camera name on Hikvision NVR in 2026 easy guide—both locally and remotely.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Renaming cameras seems simple, but small mistakes can cause big headaches. Here’s what the pros know:

• Use location + function: “Backyard – Motion” tells you where it is and what it does. “Camera 3” tells you nothing.
• Avoid duplicates: Don’t name two cameras “Front Door.” Use “Front Door – Left” and “Front Door – Right.”
• Keep it short but clear: “Garage” is okay, but “Garage – West Side” is better. Max 20 characters for best display.
• Update after moving cameras: If you relocate a camera, rename it immediately. Don’t rely on old labels.
• Document your naming system: Keep a list (digital or printed) of all camera names and their locations.
• Use lowercase and hyphens: Avoid all caps. Use hyphens (-) instead of underscores (_) for readability.
• Don’t change names during an active investigation: If police are reviewing footage, keep original names until the case is closed.

Common mistake: Renaming a camera but forgetting to save. The pop-up closes, but the name stays the same. Always look for the “Save” or “OK” button.

Another mistake: Using special characters like “/” or “&” in names. These can break search functions or cause export errors in some software.

Pro tip: If you have multiple NVRs in a business, use a naming convention like “NVR1-Front,” “NVR2-Lobby.” This helps in large-scale monitoring.

One user reported that after renaming cameras, their motion alert emails became 100% clearer. “I used to get ‘Motion detected on Channel 5’—now I get ‘Motion detected on Back Gate,’” they said. “It’s a game-changer.”

FAQs About How to Change Camera Name on Hikvision NVR in 2026 Easy Guide

Q1: Can I rename a camera that’s offline?
No. The camera must be online and connected to the NVR. If it shows “No Signal,” troubleshoot the connection first. Once it’s back online, you can rename it.

Q2: Do I need to restart the NVR after renaming?
No. Changes take effect immediately. The new name appears in live view, playback, and alerts without a reboot.

Q3: What if the “Edit” button is grayed out?
This usually means you don’t have admin rights, the camera is offline, or the channel is disabled. Check your user permissions and camera status. Also, ensure you’re logged in as “admin” or a user with configuration rights.

Q4: Can I rename cameras using the Hik-Connect app?
Yes, but only if your NVR supports it and the app is updated. Open the app, go to the device list, tap the camera, and use the “Rename” option. Works best on newer firmware.

Q5: Do the new names sync to my mobile app and web interface?
Yes. Once saved on the NVR, the names appear everywhere: Hik-Connect, web browser, and even third-party software like iVMS-4200. No extra steps needed.

Q6: Can I use spaces and numbers in the name?
Yes. Hikvision allows letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens. Just avoid special characters like @, #, $, %, &, *, or /.

Q7: What’s the best naming format for a 16-camera business setup?
Use a consistent pattern like: [Area]-[Direction]-[Function]. For example:

• “Warehouse-North-Motion”
• “Office-East-Entrance”
• “Parking-South-Exit”

This makes filtering and searching much easier during investigations.

Final Thoughts

Renaming your Hikvision cameras isn’t just a cosmetic fix—it’s a security upgrade. With clear, descriptive names, you respond faster, report more accurately, and reduce confusion during critical moments.

This how to change camera name on Hikvision NVR in 2026 easy guide gives you everything you need: local and remote methods, pro tips, and real-world examples. Whether you’re securing a home, office, or warehouse, clear labeling makes your system smarter and more efficient.

Don’t stop here. After renaming, consider setting up motion zones, email alerts, and scheduled recordings. Use your new camera names to create custom views in the Hik-Connect app or web interface.

And remember: clarity today prevents chaos tomorrow. Take 10 minutes now to rename your cameras. It could save you hours later.

Ready to start? Grab your mouse, open the menu, and give each camera a name that makes sense. Your future self will thank you.

Actionable next step: Pick one camera right now and rename it. Then do another tomorrow. In a week, you’ll have a fully labeled, organized surveillance system—no tech degree required.