Changing the date and time on your Hikvision DVR 2026 is quick and essential for accurate surveillance logging. Access the Main Menu > System Configuration > General > Date & Time to manually adjust settings or enable NTP for automatic synchronization. Ensure correct time zones and DST settings to maintain reliable recordings and system performance.

How to Change Date and Time in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide

Key Takeaways

• Access System Settings: Navigate to Menu > System > General for date/time options.
• Manual Adjustment: Toggle “Manual” to set date/time without NTP sync.
• Enable NTP Sync: Use NTP for automatic, accurate time updates.
• Time Zone Matters: Always verify time zone matches your location.
• Save Changes: Click “Apply” to confirm updates and avoid errors.
• Reboot if Needed: Restart DVR if changes don’t take effect immediately.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine you’re reviewing security footage after a break-in, only to find the timestamps are off by hours—or even days. That’s not just frustrating; it can make or break an investigation. The How to Change Date and Time in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide is essential for anyone using Hikvision DVR systems, whether for home security, business monitoring, or public safety.

Accurate timekeeping on your DVR ensures that every video clip, alarm log, and motion detection event is correctly labeled. This is crucial for legal evidence, insurance claims, and daily operations. Even a small time discrepancy can throw off your entire surveillance system.

Hikvision DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) are widely used for their reliability and smart features. But like all tech, they need proper setup—especially the date and time. Whether your DVR lost power, you’re setting it up for the first time, or you just need to sync it with a new time zone, this guide walks you through the process step by step.

We’ll show you how to manually set the time, enable automatic NTP syncing, and avoid common pitfalls. By the end, you’ll have a perfectly timed DVR—no more guessing when that suspicious activity actually happened.

What You Need

Before diving into the How to Change Date and Time in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide, gather these tools and check your setup. You don’t need fancy gear—just a few basics and a little patience.

• Hikvision DVR (2026 series or similar): This guide works for most Hikvision DVRs, including DS-7100, DS-7200, and DS-7600 series. Check your model number on the back of the unit.
• Monitor and HDMI/VGA cable: Connect your DVR to a TV or computer monitor to see the interface.
• USB mouse: Most Hikvision DVRs use a mouse for navigation. A keyboard isn’t required but can speed things up.
• Ethernet cable (for NTP sync): If you want automatic time updates, connect your DVR to the internet via LAN.
• Access to the DVR’s login credentials: You’ll need the admin username and password (default is often admin/12345, but change it if you haven’t already).
• Current date and time: Have your local time and time zone ready. Use your phone or a trusted website like timeanddate.com.

Pro Tip: If your DVR has been offline for a while, the internal clock might drift. Always verify the current time before making changes. A few seconds off might not seem like much, but it matters in security footage.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Change Date and Time in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide

Now that you’re ready, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. We’ll cover both manual time setting and automatic NTP syncing, so you can choose what works best for your setup.

Step 1: Power On and Log Into Your DVR

Start by turning on your Hikvision DVR and connecting it to a monitor. You should see the login screen after a minute or two.

Use your mouse to click on the username field. Type in your admin username and password. If you’ve never changed them, try admin for the username and 12345 for the password.

Click “Login” or press Enter on your keyboard if you’re using one. Once in, you’ll see the main interface—usually a grid of camera feeds or a status screen.

Warning: If you’ve forgotten your password, you may need to reset the DVR to factory settings (which erases recordings). Contact Hikvision support or check your user manual for recovery options.

Step 2: Open the System Configuration Menu

From the main screen, right-click anywhere with your mouse. A pop-up menu will appear.

Select “Menu” or “Main Menu”—the exact wording depends on your DVR model. This opens the full configuration panel.

Now, look for “System” or “System Configuration” on the left sidebar. Click it to expand the options.

You’re now in the heart of the DVR’s settings. This is where you’ll find everything from camera setup to network settings—and yes, date and time.

Step 3: Navigate to the Time Settings

Inside the System Configuration menu, click on “General” or “General Settings”. This section handles basic DVR info like name, language, and—most importantly—date and time.

Scroll down until you see fields for:

• Date (in YYYY-MM-DD format)
• Time (in HH:MM:SS format)
• Time Zone (e.g., UTC-5 for Eastern Time)
• Date Format (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY)
• Time Format (12-hour or 24-hour)

This is where the How to Change Date and Time in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide really comes into play. You’ll manually adjust these fields in the next step.

Step 4: Manually Set the Date and Time

Click on the Date field. A calendar pop-up will appear. Select today’s date—or the correct date if you’re fixing a past error.

Next, click the Time field. A clock interface will show up. Use the mouse to adjust the hour, minute, and second. Be precise—set it to match your current local time.

For example, if it’s 3:45 PM, set it to 15:45:00 in 24-hour format. If you prefer 12-hour, choose 3:45:00 PM and make sure “AM/PM” is selected.

Now, pick your Time Zone from the dropdown menu. This is critical if your DVR is used across regions. For instance, a store in New York should use UTC-5, while one in Berlin uses UTC+1.

Finally, choose your preferred Date Format and Time Format. Most users stick with MM/DD/YYYY and 24-hour time for clarity and consistency.

Pro Tip: Use a reliable time source like your smartphone or a government time server. Even a 30-second difference can cause confusion later.

Step 5: Enable NTP for Automatic Time Syncing (Recommended)

While manual setting works, it’s not foolproof. The DVR’s internal clock can drift over time. That’s where NTP (Network Time Protocol) comes in.

Go back to the System Configuration menu. Look for “Network” or “Network Settings” in the left sidebar.

Click on it, then find the “NTP” tab or section. Here’s what you’ll see:

• NTP Enable: Toggle this ON.
• NTP Server: Enter a public NTP server. Use pool.ntp.org for general use, or time.nist.gov for high accuracy.
• Interval: Set how often the DVR checks for updates (e.g., every 6 hours, 12 hours, or 24 hours).
• Time Zone: Confirm it matches your manual setting.

After filling in these details, click “Apply” or “Save”. The DVR will now sync with the NTP server at your chosen interval.

Warning: Your DVR must be connected to the internet via Ethernet. Wi-Fi is not supported on most DVRs. If you’re using a router, ensure it allows NTP traffic (port 123).

Step 6: Test the Time Settings

After saving, it’s time to verify everything works. Go back to the main screen and check the time display in the corner of your monitor.

Compare it with your phone or computer. Is it accurate? If you enabled NTP, wait a few minutes for the first sync to complete.

To double-check, go to Playback mode. Pick a recent recording and play it. The timestamp on the video should match the actual time it was recorded.

If the time is still off, repeat Step 4 and Step 5. Make sure the NTP server is reachable and the DVR has internet access.

Pro Tip: If NTP fails, try a different server. Some networks block certain NTP addresses. You can also use your router as an NTP server (check its admin panel).

Step 7: Set Up Time Zone Adjustments for Daylight Saving (If Needed)

Some regions observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), where clocks move forward or backward by one hour. If your area uses DST, you have two options:

• Option 1: Use NTP with DST Support – Most public NTP servers automatically handle DST changes. If your DVR syncs with one, it should update itself.
• Option 2: Manually Adjust Twice a Year – If NTP isn’t available or reliable, set a calendar reminder for the DST start and end dates (usually second Sunday in March and first Sunday in November in the U.S.).

To manually adjust, repeat Steps 3–4. Add or subtract one hour from the time field on the correct date.

Pro Tip: Label your DVR with a sticky note: “DST: March +1, November -1” so you don’t forget.

Step 8: Save and Reboot (Optional but Recommended)

After making all changes, click “Save” in the System Configuration menu. Some settings only apply after a restart.

Go back to the main screen, right-click, and select “Shutdown”. Choose “Restart” from the options.

Wait for the DVR to power back on. Once it’s running, check the time again. It should now reflect your updated settings—and stay accurate over time.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the How to Change Date and Time in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide, things can go wrong. Here are real-world tips from security pros and common pitfalls to dodge.

Pro Tip 1: Use a Dedicated NTP Server for Businesses

For offices, warehouses, or retail stores, consider setting up a local NTP server (like a Raspberry Pi running NTP). This ensures all DVRs and IP cameras stay in sync—even during internet outages.

Why? Because if your internet drops, the DVR can’t reach public servers. A local server keeps the clock accurate.

Pro Tip 2: Label Your DVR with the Correct Time Zone

Stuck a sticky note on the DVR with the time zone and DST dates. It’s a simple trick, but it saves you from confusion later—especially if multiple people manage the system.

Common Mistake 1: Forgetting to Save Changes

You set the time, but didn’t click “Save”? The DVR reverts to the old time when you exit. Always double-check that you’ve saved before leaving the settings.

Common Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Time Format

Mixing 12-hour and 24-hour formats is a recipe for disaster. If your team uses 24-hour time, stick with it. Inconsistent formats lead to misread timestamps.

Common Mistake 3: Ignoring Network Time Sync

Manual time works—but it’s temporary. Over weeks or months, the DVR’s clock drifts. NTP keeps it precise. Don’t skip this step, especially for long-term surveillance.

Common Mistake 4: Not Checking Camera Time Sync

Some IP cameras connected to the DVR have their own clocks. If they’re not syncing with the DVR, footage times will differ. Go to the Camera Settings and enable “Synchronize with DVR” or “Use NTP”.

Pro Tip 3: Use the DVR’s Time Stamp Overlay

Go to Camera Settings > Overlay and enable the time stamp on video feeds. This embeds the date/time directly into the footage, so it’s visible even if the DVR metadata gets corrupted.

FAQs About How to Change Date and Time in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Here are the most common queries about setting the time on your Hikvision DVR.

Q1: Why is my Hikvision DVR showing the wrong time?

This usually happens after a power outage, incorrect manual setup, or failed NTP sync. Follow the How to Change Date and Time in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide to reset it. Enable NTP to prevent future drift.

Q2: Can I set the time remotely using the iVMS-4500 app?

Yes! Open the iVMS-4500 or Hik-Connect app, go to Device Management > System > General Settings, and adjust the time there. It syncs with your DVR. But for NTP, you’ll still need to use the DVR interface.

Q3: What if I don’t have internet? Can I still use NTP?

Not with public servers. But you can set up a local NTP server (like a Raspberry Pi or a Windows PC) and point your DVR to it. The guide still applies—just use your local IP address instead of pool.ntp.org.

Q4: How often should I check the DVR’s time?

If you use NTP, check once a month. If manual, check every 2–3 weeks. Set a calendar reminder to avoid surprises.

Q5: My DVR keeps resetting to factory time. What’s wrong?

This could be a failing CMOS battery (the small battery on the DVR’s motherboard that keeps the clock running when powered off). Contact Hikvision support or a technician for replacement.

Q6: Can I change the time without logging in?

No. You need admin access to modify time settings. If you’ve lost your password, you may need to reset the DVR—but this erases all recordings. Always keep your password secure.

Q7: Does the time affect motion detection or recording schedules?

Absolutely. If the time is wrong, motion detection might trigger at the wrong times, and scheduled recordings won’t start when you expect. Accurate time is essential for automation.

Final Thoughts

Getting the date and time right on your Hikvision DVR isn’t just about neatness—it’s about security, evidence, and peace of mind. With this How to Change Date and Time in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide, you’ve learned how to manually set the clock, enable automatic syncing, and avoid common errors.

Remember: NTP is your best friend. It keeps your DVR accurate without daily maintenance. Pair it with a clear time zone setting, and you’ll never have to question a timestamp again.

Now, go check your DVR. Is the time correct? If not, follow the steps above. And if you’re setting up a new system, do this first—before adding cameras or configuring alerts.

For long-term reliability, mark your calendar for DST changes and monthly time checks. A few minutes of maintenance can save hours of confusion later.

Stay safe, stay on time, and trust your footage—because when it matters most, every second counts.