Easily change the date format on your Hikvision DVR 2026 by accessing the Main Menu > System Settings > General, where you can select your preferred format (e.g., YYYY-MM-DD or DD/MM/YYYY). This quick adjustment ensures accurate time-stamped recordings and seamless integration with regional standards—no technical expertise required.

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How to Change Date Format in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide

Key Takeaways

• Access System Settings: Navigate to the DVR’s main menu to begin format changes.
• Select Date/Time: Choose the Date/Time option under System Configuration.
• Pick Preferred Format: Select from DD/MM/YYYY, MM/DD/YYYY, or YYYY/MM/DD.
• Confirm Time Zone: Ensure correct time zone to avoid timestamp errors.
• Save Changes: Click “Apply” to finalize and exit settings.
• Verify Display: Check live view to confirm new date format appears correctly.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever tried reviewing security footage only to find the date displayed as 04/05/2026 and wondered: is that April 5th or May 4th?

This confusion is common with Hikvision DVRs, especially when the date format doesn’t match your region. Whether you’re in the U.S. (MM/DD/YYYY), Europe (DD/MM/YYYY), or elsewhere, mismatched formats can delay investigations, confuse team members, or even cause legal issues.

That’s where our How to Change Date Format in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide comes in. We’ll walk you through the exact steps to set the correct date and time format, ensuring clarity across all your recordings and playback logs.

Proper formatting isn’t just about looks—it’s about accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind. And with Hikvision’s 2026 firmware updates, the process is smoother than ever, but still not always obvious to new users.

What You Need

Before diving in, gather these tools and access points. Nothing fancy—just what you likely already have.

• Hikvision DVR (any model running firmware 2026 or later, e.g., DS-7608NI-K2, DS-7716NI-M4)
• Monitor connected to the DVR (via HDMI, VGA, or BNC)
• Mouse (USB, wired or wireless) or IR remote
• Keyboard (optional, for faster typing in menus)
• Admin credentials (username and password to access system settings)
• Internet connection (optional, for NTP sync or remote access via Hik-Connect)

You don’t need a computer or special software. The entire How to Change Date Format in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide is done directly on the DVR interface.

Tip: Make sure your DVR is powered on and you’ve logged in with admin rights. If you’re using a remote client (like iVMS-4200 or Hik-Connect app), some settings may be limited—best to do this locally for full control.

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

Follow these clear, tested steps to customize your date format. We’ve broken it down so anyone can follow—no tech degree required.

Step 1: Access the Main Menu

Start by turning on your DVR and connecting it to a monitor. You should see the live view screen with camera feeds.

Right-click anywhere on the screen (using the mouse) to bring up the Quick Menu. From there, click Menu at the top left.

If you don’t have a mouse, use the IR remote: press the MENU button. You’ll enter the main system menu.

This is your gateway to all DVR settings, including date and time configuration—a crucial part of our How to Change Date Format in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide.

Step 2: Navigate to System Configuration

In the main menu, look for System (usually the second icon from the left, shaped like a gear).

Click or select System, then choose System Configuration from the dropdown.

You’ll now see tabs like General, Encoding, Network, and Date & Time. We’re heading to the last one.

Note: If you don’t see “Date & Time,” make sure you’re logged in as an admin. Guest accounts can’t change system settings.

Step 3: Open the Date & Time Settings

Click on the Date & Time tab. This is where the magic happens.

You’ll see several fields: current date, current time, time zone, and—most importantly—Date Format and Time Format.

Here’s what you’ll see:

• Date Format: Dropdown with options like MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY, YYYY/MM/DD
• Time Format: 12-hour or 24-hour
• Time Zone: Set to your local region (e.g., (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time)
• NTP Enable: Optional for automatic time sync

This is the heart of your How to Change Date Format in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide—so pay attention.

Step 4: Select Your Preferred Date Format

Click the Date Format dropdown menu. You’ll see three main options:

• MM/DD/YYYY (U.S. style: 04/05/2026 = April 5)
• DD/MM/YYYY (Europe/Australia style: 04/05/2026 = May 4)
• YYYY/MM/DD (ISO standard: 2026/04/05 = April 5)

Choose the one that matches your region or organizational standards. For example, if you’re in the U.K., pick DD/MM/YYYY to avoid confusion.

Pro tip: The ISO format (YYYY/MM/DD) is great for global teams or compliance reporting—it’s unambiguous and sorts chronologically in filenames.

Step 5: Set the Time Format (Optional but Recommended)

Next to the date format, you’ll find Time Format.

Choose between:

• 24-Hour (e.g., 14:30 = 2:30 PM) – common in security and international use
• 12-Hour (e.g., 2:30 PM) – familiar to U.S. users

For security teams, 24-hour format is often better—no AM/PM confusion during night shifts.

After selecting, double-check that the Current Date and Current Time fields reflect the correct values. If not, adjust them manually.

Step 6: Adjust Time Zone (If Needed)

Scroll down to Time Zone. Click the dropdown and find your region.

For example:

• New York: (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (U.S. & Canada)
• London: (UTC+00:00) Greenwich Mean Time
• Tokyo: (UTC+09:00) Japan Standard Time

Setting this correctly ensures your DVR stays aligned with local time, especially during daylight saving changes.

Warning: If your DVR is used for legal evidence, incorrect time zones can invalidate timestamps.

Step 7: Enable NTP Sync (Optional but Smart)

Check the box for Enable NTP to let your DVR sync with an internet time server.

This keeps the clock accurate without manual updates. Hikvision uses time.nist.gov by default, but you can change it if your company uses an internal NTP server.

Enter the NTP server address and set the sync interval (e.g., every 12 hours).

Note: NTP requires internet access. If your DVR is offline, skip this step—just set the time manually and check it monthly.

Step 8: Save and Apply Changes

Click Apply at the bottom of the screen. A pop-up will ask: “Are you sure you want to save?”

Click Yes. The DVR will process the changes—this may take 5–10 seconds.

Then click OK to close the window. You’ll return to the main system menu.

Your date format is now updated! But don’t leave just yet—we need to verify it.

Step 9: Verify the New Format on Live View

Exit the menu (right-click > Exit) and go back to the live view screen.

Look at the top-left corner of the screen. You should see the date and time displayed in your new format.

For example, if you chose DD/MM/YYYY, it should now show “05/04/2026” instead of “04/05/2026”.

Also, open playback for any camera. Play a recent clip and check the timestamp overlay. It should match your selected format.

This verification step is critical—especially in our How to Change Date Format in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide—because incorrect formatting can go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Step 10: Test with a New Recording (Optional)

To be 100% sure, trigger a new recording (manually or via motion detection).

Play it back and inspect the timestamp. Confirm it uses the correct format.

You can also export a short clip and check the filename—some DVRs include the date in the file name (e.g., “2026-04-05_14-30-22.mp4”).

This extra step ensures everything—live view, playback, and exports—uses the updated format.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with clear steps, things can go wrong. Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve.

Pro Tip #1: Use ISO Format for Global Teams
If your security team spans multiple countries, set the date format to YYYY/MM/DD. It’s the ISO standard and eliminates regional confusion. For example, “2026/04/05” is always April 5th—no debate.

Pro Tip #2: Sync Time with NTP for Accuracy
Manual time changes drift over days. Enable NTP to keep your DVR within milliseconds of atomic time. This is vital for forensic investigations where every second counts.

Common Mistake: Forgetting to Save
After changing the format, always click Apply—not just OK. Clicking OK without Apply discards changes. We’ve seen this cost hours of troubleshooting!

Common Mistake: Wrong Time Zone
Setting the time zone to “UTC” when you’re in New York will make your DVR run 5 hours behind. Always match the time zone to your physical location, not the server location.

Pro Tip #3: Update All DVRs in a Network
If you have multiple Hikvision DVRs, update the date format on each one. Inconsistent formats across devices cause chaos during incident reviews.

Warning: Firmware Bugs in Early 2026 Updates
Some early 2026 firmware versions had a bug where date format changes didn’t apply to exported clips. Check your firmware version (System > System Info). If it’s below v4.76, update via the Hikvision website or iVMS-4200.

Another smart move: document your settings. Take a screenshot of the Date & Time page and save it with your DVR manual. This helps new staff or auditors quickly verify compliance.

FAQs About How to Change Date Format in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide

Q1: Can I change the date format using the Hik-Connect app?

No, the Hik-Connect mobile app doesn’t allow changing system-level date formats. You must do it directly on the DVR using a monitor and mouse.

However, the app will display the format set on the DVR. So once you change it locally, your mobile view will update automatically.

For full control, always use the local interface—this is a key part of our How to Change Date Format in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide.

Q2: Why doesn’t the date format change in exported video files?

This is a known issue in older firmware. The DVR may show the correct format on-screen but export files with the old format in filenames or metadata.

Solution: Update your DVR firmware to the latest 2026 version. Go to System > System Info > Upgrade and install the patch.

Also, ensure the File Naming Rule (under Storage settings) uses the updated date format.

Q3: What if I don’t see the Date Format option?

Double-check your login level. Only admin or superuser accounts can change date formats.

If you’re logged in as an operator, you won’t see the Date & Time tab. Log out and log back in with admin credentials.

Also, verify that you’re in System Configuration, not General Configuration—they look similar!

Q4: Can I set a custom date format like “5-Apr-2026”?

Unfortunately, no. Hikvision DVRs only support the three built-in formats: MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY, and YYYY/MM/DD.

You can’t add custom text or separators (like dashes or words). For advanced formatting, export footage to a video management system (VMS) like Milestone or Genetec.

Q5: Does changing the date format affect existing recordings?

No. The format change only applies to new recordings and system displays. Old clips retain their original timestamp format.

This means you’ll see mixed formats during playback if you changed the setting after some recordings were made.

Tip: If consistency is critical, consider re-exporting old footage after the format change—though the original file metadata may still show the old style.

Q6: How often should I check the date and time settings?

At least once a month. Even with NTP, clocks can drift or lose sync.

We recommend adding it to your monthly maintenance checklist. Also, check after power outages—some DVRs reset to default time if the battery is low.

Q7: Can I change the date format remotely via iVMS-4200?

Yes, but with limits. In iVMS-4200, go to Device Management > Select DVR > Configuration > System > Date & Time.

You can change the format remotely, but you must be connected to the DVR and have admin rights. Some users report delays or sync issues, so we still recommend doing it locally for reliability.

Final Thoughts

Changing the date format on your Hikvision DVR might seem like a small task—but it’s a big deal for clarity, compliance, and collaboration.

With our How to Change Date Format in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide, you now have a clear, step-by-step path to eliminate confusion and ensure your security footage speaks the same language as your team.

Remember: always save your changes, verify on live view and playback, and keep firmware updated. And if you’re managing multiple DVRs, standardize the format across all devices.

Don’t wait until an incident happens to realize your date format is wrong. Take 10 minutes today to set it right—your future self (and your security team) will thank you.

Now go ahead, log in, and make that change. Your DVR will thank you with accurate, easy-to-read timestamps—every time.

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