Changing the IP address on your Hikvision DVR is a quick and essential step to ensure seamless network integration and enhanced security. Follow the intuitive web interface or local menu to update the IP, subnet mask, and gateway—ensuring your device stays accessible and protected from unauthorized access. This 2026 guide simplifies every step, making network configuration effortless even for non-experts.

How to Change IP Address in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide

Key Takeaways

• Access the DVR menu: Navigate to Network settings via the local interface.
• Assign a static IP: Manually enter a new IP within your subnet range.
• Verify subnet mask: Ensure it matches your network configuration exactly.
• Update gateway and DNS: Enter correct values to maintain connectivity.
• Reboot the DVR: Apply changes by restarting the device after setup.
• Check remote access: Confirm new IP works with Hik-Connect or web login.
• Document changes: Record the new IP to avoid future access issues.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

If you’ve ever tried to access your Hikvision DVR remotely only to find it unreachable, or if your security cameras suddenly stopped showing up on your network, there’s a good chance the issue is related to the DVR’s IP address. Whether you’re upgrading your network, resolving an IP conflict, or just trying to make your home or business surveillance more secure, knowing how to change IP address in Hikvision DVR 2026 guide is essential.

IP addresses act like home addresses for devices on your network. If two devices share the same IP, or if your DVR’s IP is outside your router’s range, you’ll face connectivity problems. The 2026 model (and similar Hikvision DVRs) allows you to manually configure or automatically assign IP settings, giving you control over your security setup.

This guide walks you through every step—no tech degree required. We’ll show you how to safely and correctly update the IP address on your Hikvision DVR so it works smoothly with your network, cameras, and remote viewing apps. Whether you’re a homeowner, small business owner, or IT admin, this how to change IP address in Hikvision DVR 2026 guide has you covered.

What You Need

Before diving in, gather these tools and materials. Having everything ready saves time and prevents mistakes.

• A Hikvision DVR (2026 series or similar) – Make sure it’s powered on and connected to your network.
• An HDMI or VGA monitor – You’ll need this to view the DVR interface directly. A TV with HDMI works fine.
• A USB mouse – Most Hikvision DVRs don’t support touchscreens, so a mouse is essential.
• Your router’s admin access (username and password) – You’ll need this to check your network range and possibly reserve an IP.
• A computer or smartphone – For testing connectivity and using Hik-Connect or iVMS-4200 software.
• Network cables (Ethernet) – To connect the DVR directly to your router or switch.
• Pen and paper (or digital notes) – Write down the current and new IP details to avoid confusion.

Pro Tip: If you’re using Wi-Fi, note that most Hikvision DVRs don’t support wireless connections directly. You’ll need a wired Ethernet connection for stability and security.

You don’t need special software or a tech support call. With these basics, you’re ready to follow our how to change IP address in Hikvision DVR 2026 guide and get your system running smoothly.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Change IP Address in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide

Step 1: Connect the DVR to a Monitor and Network

Start by connecting your Hikvision DVR to a monitor using an HDMI or VGA cable. Plug in a USB mouse. Then, connect the DVR to your router or switch using an Ethernet cable.

Power on the DVR. Wait about 30–60 seconds for it to boot up completely. You should see the Hikvision logo and then the main menu or live view screen.

Warning: Never unplug the DVR while it’s writing to the hard drive. Wait until the system is fully booted before making changes.

This setup gives you direct access to the DVR’s settings—no need to guess what’s happening on the network. This is the foundation for our how to change IP address in Hikvision DVR 2026 guide.

Step 2: Log In to the DVR

Click anywhere on the screen to bring up the login window. The default username is usually admin, and the default password is often 12345—but this may have been changed during setup.

If you’ve forgotten the password, check your installation notes or try common defaults. If you’re locked out, you may need a password reset tool from Hikvision’s support site (requires serial number).

Once logged in, you’ll see the main interface with options like “Playback,” “Menu,” and “Settings.”

Pro Tip: Always change the default password during initial setup. It’s a simple step that prevents unauthorized access to your video footage.

Now you’re ready to access network settings—the key part of our how to change IP address in Hikvision DVR 2026 guide.

Step 3: Access Network Settings

Click the Menu button (usually in the top-right corner). Navigate to Configuration > Network > TCP/IP.

You’ll now see the current network configuration. Look for these fields:

• IP Address – The current address (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
• Subnet Mask – Usually 255.255.255.0
• Gateway – Your router’s IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
• DNS 1 and DNS 2 – Often set to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS)
• DHCP – Toggle for automatic (DHCP) or manual (Static) IP

Note down the current IP address. This is your starting point in the how to change IP address in Hikvision DVR 2026 guide.

Step 4: Determine Your Network Range

Before changing the IP, check your router to see what IP range it uses. Open a browser on your computer and log into your router (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the address bar).

Go to LAN Settings or DHCP Server. Look for the DHCP range—for example, “192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.200”.

You have two options:

• Use DHCP (Automatic): Let the router assign an IP. Best for simple setups.
• Use Static IP (Manual): Set a fixed IP outside the DHCP range (e.g., 192.168.1.50). Prevents IP conflicts and is better for remote access.

Pro Tip: For remote viewing and stable access, a static IP is highly recommended. Pick an address like 192.168.1.25, which is usually outside most DHCP pools.

This step ensures your new IP won’t clash with other devices—critical for the success of your how to change IP address in Hikvision DVR 2026 guide.

Step 5: Choose Between DHCP and Static IP

Back on the DVR, decide which method to use:

• For DHCP: Toggle the DHCP switch to “On.” Click Save. The DVR will restart its network and get a new IP from your router.
• For Static IP: Toggle DHCP to “Off.” Then manually enter:
  • IP Address: e.g., 192.168.1.25
  • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
  • Gateway: Your router’s IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
  • DNS 1: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
  • DNS 2: 8.8.4.4 (optional backup)

Double-check each field. A typo here can make your DVR unreachable.

Warning: Never set the IP to the same as your router (e.g., 192.168.1.1) or any other device. This causes an IP conflict and disrupts your entire network.

After entering the details, click Save. The DVR will apply the new settings and may briefly disconnect from the network.

Step 6: Test the New IP Address

After saving, wait 30–60 seconds for the DVR to reconnect. Then, test connectivity:

• From a computer: Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac). Type: ping 192.168.1.25 (replace with your new IP). If you get replies, it’s working!
• From a browser: Try accessing the DVR’s web interface by typing the new IP in your browser (e.g., http://192.168.1.25). You should see the Hikvision login page.
• Using Hik-Connect: Open the Hik-Connect app on your phone. Add the DVR using the new IP. If it connects, you’re golden.

If the ping fails or the browser doesn’t load, double-check:

• The Ethernet cable is secure
• The new IP is in the correct subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x)
• No typos in IP, gateway, or subnet

Pro Tip: If the DVR becomes unreachable, power cycle it. Sometimes a simple restart fixes network handshake issues.

This test confirms your how to change IP address in Hikvision DVR 2026 guide worked correctly.

Step 7: Update Port Forwarding (For Remote Access)

If you want to view your cameras from outside your home (e.g., on your phone while traveling), you’ll need port forwarding.

Log back into your router. Go to Port Forwarding or Virtual Server settings. Add a new rule:

• Service Name: Hikvision DVR
• External Port: 8000 (default for Hikvision)
• Internal IP: Your new DVR IP (e.g., 192.168.1.25)
• Internal Port: 8000
• Protocol: TCP (sometimes both TCP/UDP)

Save the rule. Then, find your public IP (Google “what is my IP”). Use this with the port to access remotely: http://[public-ip]:8000.

Warning: Exposing your DVR to the internet increases security risk. Always use strong passwords and enable HTTPS if available. Consider using Hik-Connect instead, which uses cloud-based access and is safer.

Port forwarding is optional but essential for remote access in your how to change IP address in Hikvision DVR 2026 guide.

Step 8: Update Camera Network Settings (If Needed)

Some Hikvision cameras connect directly to the DVR via PoE (Power over Ethernet). Others connect to the same network and are added as IP cameras.

If you have network cameras (not PoE), they should also be on the same subnet. For example, if your DVR is now 192.168.1.25, your cameras should be 192.168.1.x (e.g., 192.168.1.30, 192.168.1.31).

To check or change camera IPs:

• Access each camera’s web interface via its current IP
• Go to Network > TCP/IP
• Set a static IP in the same range
• Ensure the gateway matches your router

Then, re-add the cameras in the DVR under Camera > Remote Device if they don’t auto-detect.

Pro Tip: Label each camera with its IP address. It makes troubleshooting way easier later.

Keeping all devices on the same network ensures seamless recording and playback—key to a successful how to change IP address in Hikvision DVR 2026 guide.

Step 9: Verify Remote Viewing Apps

Open the Hik-Connect app on your smartphone or tablet. Go to Device List and edit your DVR entry.

Change the IP address to your new one (e.g., 192.168.1.25). Save and test the connection.

Alternatively, use iVMS-4200 (Hikvision’s desktop software). Open the software, go to Device Management, and update the IP for your DVR.

Test live view and playback. If everything works, your remote access is set!

Pro Tip: If the app says “offline,” try restarting the app or your phone. Sometimes it takes a moment to sync with the new IP.

This final check ensures your how to change IP address in Hikvision DVR 2026 guide delivers full functionality.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Changing an IP address sounds simple, but small mistakes can cause big headaches. Here are expert tips and pitfalls to avoid:

• Always write down the old IP first. If something goes wrong, you can revert quickly.
• Use a static IP, not DHCP, for critical devices. Routers can reassign DHCP IPs, breaking your remote access.
• Pick an IP outside the DHCP pool. For example, if your router assigns 192.168.1.100–200, use 192.168.1.25. This prevents conflicts.
• Double-check the subnet mask and gateway. A wrong gateway means no internet or remote access.
• Don’t skip testing with ping. It’s the fastest way to confirm network reachability.
• Update all devices at once. If you change the DVR IP, update cameras and apps immediately to avoid confusion.
• Secure your network. After changing the IP, review firewall settings and ensure only authorized users can access the DVR.

Common Mistake: Forgetting to update the IP in the Hik-Connect app after changing it on the DVR. The app won’t connect if it’s still pointing to the old address.

Real-Life Scenario: A user changed their DVR IP to 192.168.2.100 but didn’t update the gateway. The DVR couldn’t reach the router, so remote access failed. Always verify the gateway matches your router’s IP.

By following these tips, your how to change IP address in Hikvision DVR 2026 guide will be smooth and error-free.

FAQs About How to Change IP Address in Hikvision DVR 2026 Guide

Q1: Can I change the IP address remotely using the Hik-Connect app?
No, not directly. The Hik-Connect app lets you view live footage and manage some settings, but you cannot change the DVR’s IP remotely. You must connect a monitor and mouse to the DVR to access the network settings. This is a security feature to prevent unauthorized changes.

Q2: What if I lose connection after changing the IP?
Don’t panic. First, verify the new IP with a ping from another device. If it fails, check for typos, restart the DVR, and ensure the Ethernet cable is secure. If still unreachable, power off the DVR, reconnect the monitor, and revert to the old IP. Always note the original settings before making changes.

Q3: Can I use the same IP for multiple DVRs?
No, never. Two devices with the same IP will conflict, causing network instability and dropped connections. Each DVR must have a unique IP address on the same subnet. For multiple DVRs, use IPs like 192.168.1.25, 192.168.1.26, etc.

Q4: Why is my DVR not showing up in Hik-Connect after changing the IP?
Update the app. Open Hik-Connect, go to your device list, edit the DVR entry, and enter the new IP address. Save and reconnect. If it still fails, check that port 8000 is open and not blocked by a firewall.

Q5: Should I use DHCP or a static IP for my DVR?
For most users, static IP is better. DHCP is easier but less reliable for remote access. If your router reboots and reassigns a new IP, your remote viewing breaks. A static IP ensures consistency. Use DHCP only in simple, local setups.

Q6: How do I find my DVR’s current IP if I don’t have a monitor?
Use a network scanner. Download apps like Fing (iOS/Android) or Advanced IP Scanner (Windows). Scan your network. Look for devices named “Hikvision” or with MAC addresses starting with “00:1D:1C” (Hikvision’s OUI). Note the IP and use it to log in via browser or app.

Q7: Can I change the IP without affecting recordings?
Yes, absolutely. Changing the IP only affects network communication. Your hard drive recordings, camera feeds, and playback remain untouched. The DVR continues recording normally during and after the change.

Final Thoughts

Changing the IP address on your Hikvision DVR isn’t just a technical task—it’s a way to take control of your security system. Whether you’re solving an IP conflict, setting up remote access, or just organizing your network, this how to change IP address in Hikvision DVR 2026 guide gives you the power to do it right.

Remember: plan your IP range, use static addresses for stability, test with ping, and update all connected apps. Avoid common mistakes like skipping the gateway or forgetting to update the Hik-Connect app.

Your DVR is more than a recorder—it’s the brain of your surveillance system. With the correct IP, it works seamlessly with your cameras, your router, and your phone. Take 15 minutes today to update your settings, and you’ll enjoy reliable, secure access for months to come.

Now that you’ve mastered the how to change IP address in Hikvision DVR 2026 guide, go ahead and make that change. Test it, verify it, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-configured security setup.

Action Step: Grab your mouse, connect the monitor, and follow this guide step by step. In less than 20 minutes, your DVR will be on the right IP—and your network will thank you.