Changing the IP camera password in your Hikvision NVR 2026 is quick and essential for securing your surveillance system. Access the NVR’s web interface, navigate to Camera Management > Modify, select the target camera, and update the password with a strong, unique alternative. This simple step prevents unauthorized access and ensures your network remains protected against potential breaches.

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How to Change IP Camera Password in Hikvision NVR 2026

Key Takeaways

• Access the NVR menu: Navigate to the “Camera” settings to begin password changes.
• Select the camera: Choose the specific IP camera needing a password update.
• Enter new credentials: Input a strong, unique password for enhanced security.
• Reboot for changes: Restart the camera to apply the new password successfully.
• Update connected devices: Sync the new password across all linked apps or systems.
• Document changes: Record the new password securely to prevent future access issues.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: You’re checking your home security feed and notice an alert—your Hikvision camera was accessed by an unknown device. Scary, right? That’s why knowing how to change IP camera password in Hikvision NVR 2026 is more than just a tech chore—it’s a critical step in protecting your privacy and security.

Hikvision NVR 2026 systems connect multiple IP cameras, often over networks that may include Wi-Fi, wired LAN, or remote access. If your camera passwords are weak, default, or unchanged for months, you’re inviting hackers, data leaks, or even physical break-ins.

Cybersecurity experts recommend changing passwords every 3–6 months. But many users don’t know how to do it properly—especially when the camera is connected through an NVR instead of directly. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll walk you through how to change IP camera password in Hikvision NVR 2026 safely, step by step, without losing access or breaking your system.

Whether you’re a homeowner, small business owner, or IT manager, this guide ensures your surveillance system stays secure. We’ll cover everything from login basics to advanced tips—so you can lock down your cameras like a pro.

What You Need

Before diving into the steps, gather these tools and materials. You won’t need fancy software or special tools—just what you likely already have.

• A Hikvision NVR 2026 system (with IP cameras connected)
• Access to the NVR’s local interface (via monitor, mouse, and keyboard)
• Your current NVR admin password (required to make changes)
• A computer or mobile device on the same network (optional, for remote access)
• Strong, unique password (we’ll help you pick one)
• Paper or password manager app (to store new passwords securely)
• Ethernet cable (optional) (for stable connection if Wi-Fi is unreliable)

You don’t need to reset the NVR or factory reset cameras. This process works while your system is live—just avoid making changes during high-usage times (like nighttime recording).

Pro tip: If you’re managing multiple cameras, label them (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”) in your notes. This makes tracking passwords easier and helps during audits.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Change IP Camera Password in Hikvision NVR 2026

This guide assumes your NVR is running firmware version 4.5 or later—common in 2024–2026 models. If you’re unsure, check your firmware in the System Info menu (we’ll cover that later).

Step 1: Log Into Your Hikvision NVR 2026

Start by turning on the monitor connected to your NVR. Wait for it to boot up—this usually takes 1–2 minutes. Once the live view appears, click the Menu button (or press the Menu key on the remote).

Enter your NVR admin username and password. By default, this is often admin and 12345—but if you’ve already changed it, use your custom credentials.

If you’ve forgotten the admin password, you’ll need to reset the NVR (which erases all settings). To avoid this, always store your admin password in a secure password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password.

Tip: Use a strong admin password—at least 12 characters with letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid common words like “password123” or “admin.”

Step 2: Navigate to the Camera Management Section

After logging in, go to Main Menu > Camera > Camera. This opens the Camera Management screen, where you can see all connected IP cameras.

You’ll see a list of cameras with their names, IP addresses, status (Online/Offline), and channels. Click on the camera you want to update. If you have multiple, do this one at a time to avoid confusion.

Click the Edit button (usually looks like a pencil or gear icon) next to the camera entry. A new window will pop up with camera settings.

Warning: Don’t change the IP address or port unless you know what you’re doing. Altering these can disconnect the camera.

Step 3: Access the Camera’s Web Interface (via NVR)

Inside the Edit window, look for a button labeled “Web” or “Remote Device”. Click it. This opens the camera’s web interface directly from the NVR—no need to type in the camera’s IP manually.

You’ll see a login prompt for the camera itself. Enter the camera’s current username and password. The default is often admin and 12345, but it may have been changed previously.

If you don’t know the camera’s current password, you have two options:

• Option 1: Reset the camera to factory settings (via physical reset button)—but this erases all camera settings.
• Option 2: Use the NVR’s “Password Reset” feature (if available in newer firmware). Go to Maintenance > System Service > Reset Camera Password (see Step 6 for details).

Once logged in, you’re inside the camera’s configuration page—just like accessing it via a browser.

Step 4: Change the Camera Password

Now, navigate to Configuration > System > User Management in the camera’s web interface.

You’ll see a list of users. Click on the admin account (or the user you use for access). Click Modify.

In the Modify User window:

• Keep the username as admin (unless you want to rename it).
• Enter your current password (required for verification).
• Enter a new password in both the “New Password” and “Confirm Password” fields.
• Click Save.

What makes a good password?

• At least 12 characters
• Mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols (e.g., Cam3ra$ecur!ty2026)
• No personal info (like your name or address)
• Unique to this camera (don’t reuse passwords)

Pro Tip: Use a password manager to generate and store passwords. Never write them on paper or in an unencrypted file.

Step 5: Verify the Change and Update NVR Credentials

After saving, the camera will prompt you to log in again with the new password. Enter the new credentials—this confirms the change worked.

Now, go back to your NVR. The NVR still has the old camera password, so it will show the camera as “Offline” or “Authentication Failed” after a few minutes.

To fix this:

• Return to Main Menu > Camera > Camera.
• Select the same camera, click Edit.
• In the Edit window, update the Password field with the new camera password.
• Click Save.

Wait 30–60 seconds. The NVR will reconnect to the camera. Check the status—it should now show “Online” again. Test the video feed by clicking on the camera’s channel.

Step 6: (Optional) Use NVR’s Built-In Password Reset Tool

If you don’t know the camera’s current password but have physical access, newer Hikvision NVR 2026 models include a camera password reset feature.

Go to Main Menu > Maintenance > System Service > Reset Camera Password.

Select the camera from the list. The NVR will generate a temporary 6-character password (e.g., A7X9K2) and display it on screen.

Use this temporary password to log into the camera’s web interface (via the “Web” button in the Edit window), then follow Step 4 to set a permanent, strong password.

This method is safer than factory resetting because it preserves camera settings like motion detection zones and recording schedules.

Note: This feature may not be available on older firmware. If the option is missing, update your NVR firmware first (see FAQ).

Step 7: Repeat for All Cameras and Document Changes

Repeat Steps 2–5 for every IP camera connected to your NVR. Doing this one by one reduces the risk of mistakes.

After updating all passwords, create a camera password log:

• Camera Name (e.g., “Garage”)
• New Password (store in password manager)
• Date Changed
• Next Change Date (set a reminder for 3–6 months later)

Use a tool like Google Sheets (with 2FA) or a dedicated password manager. Never save passwords in plain text files or emails.

Step 8: Test Remote Access (If Applicable)

If you use Hik-Connect, iVMS-4200, or HikCentral for remote viewing, test your app or software after changing passwords.

Open the app, log in with your NVR credentials, and check if all cameras load. If one fails, the app may still be using the old camera password.

To fix:

• In Hik-Connect: Go to Device List > Select Camera > Edit > Update Password.
• In iVMS-4200: Right-click the camera > Modify > Update Password.

Always update third-party apps—not just the NVR and camera.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Changing passwords seems simple, but small errors can cause big headaches. Here’s how to do it right.

• Use the NVR’s “Web” button, not a browser: Accessing the camera via the NVR ensures you’re on the same network and avoids IP confusion.
• Don’t skip updating the NVR password field: Even if you change the camera password, the NVR won’t reconnect unless you update its settings too.
• Avoid weak or reused passwords: Hackers use bots to try common passwords. Use a unique, complex one for each camera.
• Label cameras clearly: If you have 10 cameras, naming them “Cam1,” “Cam2” makes it hard to track. Use real names like “Side Gate” or “Parking Lot.”
• Check firmware before resetting: Older NVRs may not support password reset tools. Update firmware first (see FAQ).
• Schedule regular changes: Set a calendar reminder every 4 months. Security is ongoing, not a one-time fix.
• Backup your NVR settings: Before making changes, go to Maintenance > Backup & Restore > Export to save your configuration. If something breaks, you can restore it.

Warning: Never share camera passwords via email, text, or sticky notes. Use encrypted sharing tools like Bitwarden Send or 1Password’s secure sharing.

One common mistake: Users change the camera password but forget to update the NVR. The result? The camera goes offline, and they panic. Always double-check the NVR’s camera settings after any change.

Another pitfall: Using the same password for all cameras. If one gets hacked, they all do. Treat each camera like a separate lock.

FAQs About How to Change IP Camera Password in Hikvision NVR 2026

Q1: What if I don’t know the camera’s current password?

You have two safe options. First, use the NVR’s built-in Reset Camera Password tool (if available in your firmware). It generates a temporary password without erasing settings. Second, if that’s not available, reset the camera physically: Press and hold the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10–15 seconds with a paperclip. After reset, log in with default credentials (admin/12345) and set a new password immediately.

Q2: Can I change the password remotely?

Yes—but only if you can access the NVR remotely. Use Hik-Connect or iVMS-4200 to log into your NVR from anywhere. Then, follow the same steps: Navigate to Camera Management, click “Web” on the camera, and change the password. Just ensure your NVR is connected to the internet and remote access is enabled (check Network > Platform Access).

Q3: Why does my camera show “Authentication Failed” after changing the password?

This happens when the NVR still has the old password. Go back to Main Menu > Camera > Camera > Edit, and update the password field in the NVR settings. Wait 1–2 minutes for reconnection. If it still fails, verify the camera is online and the new password is correct.

Q4: Do I need to update Hik-Connect or iVMS-4200 after changing passwords?

Yes! These apps store camera credentials separately. If you don’t update them, the app will fail to load the camera. In Hik-Connect: Edit the device and re-enter the new password. In iVMS-4200: Right-click the camera, select Modify, and update the password.

Q5: How often should I change IP camera passwords?

Cybersecurity best practices recommend every 3–6 months. For high-risk environments (like banks, retail stores), change every 3 months. For homes, every 4–6 months is sufficient. Use calendar reminders or a password manager with expiration alerts.

Q6: Can I change the NVR admin password too?

Absolutely. Go to Main Menu > System > User Management > Modify (for the admin account). Enter the current password, then set a new one. This is just as important as camera passwords—the NVR controls everything.

Q7: What if my NVR firmware is outdated?

Update it! Outdated firmware lacks security patches and may not support password reset tools. Go to Main Menu > Maintenance > System Upgrade. Download the latest firmware from Hikvision’s official website (not third-party sites). Upload the file to the NVR via USB or network. Always backup settings before upgrading.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to change IP camera password in Hikvision NVR 2026 isn’t just about following steps—it’s about taking control of your security. Every time you update a password, you’re adding another layer of protection against hackers, data leaks, and unauthorized access.

Start today: Pick one camera, follow our guide, and update its password. Then, schedule the rest over the next few days. Use a password manager to keep track, and set a recurring reminder.

Remember: Security isn’t a one-time task. It’s a habit. By changing passwords regularly, labeling devices clearly, and using strong, unique credentials, you turn your Hikvision system into a fortress—not a vulnerability.

Don’t wait for a breach to act. Take 10 minutes now to lock down your cameras. Your peace of mind is worth it.

Need help? Leave a comment below or reach out to Hikvision support. Stay safe, stay secure.

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