Changing the camera name in your Hikvision NVR 2026 is quick and simple—just log in to the NVR interface, navigate to the “Camera” settings, and select the desired camera to rename it. This customization helps streamline surveillance management by making camera identification easier and improving overall system organization.

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How to Change the Camera Name in Hikvision NVR 2026

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 and save: Confirm changes to ensure the new name updates correctly.
• Verify the update: Check live view to confirm the camera name change reflects.
• Use meaningful names: Assign names that simplify camera identification and management.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine checking your Hikvision NVR 2026 system and seeing cameras labeled “Camera 1,” “Camera 2,” and so on. While functional, these generic names make it hard to know which camera is monitoring your front door versus your backyard. That’s where learning how to change the camera name in Hikvision NVR 2026 becomes essential.

Clear camera naming improves security monitoring, simplifies troubleshooting, and makes remote access more efficient—especially in large setups. Whether you’re a homeowner, small business owner, or installer, custom camera names help you respond faster to incidents and organize your system like a pro.

The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert. With the right steps, you can rename your Hikvision cameras in minutes. This guide walks you through the entire process, ensuring your Hikvision NVR 2026 setup is both functional and user-friendly.

What You Need

Before diving into how to change the camera name in Hikvision NVR 2026, gather these tools and materials. Nothing fancy—just the basics:

• Hikvision NVR 2026 (powered on and connected to your network)
• A connected monitor (HDMI or VGA) for local access
• A keyboard and mouse (USB or wireless)
• Access to the NVR’s admin credentials (username and password)
• Your IP cameras (connected and detected by the NVR)
• Optional: Hik-Connect app or iVMS-4200 software (for remote access)

Pro Tip: Always use a wired connection (Ethernet) when possible. Wi-Fi can cause delays or disconnections during configuration, especially when managing multiple cameras.

You don’t need to download extra software if you’re using the NVR’s built-in interface. But if you prefer managing your system remotely, the Hik-Connect app or iVMS-4200 software offers flexibility and convenience.

Once you have everything ready, you’re set to begin the process of how to change the camera name in Hikvision NVR 2026.

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

Renaming your cameras isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about clarity and control. Follow these simple steps to customize your camera names directly from your NVR interface.

Step 1: Power On and Log In to Your Hikvision NVR 2026

Start by turning on your Hikvision NVR 2026 and connecting it to a monitor via HDMI or VGA. Plug in your keyboard and mouse.

When the home screen appears, click Menu in the top-left corner (or press the Menu button on the remote).

Enter your admin username and password. The default is often admin with a blank password, but if you’ve changed it, use your custom login. If you’ve forgotten your password, you may need to reset the NVR (see FAQs).

Warning: Never leave your NVR with default credentials. Change the password immediately to prevent unauthorized access.

Once logged in, you’re ready to access the camera settings. This is the first step in mastering how to change the camera name in Hikvision NVR 2026.

Step 2: Navigate to the Camera Management Section

From the main menu, go to Camera > Camera (or Camera Management depending on firmware version).

You’ll see a list of all connected cameras, typically showing their IP address, status (Online/Offline), and current name (e.g., “Camera 1”).

Click on the camera you want to rename. A small window or side panel will appear with configuration options. Look for a field labeled Camera Name or Name.

This is where the magic happens—your entry point to how to change the camera name in Hikvision NVR 2026.

Pro Tip: If you have multiple cameras, rename them one by one. This avoids confusion and ensures accuracy.

Step 3: Enter a Descriptive and Unique Camera Name

Click inside the Camera Name field and type a clear, descriptive name. For example:

• Front Door – Main Entry
• Backyard – West Fence
• Garage – Overhead
• Driveway – Left Side

Avoid generic names like “Cam 3” or “IPCam5.” Instead, use names that reflect location, function, or coverage area. This makes it easier to identify cameras during playback or alerts.

Keep names under 20 characters if possible—long names may get cut off in some views or the mobile app.

Warning: Don’t use special characters like / \ : * ? ” < > |. These can cause errors or prevent the name from saving.

Once you’ve typed the name, click Apply or OK to save it. The change is usually immediate.

Step 4: Confirm the Name Change on Live View and Playback

Go back to the main live view screen by clicking the Live View button or pressing the Esc key.

Check that the new name appears under the camera feed. It should display in the corner of the video window.

To double-check, open the Playback tab and select the renamed camera. The timeline and playback controls should now show the new name.

This step ensures the name change is fully integrated into your Hikvision NVR 2026 system and visible across all interfaces.

Pro Tip: If the name doesn’t update, refresh the screen or restart the NVR. Sometimes a quick reboot syncs the changes.

Step 5: Repeat for All Cameras (Optional: Bulk Renaming)

If you have multiple cameras, repeat Steps 2–4 for each one. While the Hikvision NVR 2026 doesn’t support bulk renaming via the local interface, you can speed up the process by:

• Using a consistent naming convention (e.g., “Location – Direction”)
• Renaming cameras in a logical order (e.g., clockwise around your property)
• Keeping a written list or digital note of your naming scheme

For advanced users, consider using iVMS-4200 software on a PC. It allows you to manage multiple cameras at once, including renaming, and syncs changes back to the NVR.

This method is especially useful for commercial setups with 8+ cameras. It’s another way to streamline how to change the camera name in Hikvision NVR 2026 efficiently.

Step 6: Update Remote Access (Hik-Connect or iVMS-4200)

If you use the Hik-Connect app or iVMS-4200 software for remote viewing, your camera names should update automatically within a few minutes.

Open the app and check the camera list. If the names don’t appear correctly:

1. Force close the app
2. Clear the app cache (via phone settings)
3. Reopen and refresh the device list

In iVMS-4200, right-click the NVR and select Refresh. This pulls the latest configuration, including new camera names.

Pro Tip: Always test remote access after renaming. A clear name on the NVR means nothing if the mobile app still shows “Camera 4.”

This step ensures your entire ecosystem—local and remote—reflects the new names.

Step 7: Save and Back Up Your Configuration

After renaming all cameras, go to System > Maintenance > Export/Import Config.

Click Export and save the configuration file to a USB drive or computer. This backup includes all settings—camera names, recording schedules, motion detection zones, and more.

Why is this important? If your NVR fails or gets reset, you can restore the entire setup—including your carefully chosen names—with one click.

Think of this as insurance for your how to change the camera name in Hikvision NVR 2026 effort. Don’t skip it!

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple tasks can go sideways. Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls when renaming cameras on your Hikvision NVR 2026.

Use a Consistent Naming Convention

Don’t name one camera “Front Yard” and another “Back of House.” Use a pattern like:

• Location – Function (e.g., “Driveway – Vehicle Entry”)
• Direction – Area (e.g., “South – Garden”)
• Zone – Camera Number (e.g., “Zone 1 – Cam A”)

Consistency makes it easier to scan the camera list quickly during an emergency.

Avoid Special Characters and Spaces

The NVR supports letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. But symbols like @, #, &, or % can cause issues, especially when syncing with third-party apps.

Stick to simple, clean names. For example, use “Side_Door” instead of “Side Door – #2.”

Don’t Rename Cameras Mid-Recording

While the NVR allows renaming during recording, it’s best to do it during low-activity periods. Some users report brief disconnections or temporary playback glitches.

Schedule renaming for early morning or late evening to avoid disrupting surveillance.

Check for Duplicate Names

The NVR doesn’t warn you if two cameras have the same name. This can lead to confusion—especially in playback or alerts.

Always double-check the list. A quick scan prevents mix-ups like “Front Door” appearing twice.

Test After Every Change

After renaming, verify the name appears correctly in:

• Live view
• Playback
• Event notifications (if set up)
• Mobile app

A quick test ensures your how to change the camera name in Hikvision NVR 2026 process is complete and error-free.

Warning: Never rename cameras while updating firmware. Wait until the update is complete to avoid corrupting settings.

Use iVMS-4200 for Advanced Management

If you manage a large system, download iVMS-4200 from Hikvision’s website. It offers:

• Bulk configuration
• Remote camera renaming
• Centralized management of multiple NVRs

This software turns a tedious task into a few clicks—perfect for installers or multi-site users.

FAQs About How to Change the Camera Name in Hikvision NVR 2026

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Here are the most common queries about how to change the camera name in Hikvision NVR 2026.

1. Why can’t I find the camera name field in the NVR menu?

Some firmware versions place the name field under Camera > Camera Properties or Channel Settings. If you don’t see it:

• Ensure the camera is connected and online
• Check that you’re logged in as an admin (not a guest user)
• Update the NVR firmware (older versions may have limited options)

Still stuck? Try accessing the NVR via web browser (type the NVR’s IP address) and navigate to Configuration > Camera.

2. Can I rename cameras from the Hik-Connect app?

Unfortunately, no. The Hik-Connect app doesn’t support renaming cameras. You must do it from the NVR interface or iVMS-4200 software.

However, once renamed on the NVR, the new name will appear in the app within a few minutes.

3. What happens to recordings if I rename a camera?

Nothing. Your existing recordings are safe. The NVR links recordings to the camera’s IP address and ID—not the name. Renaming only affects how the camera is displayed.

All footage remains searchable and accessible, even after the name change.

4. Can I use emojis or non-English characters?

Technically, yes—but it’s not recommended. Emojis and accented letters (like é, ñ, or ü) may display incorrectly in the mobile app or during playback.

Stick to standard English characters to ensure compatibility across all devices.

5. Why does the camera name revert after a restart?

This usually happens if:

• You didn’t click Apply or OK after typing the name
• The NVR is set to auto-sync with the camera’s original name (rare)
• There’s a firmware bug (update to the latest version)

Always confirm the name saves by checking the live view before restarting.

6. Can I rename cameras connected via PoE switch?

Absolutely. PoE (Power over Ethernet) doesn’t affect naming. As long as the camera is connected to the NVR—whether directly or through a switch—you can rename it using the same steps.

Just ensure the PoE switch is compatible and providing stable power.

7. Is there a way to rename cameras without logging into the NVR?

Yes—use iVMS-4200 software on a PC. It connects to your NVR over the network and lets you manage cameras remotely, including renaming.

This is ideal for installers or users who prefer a desktop interface. Download it from Hikvision’s official website.

Final Thoughts

Renaming your cameras might seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference in how you interact with your security system. Knowing how to change the camera name in Hikvision NVR 2026 empowers you to create a smarter, more intuitive setup.

By following the steps in this guide, you’ve not only improved usability but also enhanced your system’s reliability. Whether you’re checking live feeds, reviewing footage, or responding to alerts, clear names save time and reduce stress.

Remember: consistency, clarity, and backup are your best allies. Use a naming scheme that works for you, test after every change, and always save a configuration backup.

Now that you’ve mastered this skill, consider exploring other NVR features—like custom motion zones, privacy masks, or smart detection. Each one adds another layer of control and peace of mind.

So go ahead—log in, rename those cameras, and take full control of your Hikvision NVR 2026. Your future self (and your security team) will thank you.

Action Step: Open your NVR today and rename at least one camera. Start small, build confidence, and soon you’ll have a perfectly labeled surveillance system.

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