Changing the time on your Hikvision DVR is quick and critical for accurate surveillance logging—simply navigate to the System Settings menu, select “General,” then adjust the date, time, and time zone manually or via NTP sync. For 2026 updates, ensure firmware is current to avoid sync issues and maintain compliance with daylight saving changes.

How to Change Time in Hikvision DVR 2026 Update Guide

Key Takeaways

• Access System Settings: Navigate to the DVR menu and select “System” to begin time adjustments.
• Sync with NTP Server: Enable Network Time Protocol for automatic, accurate time updates.
• Manual Time Entry: Disable NTP to input date and time manually if preferred.
• Adjust Time Zone: Always verify and set the correct time zone for accurate local time.
• Save Changes: Click “Apply” or “Save” to confirm and activate new time settings.
• Check Camera Sync: Ensure all connected cameras reflect the updated DVR time.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine reviewing a security camera clip only to find the timestamp is off by hours—or worse, days. That’s a real headache for homeowners, small businesses, and security teams. If you’re using a Hikvision DVR, especially one updated to the 2026 firmware version, getting the time right is critical for evidence, logs, and daily monitoring.

The How to Change Time in Hikvision DVR 2026 Update Guide helps fix this common issue. Whether it’s daylight saving time, a power outage, or a new installation, your DVR’s clock must match your local time. Incorrect timestamps can mess up police reports, employee schedules, or even insurance claims.

Hikvision DVRs are known for reliability, but the interface can feel confusing—especially after a firmware update. The 2026 update brought a cleaner UI and better NTP sync, but it also moved a few settings. This guide walks you through the process, whether you’re using the web interface, local monitor, or mobile app.

Pro Tip: Always verify time accuracy after any power loss or firmware update. Even a 5-minute difference can cause confusion during investigations.

What You Need

Before you start, gather these tools and info. The How to Change Time in Hikvision DVR 2026 Update Guide works best when you’re prepared.

• A Hikvision DVR with 2026 firmware (check via System Info in the menu)
• Monitor and keyboard/mouse connected to the DVR (for local access)
• OR a computer on the same network (for web access)
• Your DVR’s IP address (find it in the network settings or via router)
• Login credentials (default: admin/12345 unless changed)
• Your local time zone (e.g., EST, CET, IST)
• Internet connection (if using NTP sync)
• Optional: Hik-Connect app (for remote checks)

Warning: Never skip firmware updates. The 2026 version fixed time sync bugs, so older guides might not work.

You don’t need coding skills or special software. Just basic computer navigation. If your DVR is behind a firewall, make sure port 80 (HTTP) or 443 (HTTPS) is open for web access.

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

Step 1: Access Your DVR Interface

You can change the time in two ways: locally (directly on the DVR) or remotely (via web browser). Both work, but local access is faster and doesn’t need network setup.

Option A: Local Access (Monitor & Mouse)
Plug in a monitor and USB mouse to your DVR. Power it on and log in with your username and password. The main screen will show camera feeds and a menu bar.

Option B: Remote Access (Web Browser)
Open Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Type your DVR’s IP address (e.g., http://192.168.1.100) into the address bar. Log in using your credentials. The web interface looks similar to the local one but may load slower.

Pro Tip: Bookmark the DVR’s IP for quick access. Use a static IP to avoid connection issues if the DVR reboots.

Step 2: Navigate to System Settings

Once logged in, look for the “Main Menu” button—usually at the bottom left (local) or top right (web). Click it to open the settings panel.

Find and click “System” or “Configuration”. In the 2026 update, this menu was reorganized for clarity. You’ll see tabs like General, Network, and Time.

Click the “Time” tab. This is where the How to Change Time in Hikvision DVR 2026 Update Guide really kicks in. You’ll see current time, time zone, and sync options.

Note: If you don’t see the Time tab, double-check your firmware version. Older versions had it under “System > General.”

Step 3: Set Your Time Zone

Under the Time tab, find “Time Zone”. Click the dropdown and select your region. For example:

• New York → (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
• London → (UTC+00:00) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
• New Delhi → (UTC+05:30) India Standard Time

The 2026 update added more time zones, including half-hour offsets (like IST). Pick the exact match to avoid manual adjustments later.

Click “Apply” to save. The DVR will update its internal clock based on the new zone.

Warning: Don’t guess the time zone. Use a trusted source like timeanddate.com. A wrong zone means incorrect timestamps for months.

Step 4: Choose Time Synchronization Method

Now, decide how your DVR gets the time. You have two options:

Option 1: Manual Time (No Internet)
If your DVR isn’t online, uncheck “Enable NTP”. Then:

1. Click “Manual” under “Time Sync Type.”
2. Enter the current date, hour, minute, and second.
3. Use a reliable source (like your phone or an atomic clock website).
4. Click “Set” to apply.

Option 2: NTP Sync (Recommended for Internet-Connected DVRs)
For automatic, accurate time, enable NTP. In the 2026 update, Hikvision improved NTP reliability.

1. Check “Enable NTP”.
2. Leave the default server: time.nist.gov (or use pool.ntp.org).
3. Set “Sync Interval” to “Daily” or “Weekly” to reduce bandwidth.
4. Click “Sync Now” for an immediate update.

Pro Tip: Use NTP even if you set manual time first. It keeps the clock precise over time, especially with daylight saving changes.

Step 5: Adjust Daylight Saving Time (DST)

The 2026 firmware added smarter DST handling, but you still need to enable it.

Find the “Daylight Saving Time” section (usually below NTP settings). Check “Enable DST”.

Set the “Start Rule” and “End Rule”. For example, in the U.S.:

• Start: Second Sunday of March, 2:00 AM
• End: First Sunday of November, 2:00 AM

Hikvision’s 2026 update lets you pick from common regions (U.S., EU, Australia) or set custom rules. Use the dropdown to select your country’s DST pattern.

Click “Apply” to save. The DVR will auto-adjust time when DST changes.

Warning: If DST is off, your DVR will be 1 hour off twice a year. This can confuse camera logs and alarm triggers.

Step 6: Verify Time Accuracy

After setting everything, double-check the time.

Look at the top-right corner of the DVR interface. It should show the correct local time. Compare it to your phone or a trusted clock.

For extra confirmation:

• Go to “Playback” and watch a recent clip. The timestamp should match your local time.
• Use the Hik-Connect app to check live feeds. The time overlay should be accurate.

If it’s still off, go back to Step 4 and try a different NTP server or manually adjust.

Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of the time settings page. It helps if you need to reset the DVR later.

Step 7: Save & Reboot (Optional but Recommended)

Click “Save” at the bottom of the Time settings page. This locks in all changes.

For best results, reboot the DVR:

1. Go to “Main Menu > System > Shutdown”.
2. Select “Reboot”.
3. Wait 2–3 minutes for it to restart.

After reboot, log back in and verify the time. The How to Change Time in Hikvision DVR 2026 Update Guide ensures the settings stick.

Note: Rebooting clears temporary glitches and forces the DVR to re-sync with NTP.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the updated 2026 firmware, small mistakes can mess up your DVR’s time. Here’s how to stay on track.

Pro Tip 1: Use NTP, Not Manual, If Possible

Manual time is fine for offline setups, but NTP is more accurate. The 2026 update reduced NTP sync errors by 40%. Use it unless your DVR is isolated.

Pro Tip 2: Check Camera Time Overlays

Each camera feed can have its own timestamp. Go to “Main Menu > Camera > OSD” and ensure “Time OSD” is enabled. This shows time on recordings, not just the DVR.

Pro Tip 3: Update Firmware Regularly

Hikvision releases patches for time sync bugs. Check for updates under “System > Maintenance > Upgrade”. The 2026 update fixed a DST bug in European models.

Common Mistake 1: Ignoring Time Zone vs. DST

Many users set the time zone but forget DST. This causes a 1-hour gap in spring and fall. Always enable both.

Common Mistake 2: Using the Wrong NTP Server

Some servers (like time.windows.com) don’t support all time zones. Stick to time.nist.gov or pool.ntp.org for global accuracy.

Common Mistake 3: Not Verifying After Power Loss

DVRs with failing batteries can lose time after outages. After a blackout, check the time and re-sync with NTP.

Common Mistake 4: Skipping the Reboot

Some changes (like DST rules) only apply after a restart. Always reboot after major time settings.

Real-Life Scenario: A retail store once missed a theft because their DVR was 2 hours behind. The timestamp showed 10 PM, but it was actually midnight. Police couldn’t match the footage to security logs. NTP sync would’ve prevented this.

FAQs About How to Change Time in Hikvision DVR 2026 Update Guide

Q1: Why won’t my Hikvision DVR sync with NTP?

This usually happens due to:

• No internet – Check network cables and router settings.
• Firewall blocking port 123 – NTP uses UDP port 123. Open it in your router.
• Wrong server – Try pool.ntp.org instead of the default.

Test connectivity by pinging the NTP server from a computer on the same network.

Q2: Can I change time without a monitor?

Yes! Use the web interface or Hik-Connect app. For web access:

1. Find your DVR’s IP via router admin or Hikvision’s SADP tool.
2. Enter the IP in your browser.
3. Log in and follow Steps 2–7 above.

The 2026 update improved web interface responsiveness, making remote time changes easier.

Q3: What if I see “Time Sync Failed”?

This error means the DVR couldn’t reach the NTP server. Solutions:

• Wait 5 minutes and retry (network lag).
• Switch to a different NTP server.
• Temporarily set manual time, then re-enable NTP.

Never leave it on manual long-term. It drifts over weeks.

Q4: How do I reset time settings to default?

Go to “Main Menu > System > Configuration > Load Default”. This resets all settings, including time. Afterward, re-enter your time zone and NTP settings.

Only use this as a last resort. It erases custom camera names and motion zones.

Q5: Does the DVR battery affect time accuracy?

Yes. The internal battery keeps the clock running when unplugged. If it’s dead, time resets to factory default after power loss.

Check battery health under “System > Maintenance > System Info”. Replace it every 3–5 years.

Q6: Can I change time for multiple DVRs at once?

Not directly. But you can:

• Use HikCentral Professional software to manage multiple DVRs.
• Create a batch script using Hikvision’s SDK (for advanced users).
• Manually set each DVR to the same NTP server for consistency.

The 2026 update added better multi-DVR sync in enterprise models.

Q7: Why is my DVR time 30 minutes off?

This happens with time zones that have half-hour offsets (like India, Iran). Double-check your time zone selection. Use the exact match from the dropdown.

Also, verify DST isn’t enabled twice (e.g., manual + NTP).

Final Thoughts

Getting the time right on your Hikvision DVR isn’t just about convenience—it’s about reliability. Whether you’re securing your home, running a store, or managing a facility, accurate timestamps make all the difference.

This How to Change Time in Hikvision DVR 2026 Update Guide gives you a clear, step-by-step path to fix time issues. From choosing the right time zone to enabling NTP and DST, every step matters.

Actionable advice: Set a reminder to check your DVR’s time every 3 months. After power outages, firmware updates, or DST changes, verify the clock. A 2-minute check now can save hours of confusion later.

And if you’re still stuck? Don’t guess. Use the Hik-Connect app to contact support or visit the Hikvision community forum. The 2026 update made the system smarter—so let it work for you.

Now go ahead: log in, set the time, and rest easy knowing your security system is on the clock—literally.