How to Configure Ddns in Dahua Dvr

This guide walks you through how to configure DDNS in Dahua DVR so you can access your security system remotely from any device. You’ll learn the essential steps, common pitfalls, and expert tips to ensure a smooth and secure connection.

Key Takeaways

• DDNS enables remote access: Dynamic DNS lets you connect to your Dahua DVR using a domain name instead of a changing IP address.
• Choose a reliable DDNS provider: Dahua supports built-in services like Dahua DDNS, No-IP, and DynDNS—pick one that fits your needs.
• Port forwarding is required: You must configure your router to forward ports (e.g., 80, 37777) to the DVR’s local IP address.
• Use a static local IP for the DVR: Assign a fixed IP on your network to prevent connection issues due to IP changes.
• Test your setup thoroughly: Always verify remote access via mobile app or web browser after configuration.
• Security matters: Change default passwords and avoid using port 80 if possible to reduce hacking risks.
• Troubleshooting is part of the process: Common issues include incorrect port settings, firewall blocks, or expired DDNS accounts.

How to Configure DDNS in Dahua DVR

Setting up remote access to your Dahua DVR doesn’t have to be complicated. With Dynamic DNS (DDNS), you can monitor your security cameras from anywhere in the world using a simple web address—even if your internet service provider gives you a changing (dynamic) IP address. This guide will walk you through the entire process of how to configure DDNS in Dahua DVR, from preparing your network to testing your connection. Whether you’re a homeowner, small business owner, or security enthusiast, this step-by-step tutorial will help you get your system online securely and reliably.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose a DDNS provider, configure your Dahua DVR settings, set up port forwarding on your router, and troubleshoot common connection issues. We’ll also share practical tips to keep your system secure and running smoothly. By the end, you’ll be able to access your DVR remotely via a smartphone, tablet, or computer—no matter where you are.

What Is DDNS and Why Do You Need It?

Dynamic DNS (DDNS) is a service that automatically updates a domain name to point to your current public IP address. Most home and small business internet connections use dynamic IP addresses, which can change every time you restart your router or after a certain period. This makes it difficult to connect to devices like your Dahua DVR remotely because you won’t know the current IP address.

DDNS solves this problem by linking a friendly, easy-to-remember domain name (like myhomecam.ddns.net) to your changing IP. When your IP updates, the DDNS service updates the domain record automatically. This way, you can always access your DVR using the same web address.

Without DDNS, you’d need to manually check and update your IP address every time it changes—which is impractical and time-consuming. With DDNS, remote access becomes seamless and reliable.

Prerequisites Before Configuring DDNS

Before you begin configuring DDNS on your Dahua DVR, make sure you have the following in place:

• A Dahua DVR or NVR: Ensure your device is powered on and connected to your local network via Ethernet.
• Router with admin access: You’ll need to log in to your router to set up port forwarding.
• Stable internet connection: A reliable broadband connection is essential for remote access.
• Computer or smartphone: To access the DVR’s web interface and test the connection.
• DDNS account: Sign up with a supported DDNS provider (we’ll cover this next).

It’s also highly recommended to assign a static local IP address to your Dahua DVR. This prevents the DVR’s internal IP from changing if your router reboots, which could break the port forwarding rules. We’ll show you how to do this in the next section.

Step 1: Assign a Static IP Address to Your Dahua DVR

To ensure consistent communication between your router and DVR, assign a fixed local IP address. Here’s how:

Access the DVR’s Network Settings

Connect a monitor and mouse to your Dahua DVR, or access it via the web interface using a browser. Log in with your admin credentials (default is usually admin and admin or a custom password you’ve set).

Navigate to Network Configuration

Go to Main Menu > Network > TCP/IP. You’ll see the current IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.

Change to Static IP

Select Static instead of DHCP. Enter an IP address that’s outside your router’s DHCP range but within the same subnet. For example, if your router assigns IPs from 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.200, use something like 192.168.1.50.

Set the subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0) and gateway (your router’s IP, typically 192.168.1.1). Save the settings and reboot the DVR if prompted.

Tip: Write down the static IP—you’ll need it for port forwarding.

Step 2: Choose a DDNS Provider

Dahua DVRs support several DDNS services. The most common options are:

• Dahua DDNS: Free and integrated into the DVR. Requires a Dahua account.
• No-IP: Popular third-party service with free and paid plans.
• DynDNS: Reliable but mostly paid; good for businesses.
• 3322.org: Free Chinese DDNS service, widely used in Asia.

For most users, Dahua DDNS is the easiest choice because it’s built into the system and requires no additional software. However, if you prefer more control or need advanced features, No-IP is a great alternative.

How to Create a Dahua DDNS Account

Visit www.dahuaddns.com and click Register. Fill in your details, verify your email, and log in. Once registered, you can create a hostname (e.g., mysecuritycam), which will become mysecuritycam.dahuaddns.com.

How to Create a No-IP Account

Go to www.noip.com, sign up for a free account, and create a hostname (e.g., mydvr.hopto.org). Note that free No-IP hostnames require confirmation every 30 days to stay active.

Tip: Choose a unique hostname to avoid conflicts and make it easier to remember.

Step 3: Configure DDNS on the Dahua DVR

Now it’s time to enter your DDNS settings directly into the DVR.

Access the DDNS Settings

Go to Main Menu > Network > DDNS. You’ll see a list of supported providers.

Select Your DDNS Service

Choose the provider you signed up with (e.g., Dahua DDNS, No-IP). If using Dahua DDNS, select Dahua from the dropdown.

Enter Your Credentials

Fill in the following fields:

• Server: Auto-filled based on provider (e.g., www.dahuaddns.com).
• Domain Name: Your full hostname (e.g., mysecuritycam.dahuaddns.com).
• User Name: Your DDNS account email or username.
• Password: Your DDNS account password.

Check the Enable box and click Save.

Verify the Connection

The DVR will attempt to connect to the DDNS server. If successful, you’ll see a status like “Online” or “Registered.” If it fails, double-check your credentials and internet connection.

Note: Some DVRs may require a reboot after saving DDNS settings.

Step 4: Set Up Port Forwarding on Your Router

Port forwarding tells your router to send incoming internet traffic on specific ports directly to your Dahua DVR. Without this step, remote access won’t work.

Find Your DVR’s Port Numbers

Go to Main Menu > Network > Port on your DVR. Note the following default ports:

• HTTP Port: 80 (for web access)
• Server Port: 37777 (for mobile apps and streaming)
• RTSP Port: 554 (for video streaming)

You can change these if needed, but avoid common ports like 80 if security is a concern.

Log in to Your Router

Open a browser and enter your router’s IP (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Log in with admin credentials (check the router label or manual if unsure).

Navigate to Port Forwarding

Look for a section called Port Forwarding, Virtual Server, or NAT. The exact name varies by router brand (e.g., TP-Link, Netgear, ASUS).

Add Port Forwarding Rules

Create a new rule for each port. For example:

• Service Name: Dahua_HTTP
• External Port: 80
• Internal Port: 80
• Internal IP: 192.168.1.50 (your DVR’s static IP)
• Protocol: TCP (or Both)

Repeat for port 37777 (Server Port) and 554 (RTSP) if needed.

Tip: Some routers allow you to forward a range of ports. If your DVR uses multiple ports, consider forwarding a range like 37777-37778.

Save and Reboot

Save the settings and reboot your router to apply the changes.

Step 5: Test Remote Access

Now that everything is configured, it’s time to test your setup.

Access via Web Browser

On a device outside your home network (e.g., smartphone on mobile data), open a browser and enter:

http://yourhostname.dahuaddns.com

or

http://yourhostname.dahuaddns.com:80

You should see the Dahua login page. Enter your DVR credentials to access the live view.

Access via Dahua Mobile App

Download the Dahua DMSS app (iOS or Android). Tap Add Device, then select Manual Add. Choose DVR/NVR and enter:

• Device Name: My DVR
• IP/Domain: yourhostname.dahuaddns.com
• Port: 37777
• User Name: admin
• Password: your password

Tap Save and then Connect. If successful, you’ll see your camera feeds.

Note: If the connection fails, double-check your DDNS status, port forwarding, and firewall settings.

Security Best Practices

Remote access introduces security risks. Follow these tips to protect your system:

• Change default passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for both the DVR and DDNS account.
• Disable UPnP: Universal Plug and Play can open ports automatically—turn it off to prevent unauthorized access.
• Use non-standard ports: Change the HTTP port from 80 to something like 8080 to reduce automated attacks.
• Enable HTTPS: If supported, use HTTPS instead of HTTP for encrypted connections.
• Update firmware: Regularly check for and install DVR firmware updates to patch security vulnerabilities.
• Limit access: Only share your DDNS address with trusted individuals.

Warning: Never expose your DVR directly to the internet without a firewall. Always use port forwarding through your router.

Troubleshooting Common DDNS Issues

Even with careful setup, problems can occur. Here’s how to fix the most common issues:

DDNS Status Shows “Offline” or “Failed”

• Check your internet connection.
• Verify your DDNS username and password.
• Ensure the DVR has the correct time and date (DDNS may fail if time is off).
• Try rebooting the DVR and router.

Cannot Access DVR Remotely

• Confirm port forwarding is correctly set up.
• Check that your firewall (on router or PC) isn’t blocking the ports.
• Test with a different device or network.
• Ensure your ISP doesn’t block incoming ports (common with some residential plans).

Connection is Slow or Buffering

• Reduce video resolution or frame rate in DVR settings.
• Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi.
• Check your upload speed—remote viewing requires good upstream bandwidth.

DDNS Hostname Not Updating

• Log in to your DDNS provider and check if the hostname is active.
• For No-IP, confirm your hostname hasn’t expired (free accounts require monthly confirmation).
• Ensure the DVR is sending updates to the DDNS server.

Pro Tip: Use a tool like WhatIsMyIP.com to check your public IP and compare it with what your DDNS provider shows.

Alternative: Use P2P for Easier Remote Access

If DDNS setup feels too complex, consider using Dahua’s P2P (Peer-to-Peer) feature. P2P allows remote access without port forwarding or DDNS configuration. Most modern Dahua DVRs support P2P through the DMSS app.

To enable P2P:

1. Go to Main Menu > Network > P2P.
2. Enable P2P and scan the QR code with the DMSS app.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to add the device.

While P2P is simpler, it relies on Dahua’s cloud servers and may have privacy implications. DDNS gives you more control and is better for advanced users.

Conclusion

Configuring DDNS in your Dahua DVR opens up a world of possibilities—monitor your home or business from anywhere, receive alerts on the go, and never miss a moment. While the process involves several steps, including setting a static IP, choosing a DDNS provider, and configuring port forwarding, each one is manageable with the right guidance.

By following this guide, you’ve learned how to configure DDNS in Dahua DVR securely and effectively. Remember to prioritize security, test your setup thoroughly, and keep your system updated. Whether you’re using Dahua DDNS, No-IP, or another service, remote access will give you peace of mind and greater control over your security system.

If you run into issues, don’t hesitate to revisit the troubleshooting section or consult Dahua’s official support. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll have a reliable remote surveillance system up and running in no time.