Connecting two Hikvision DVRs together in 2026 is a seamless process using either a direct network crossover cable or through a managed switch with proper IP configuration. Ensure both DVRs are on the same subnet and enable the “Device Link” feature in the Hik-Connect platform for unified remote access and synchronized playback. This setup boosts scalability for large surveillance systems without requiring complex hardware upgrades.

How to Connect Two Hikvision DVR Together in 2026 Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Use Hik-Connect: Enable Hik-Connect on both DVRs for seamless cloud-based linking.
• Same Network: Ensure both DVRs share a local network for direct communication.
• Firmware Update: Update both DVRs to the latest firmware for compatibility.
• IP Configuration: Assign static IPs to avoid connection drops during setup.
• Centralized Software: Use iVMS-4200 to manage multiple DVRs from one interface.
• Port Forwarding: Configure ports only if accessing DVRs remotely via internet.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine running a small business or managing a multi-building property. You’ve got one Hikvision DVR covering the front office, and another monitoring the back warehouse. But when you want to check both feeds from one place—say, during an incident—you’re stuck switching between systems or using separate monitors.

This is where knowing how to connect two Hikvision DVR together in 2026 easy guide becomes essential. Whether you’re expanding your security setup or centralizing surveillance, linking two DVRs lets you monitor, record, and manage multiple camera feeds from a single interface.

Without proper integration, you risk fragmented footage, missed alerts, and inefficient response times. Plus, modern security systems demand smarter workflows. The good news? Connecting two Hikvision DVRs is easier than you think—if you follow the right steps.

Whether you’re using older models or the latest Hikvision AcuSense or DeepinView series, this guide covers both local network and remote access setups. By the end, you’ll have a unified system that boosts efficiency, simplifies monitoring, and improves overall security.

Pro Tip: This method works for both wired and wireless networks, but a stable Ethernet connection is always recommended for reliability and speed.

What You Need

Before diving into the setup, gather these tools and materials. Having everything ready saves time and prevents frustrating mid-process delays.

• Two Hikvision DVRs (any model: DS-71xx, DS-72xx, DS-73xx, or newer)
• Ethernet cables (Cat5e or higher) – one for each DVR and one for your router/switch
• Router or network switch – must support DHCP and have available ports
• Computer or smartphone/tablet – for configuration via web browser or iVMS-4200 software
• Hik-Connect account (free) – for remote access and mobile viewing
• Static IP addresses (optional but recommended) – to avoid IP conflicts
• iVMS-4200 software (downloadable from Hikvision’s official site) – for centralized management
• Network configuration knowledge – basic understanding of IP addresses, subnets, and ports

You don’t need advanced IT skills. But if you’ve ever set up a home Wi-Fi network or connected a printer to your router, you’re already halfway there.

The key to successfully following the how to connect two Hikvision DVR together in 2026 easy guide is ensuring all devices are on the same network segment. That means they can “talk” to each other without firewalls or VLANs blocking communication.

Warning: Avoid using public Wi-Fi or unsecured networks. Always use a private, password-protected network to protect your surveillance data.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Connect Two Hikvision DVR Together in 2026 Easy Guide

Step 1: Physically Connect the DVRs to the Network

Start by connecting both DVRs to your local network. Use Ethernet cables to plug each DVR into an available port on your router or network switch.

Why Ethernet? It provides a stable, high-speed connection with minimal lag—critical for real-time video streaming and remote access. Wi-Fi is possible, but not ideal for DVRs due to potential signal drops and bandwidth issues.

Once connected, power on both DVRs. Wait 1–2 minutes for them to boot up and obtain an IP address via DHCP. You’ll see the status lights stabilize—usually green or blue—indicating network activity.

To verify connectivity, check your router’s connected devices list. Look for entries like “Hikvision-DVR-1” or “HIK-DS7204.” If you don’t see them, double-check cables and restart the DVRs.

Pro Tip: Label each DVR (e.g., “Front Office” and “Back Warehouse”) with a sticky note or tag. This helps avoid confusion during configuration.

Step 2: Assign Static IP Addresses (Recommended)

While DVRs can use dynamic IPs (DHCP), assigning static IPs prevents future issues. If a DVR reboots and gets a new IP, your remote access or iVMS-4200 setup may break.

Here’s how to assign a static IP on a Hikvision DVR:

1. Connect a monitor and mouse to the first DVR.
2. Navigate to Menu > Network > TCP/IP.
3. Change the IP Address field to a fixed value (e.g., 192.168.1.100).
4. Set the Subnet Mask to 255.255.255.0 (default for most home/office networks).
5. Enter your router’s Gateway (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
6. Leave DNS as automatic unless you’re using custom DNS.
7. Click Save and restart the DVR.

Repeat this process for the second DVR, using a different IP (e.g., 192.168.1.101). Make sure both IPs are in the same subnet (same first three numbers).

This step is crucial for the how to connect two Hikvision DVR together in 2026 easy guide because it ensures consistent communication across devices.

Warning: Never assign duplicate IPs. If two devices have the same IP, they’ll conflict and lose network access.

Step 3: Enable Hik-Connect on Both DVRs

Hik-Connect is Hikvision’s cloud service for remote access. Enabling it allows you to view both DVRs from your phone or tablet—no matter where you are.

To enable Hik-Connect:

1. On each DVR, go to Menu > Network > Platform Access.
2. Toggle Hik-Connect to Enable.
3. Click Register (if not already registered).
4. Scan the QR code with the Hik-Connect mobile app or manually enter the serial number.
5. Link the DVR to your Hik-Connect account.

Once both DVRs are registered, they’ll appear in your Hik-Connect app. You can now view live feeds, playback recordings, and receive motion alerts remotely.

Bonus: Hik-Connect uses end-to-end encryption, so your footage stays private.

Pro Tip: Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Hik-Connect account to prevent unauthorized access.

Step 4: Configure Port Forwarding (Optional for Remote Access)

If you want to access your DVRs from outside your local network (e.g., from work or while traveling), you’ll need port forwarding. This tells your router to send external traffic to a specific DVR.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Log into your router’s admin panel (usually via 192.168.1.1 in a browser).
2. Navigate to Port Forwarding or Virtual Server settings.
3. Add a new rule for the first DVR:
   • Service Name: Hik-DVR-1
   • External Port: 8000 (default for Hikvision)
   • Internal Port: 8000
   • IP Address: 192.168.1.100 (your DVR’s static IP)
   • Protocol: TCP
4. Repeat for the second DVR, using a different external port (e.g., 8001) and its IP (192.168.1.101).
5. Save and reboot the router.

Now, from outside your network, access DVR 1 via your-public-ip:8000 and DVR 2 via your-public-ip:8001.

Note: Use a dynamic DNS service (like No-IP) if your public IP changes often.

Warning: Port forwarding exposes your DVRs to the internet. Only enable it if necessary, and always use strong passwords and HTTPS (if supported).

Step 5: Set Up iVMS-4200 for Centralized Management

The best way to manage two DVRs together is using iVMS-4200, Hikvision’s free client software. It lets you monitor all cameras, playback footage, and control PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras from one screen.

To set it up:

1. Download and install iVMS-4200 from Hikvision’s official website.
2. Open the software and click Device Management > Add.
3. Enter details for the first DVR:
   • Device Name: Front Office DVR
   • IP Address: 192.168.1.100
   • Port: 8000
   • Username/Password: your DVR login
4. Click Add.
5. Repeat for the second DVR with its IP and port.
6. Click Save.

Now, go to Main View and create a custom layout. Drag camera feeds from both DVRs onto the screen. You can even set up split-screen views (4x, 8x, 16x) for full coverage.

With iVMS-4200, you’ve now unified two DVRs into a single, powerful monitoring station—perfect for the how to connect two Hikvision DVR together in 2026 easy guide.

Pro Tip: Use iVMS-4200’s Smart Playback feature to quickly find motion events across both DVRs—no more scrubbing through hours of footage.

Step 6: Enable Inter-DVR Communication (Optional for Advanced Use)

Some users want one DVR to trigger alerts or recordings on the other. For example, if a camera on DVR 1 detects motion, it could tell DVR 2 to start recording or send a push notification.

To enable this, use Hikvision’s Event Linkage feature:

1. On DVR 1, go to Menu > Event > Event Linkage.
2. Select a camera and set Trigger Event to Motion Detection.
3. Under Action, choose Send Notification to Device.
4. Enter the IP, port, and login details of DVR 2.
5. Set the action (e.g., “Start Recording” or “Send Email”).
6. Save the rule.

Now, when motion is detected on DVR 1, DVR 2 will respond automatically.

This is ideal for large properties, campuses, or businesses with distributed surveillance needs.

Warning: Test the linkage with a short recording first. Misconfigured rules can cause false alerts or unnecessary recordings.

Step 7: Test and Troubleshoot the Setup

After configuration, test everything:

• Open iVMS-4200 and verify all cameras from both DVRs appear.
• Check live feeds for lag, distortion, or disconnections.
• Trigger motion on a camera and confirm recording starts on both DVRs (if linked).
• Log into Hik-Connect app and view feeds remotely.
• If using port forwarding, test external access from a different network (e.g., mobile data).

Common issues and fixes:

• No video in iVMS-4200? Check firewall settings and ensure the DVR’s port (8000) is open.
• Can’t access via Hik-Connect? Verify Hik-Connect is enabled and the DVR has internet access.
• Lag or buffering? Reduce camera resolution or use a gigabit switch.
• IP conflict? Reboot both DVRs and router, then reassign static IPs.

Testing ensures your how to connect two Hikvision DVR together in 2026 easy guide setup is reliable and secure.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a clear guide, small oversights can cause big problems. Here are pro tips and pitfalls to avoid:

• Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Power outages can corrupt DVR settings. A UPS keeps your system running during brief outages.
• Update Firmware Regularly: Hikvision releases updates to fix bugs and improve security. Check for updates monthly.
• Label Cables and Devices: Use cable tags or color-coding. It saves hours during troubleshooting.
• Don’t Overload the Network: If you have 16+ cameras, consider a dedicated network or VLAN to prevent congestion.
• Enable Motion Detection Wisely: Too many false triggers waste storage. Adjust sensitivity and detection zones.
• Back Up Configuration: In iVMS-4200, export your device list and settings. If a DVR fails, you can restore it quickly.

Common Mistakes:

Warning: Using the same port number for both DVRs in port forwarding will cause conflicts. Always use unique ports (e.g., 8000 and 8001).

Warning: Skipping static IPs leads to “ghost” devices. If a DVR’s IP changes, iVMS-4200 can’t find it.

Warning: Ignoring firmware updates leaves your system vulnerable to known exploits. Always update.

Remember, the goal of the how to connect two Hikvision DVR together in 2026 easy guide is not just connectivity—but reliability, security, and ease of use.

FAQs About How to Connect Two Hikvision DVR Together in 2026 Easy Guide

Q1: Can I connect DVRs from different Hikvision models?

Yes! As long as both DVRs support Hik-Connect and use the same network protocol (ONVIF or Hikvision proprietary), they can work together. Older DS-71xx models may need firmware updates.

Q2: Do I need a static IP for Hik-Connect to work?

No, but it’s highly recommended. Hik-Connect uses cloud relay, so dynamic IPs usually work. However, static IPs prevent issues if the DVR reboots or loses connection.

Q3: Can I view both DVRs on my phone?

Absolutely. Use the Hik-Connect app (iOS/Android). Add both DVRs to your account, and you’ll see all cameras in one list. You can even set up favorites or custom views.

Q4: What if my router doesn’t support port forwarding?

Use Hik-Connect instead. It uses cloud-based relay, so no port forwarding is needed. Just enable Hik-Connect on both DVRs and log in with the same account.

Q5: How much storage do I need for two DVRs?

Depends on camera count, resolution, and retention period. For example, 8 cameras at 1080p (H.265) need ~1TB for 30 days. Use Hikvision’s Storage Calculator online for precise estimates.

Q6: Can I connect more than two DVRs?

Yes! iVMS-4200 supports up to 64 devices. Just add each DVR with a unique IP and port. Ideal for large facilities, schools, or multi-site businesses.

Q7: Is it safe to expose DVRs to the internet?

Only if you use secure methods. Hik-Connect is safer than port forwarding because it uses encrypted tunnels. If you must use port forwarding, enable HTTPS, strong passwords, and limit access to trusted IPs.

Final Thoughts

Connecting two Hikvision DVRs doesn’t have to be a tech nightmare. With this how to connect two Hikvision DVR together in 2026 easy guide, you’ve learned how to unify your surveillance system using simple, proven steps.

From physical setup to iVMS-4200 configuration, every part of this process is designed for real-world usability. Whether you’re a homeowner, small business owner, or security manager, having all your cameras in one place makes life easier and safer.

Start by gathering your tools, assigning static IPs, and enabling Hik-Connect. Then use iVMS-4200 to create a central monitoring station. Test everything, and don’t forget to update firmware and back up settings.

And remember: security isn’t just about cameras—it’s about smart integration. By following this guide, you’ve taken a big step toward a smarter, more efficient surveillance system.

Now it’s your turn: Power up those DVRs, open iVMS-4200, and take control of your entire security network—from one screen.

Stay safe, stay connected.