Deleting recorded video from a Hikvision NVR in 2026 is quick and secure when done through the device’s local interface or iVMS-4200 software. Navigate to the playback or storage menu, select the desired footage, and confirm deletion—always double-check user permissions and backup critical data before removal to avoid irreversible loss.

How to Delete Recorded Video from Hikvision NVR in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Access playback mode first: Navigate to the playback tab to locate target recordings.
• Select precise time frames: Highlight exact clips to delete for efficient removal.
• Use admin credentials: Only authorized users can permanently delete stored footage.
• Back up critical videos: Export important clips to USB before deletion.
• Verify deletion: Confirm removal in storage settings to ensure space is freed.
• Schedule auto-deletion: Set retention policies to avoid manual cleanup later.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Security cameras are essential for protecting homes, offices, and businesses. But what happens when your Hikvision Network Video Recorder (NVR) fills up with old recordings? Running out of storage can stop new recordings, leaving your property unmonitored. If you’re struggling with cluttered footage or need to clear space for fresh recordings, knowing how to delete recorded video from Hikvision NVR in 2026 is a must.

Many users assume deleting footage is as simple as hitting “delete” on a computer. But NVRs are different. They use specialized software, and incorrect steps can lead to accidental data loss or system errors. Whether you’re a homeowner cleaning up old holiday footage or a business manager managing compliance, this guide walks you through the right way to delete recordings—safely, efficiently, and without headaches.

By the end, you’ll know how to remove unwanted video, avoid common pitfalls, and keep your Hikvision NVR running smoothly in 2026 and beyond.

What You Need

Before diving into the process, gather these tools and materials. Most are already part of your Hikvision setup, but it helps to verify everything is ready.

• A Hikvision NVR (DS-76xx, DS-77xx, DS-96xx series, etc.) – Any modern model from 2018 onward supports the steps in this guide.
• Access to the NVR interface – This can be via a connected monitor, web browser, or Hik-Connect mobile app.
• Admin login credentials – You’ll need the username and password with administrative rights to delete recordings.
• Mouse and keyboard (for local access) – If using a monitor directly connected to the NVR.
• Stable internet connection (for remote access) – Required if managing via Hik-Connect or web browser.
• USB drive or external backup (optional but recommended) – For saving important clips before deletion.

Pro Tip: Always back up critical footage before deleting. Even if you plan to remove everything, unexpected events happen. A quick backup ensures you don’t lose evidence or personal moments.

Now that you’re equipped, let’s walk through the process of how to delete recorded video from Hikvision NVR in 2026—step by step.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Delete Recorded Video from Hikvision NVR in 2026

Step 1: Access Your Hikvision NVR Interface

The first step is getting into your NVR’s control panel. You have two main options: local access (direct monitor) or remote access (via web or app).

For Local Access (Monitor Connected):

• Power on the NVR and connect a monitor, mouse, and keyboard.
• Wait for the system to boot. You’ll see the Hikvision login screen.
• Enter your admin username and password. (Default is usually “admin” with a custom password you set during setup.)

For Remote Access (Web Browser or Hik-Connect App):

• Open a web browser and go to http://[your NVR’s IP address] (e.g., http://192.168.1.100).
• Log in using your admin credentials. Ensure your computer and NVR are on the same network.
• Or, open the Hik-Connect app on your phone, tap your device, and enter your login details.

Warning: If you can’t connect, check your network settings. Ensure the NVR’s IP address is static or reserved in your router. Remote access may require port forwarding or P2P setup.

Once logged in, you’re ready to navigate the interface. The next step focuses on finding your recorded videos.

Step 2: Navigate to the Playback or Search Menu

Your goal is to locate the recorded video files before deleting them. This is where the Playback or Search function comes in.

• On the home screen, look for a button labeled “Playback” or “Search”—usually in the top toolbar or main menu.
• Click it. A calendar and timeline will appear, showing recorded clips by date and time.
• Use the calendar to select a specific day. The timeline below will highlight periods with recordings (usually in green or blue).

You can also filter by:

• Camera channel – Select which camera’s footage to view.
• Event type – Choose between continuous, motion, or alarm recordings.
• Time range – Narrow down to a specific hour or minute.

Pro Tip: Use the “Motion” filter to find only clips triggered by movement. This helps avoid deleting hours of empty footage. For example, if you only want to delete nighttime recordings with no activity, this filter saves time.

Now you’ve found the videos. The next step is selecting and deleting them safely.

Step 3: Select the Recordings You Want to Delete

Deleting the right videos is crucial. Accidentally removing important footage is a common mistake. Here’s how to select carefully.

• In the playback interface, hover over the timeline. Click and drag to select a time range (e.g., 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM).
• To select multiple non-consecutive clips, hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) while clicking on each segment.
• For bulk deletion, use the “Select All” option (if available) or manually highlight large sections.

Preview Before Deleting:

• Click the “Play” button to watch a short preview of the selected clip.
• Check if it contains anything important—like a delivery, visitor, or security event.
• If it’s safe to delete, keep it selected. If not, deselect it.

Warning: Never delete recordings related to ongoing investigations, legal matters, or insurance claims. Even if you’re cleaning up, keep these for at least 30–90 days. Deleting them prematurely could cause serious problems later.

Once you’ve selected the correct clips, proceed to the deletion step.

Step 4: Delete the Selected Recordings

Now comes the actual deletion. There are two methods: manual deletion and scheduled deletion. We’ll cover both.

Method 1: Manual Deletion (Immediate)

• With your clips selected, click the “Delete” button (usually a trash can icon or labeled button).
• A confirmation window will appear: “Are you sure you want to delete the selected recordings?”
• Click “Yes” to proceed.
• The system will remove the clips. This may take a few seconds, depending on the amount.

Method 2: Scheduled Deletion (Automatic)

• Go to Menu > Storage > Storage Management.
• Look for “Overwrite” or “Auto Delete” settings.
• Enable “Overwrite oldest recordings when disk is full”.
• Set a retention period (e.g., 7 days, 30 days). After this time, the system will auto-delete old footage.

Pro Tip: Use scheduled deletion for hands-off maintenance. For example, if you only need 30 days of footage, set the retention to 30 days. This ensures your NVR never runs out of space—without manual intervention.

After deletion, the freed space becomes available for new recordings. But how do you confirm it worked?

Step 5: Verify Deletion and Check Free Space

Don’t assume deletion worked just because the system said “done.” Always verify.

• Return to the Playback menu and select the same time range you just deleted.
• The timeline should show no green/blue blocks for that period.
• If clips still appear, they may have been protected or the deletion failed. Re-check your selection and try again.

Check Storage Status:

• Go to Menu > System > System Information > Storage.
• Look at the “Free Space” and “Total Capacity” indicators.
• You should see an increase in free space after deletion.

Example: If your NVR has a 2TB drive and was 90% full (1.8TB used), deleting 200GB of old footage should show ~1TB used and 1TB free. If not, some clips may be protected or locked.

If space hasn’t freed up, move to the next step to troubleshoot.

Step 6: Handle Protected or Locked Recordings

Some recordings are protected—they can’t be deleted manually. This often happens with:

• Event-triggered clips (motion, alarm, etc.)
• Manually locked recordings
• Clips saved during backup operations

To delete protected clips:

• In the Playback menu, look for a “Lock” or “Protect” icon on the timeline.
• Click the locked segment. A pop-up will show options.
• Select “Unlock” or “Remove Protection”.
• Enter your admin password to confirm.
• Now you can delete the clip normally.

Warning: Unlocking recordings removes their protected status. If you’re unsure, back them up first. Some NVRs allow you to unlock and delete in one step—use this only if you’re certain.

Once unlocked, repeat Step 4 to delete. If issues persist, check for firmware updates (see Pro Tips).

Step 7: Use Advanced Tools (Optional: For Large-Scale Deletion)

If you manage a large system (e.g., 16+ cameras), manual deletion is time-consuming. Use these advanced options:

Option A: Delete by Date Range

• Go to Menu > Storage > Storage Management > Advanced.
• Select “Delete by Date”.
• Enter a start and end date (e.g., Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025).
• Choose which channels to include.
• Click “Delete” and confirm.

Option B: Use IVMS-4200 (PC Software)

• Download iVMS-4200 from Hikvision’s official site.
• Add your NVR to the software.
• Go to “Playback” > “Remote Playback”.
• Select date, time, and camera. Click “Delete” on the toolbar.

Pro Tip: iVMS-4200 is great for businesses with multiple NVRs. You can manage deletions across devices from one dashboard. It also logs deletion history for audits.

These tools make how to delete recorded video from Hikvision NVR in 2026 faster and more efficient for large setups.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced users make errors. Here’s how to avoid them and work smarter.

Pro Tip 1: Schedule Regular Cleanups
Set a monthly reminder to delete old footage. Use calendar alerts or sticky notes. For example, “Delete videos older than 60 days on the 1st of each month.” This prevents storage crises.

Pro Tip 2: Use Smart Playback Filters
Instead of deleting everything, use motion/event filters. Delete only clips with no activity. This keeps important footage while freeing space. For instance, a 24-hour recording with 2 hours of motion can be trimmed to just those 2 hours.

Pro Tip 3: Update Firmware Regularly
Outdated firmware can cause bugs in the deletion process. Go to Menu > System > Maintenance > Firmware Upgrade and check for updates. Newer versions often fix storage and playback issues.

Pro Tip 4: Label Important Recordings
Before deletion, use the “Tag” or “Comment” feature (if available) to mark critical clips. This helps you identify them quickly in the future.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Deleting during active recording: Never delete while cameras are recording. Wait for a quiet period. Interrupting writes can corrupt files.
• Skipping backup: Always back up before bulk deletion. A USB drive or cloud service (like Hik-Connect) can save you from regret.
• Ignoring user permissions: Only admins should delete recordings. Assign limited access to other users to prevent accidents.
• Forgetting to check free space: After deletion, always verify storage. If space doesn’t increase, the deletion may have failed silently.
• Using third-party tools: Avoid unverified software. Stick to Hikvision’s official tools (iVMS-4200, web interface, Hik-Connect) to avoid malware.

By following these tips, you’ll master how to delete recorded video from Hikvision NVR in 2026 without stress.

FAQs About How to Delete Recorded Video from Hikvision NVR in 2026

Q1: Can I recover deleted recordings?
Unfortunately, no. Once deleted, recordings are permanently removed from the NVR’s storage. However, if you backed them up to a USB drive or cloud service, you can restore them. Some forensic tools claim to recover data, but success is rare and not guaranteed.

Q2: Why can’t I delete certain recordings?
These are likely “protected” clips. They may be locked by motion detection, manual tagging, or system events. Use the “Unlock” feature in the playback menu (as described in Step 6) to remove protection before deletion.

Q3: Will deleting old videos improve my NVR’s performance?
Yes! A full NVR slows down playback, search, and recording. Freeing space improves speed and reduces lag. Think of it like cleaning your phone’s storage—everything runs smoother.

Q4: How much space should I keep free?
Experts recommend keeping at least 20–30% of your storage free. This allows room for new recordings and prevents system errors. For a 2TB drive, aim for 400–600GB free.

Q5: Can I delete recordings from the Hik-Connect app?
Yes! Open the app, go to “Playback”, select a time range, and tap the trash icon. You can delete clips remotely, but bulk deletion is easier on a computer or local interface.

Q6: What if my NVR won’t let me log in?
If you forgot your password, you’ll need to reset it. Use the “Forgot Password” option on the login screen (requires a security question or email). If that fails, contact Hikvision support. Never force-reset without a backup.

Q7: Is there a way to auto-delete videos after a set time?
Absolutely. Use the “Storage Management” > “Overwrite” setting (Step 4, Method 2). Set a retention period (e.g., 30 days), and the NVR will auto-delete old footage. This is ideal for hands-off management.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to delete recorded video from Hikvision NVR in 2026 isn’t just about clearing space—it’s about maintaining a reliable, efficient security system. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business operator, regular cleanup keeps your NVR running smoothly and your recordings accessible.

Remember: Always back up first, verify after deletion, and use scheduled tools to automate the process. Don’t rush—take your time to avoid mistakes. With the steps in this guide, you’re equipped to handle any deletion task, big or small.

Now, go check your NVR. Is it time for a cleanup? Open the playback menu, find those old clips, and free up space. Your future self will thank you when the system never runs out of room again. And if you run into issues, refer back to this guide—or bookmark it for next time.

Stay secure, stay organized, and keep your Hikvision NVR in top shape for years to come.