Reset your Hikvision NVR in 2026 quickly and securely by accessing the device’s web interface or using the physical reset button—no advanced technical skills required. Always back up your configuration first to avoid permanent data loss before initiating the factory reset process. Follow our step-by-step guide for a smooth, error-free reset every time.

How to Factory Reset Hikvision NVR in 2026 Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the recessed reset button on your Hikvision NVR.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the reset button for 10+ seconds.
• Wait for reboot: Allow the NVR to fully restart after resetting.
• Reconfigure settings: Reset erases all custom configurations and passwords.
• Backup first: Save recordings and settings before initiating the reset.
• Admin login required: Ensure physical access or admin credentials for reset.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Whether you’re selling your security system, troubleshooting persistent errors, or simply want a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset Hikvision NVR in 2026 easy guide is essential for every homeowner or business owner using Hikvision equipment.

Over time, NVRs (Network Video Recorders) can develop software glitches, login lockouts, or performance slowdowns. A factory reset clears all settings, restores default configurations, and gives your system a clean slate—without needing to replace hardware.

This process isn’t just about erasing data—it’s about reclaiming control. Think of it like rebooting your computer after a crash: sometimes, a full reset is the fastest way back to stability. And with newer Hikvision firmware updates in 2026, the reset process has become smoother, but also slightly different from older models.

If you’re facing issues like forgotten passwords, frozen interfaces, or IP conflicts, this guide will walk you through the correct method—safely and efficiently. We’ll focus on modern Hikvision models like DS-7600, DS-7700, and the newer XVR series, ensuring your how to factory reset Hikvision NVR in 2026 easy guide stays up-to-date with current software versions.

What You Need

Before diving in, gather these tools and materials. Skipping any of these could lead to failed resets or data loss.

• Hikvision NVR unit (powered on and accessible)
• Monitor connected via HDMI or VGA cable (required for on-screen navigation)
• USB mouse (most NVRs don’t support touchscreens)
• Ethernet cable (if accessing remotely or checking network status)
• Backup storage (external hard drive or USB flash drive) – optional but highly recommended
• Hikvision SADP Tool (downloadable from Hikvision’s official website)
• Paperclip or small pin (for physical reset button on some models)
• Access to router/admin panel (if resetting network settings)

💡 Note: If you plan to keep recordings, back them up before resetting. A factory reset erases everything—video clips, user accounts, motion detection rules, and network settings.

Pro Tip: Use a USB 3.0 drive (32GB or larger) for faster backup. Label it clearly—like “NVR_Backup_2026”—so you don’t mix it up with other files.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Factory Reset Hikvision NVR in 2026 Easy Guide

There are three main methods to reset a Hikvision NVR: through the local menu, using a physical reset button, or via Hikvision’s SADP software. We’ll cover all three, starting with the most common and safest option.

Step 1: Back Up Your Data (Critical First Step)

Even if you don’t care about old footage, saving configuration settings can save hours of reconfiguration later.

Plug in your USB drive and go to Menu > Storage > Export. Select all cameras and choose a date range (e.g., “Last 30 days”). Click Export and wait for the progress bar to finish.

For settings only: go to System > Configuration > Export. This saves your camera layout, recording schedules, and user permissions—perfect if you want to restore them post-reset.

Warning: Never skip backup unless you’re certain you won’t need the footage. Once the reset completes, there’s no way to recover deleted recordings.

This step is crucial when following our how to factory reset Hikvision NVR in 2026 easy guide, especially if you’re troubleshooting rather than replacing the system.

Step 2: Access the NVR Locally (On-Screen Interface)

Connect your monitor directly to the NVR using an HDMI or VGA cable. Power on the NVR and wait for the login screen to appear.

Log in using your admin credentials. If you’ve forgotten the password, don’t panic—we’ll cover recovery options later.

Navigate to Menu > System > Maintenance > Restore. You’ll see several options: Restore, Default, and Factory Reset.

• Restore: Reverts to last saved config (if available)
• Default: Resets basic settings (users, network, etc.)
• Factory Reset: Full wipe—this is what we want

Click Factory Reset. A confirmation pop-up appears. Confirm by clicking Yes.

Pro Tip: If the screen freezes during this step, wait 2–3 minutes. Some NVRs take time to process the command, especially if they’re managing multiple high-resolution cameras.

Step 3: Wait for the Reset Process to Complete

After confirming, the NVR will restart automatically. You’ll see a progress bar or spinning wheel on-screen.

Wait until the unit fully boots up—this usually takes 3 to 7 minutes. Do not unplug or power off during this time.

Once complete, the NVR will display the initial setup wizard: “Welcome to Hikvision NVR Setup.” This confirms the reset was successful.

At this point, all previous settings are gone. The system is now in its original state—like it just came out of the box.

✅ This method works for DS-7600, DS-7700, DS-9600, and newer XVR models running firmware 5.6.0 or later (common in 2026).

Step 4: Physical Reset Button (For Forgotten Passwords or Frozen Units)

Some Hikvision NVRs have a hidden reset button—often near the USB ports or on the back panel. It’s a tiny hole labeled “RESET.”

To use it:

1. Power off the NVR completely.
2. Insert a paperclip or pin into the reset hole.
3. Hold it down while powering on the unit.
4. Keep holding for 10–15 seconds until the status LED blinks rapidly.
5. Release the button and wait for the NVR to boot.

The system will now load default settings. The admin password resets to 12345 (unless overridden by a firmware update).

⚠️ Caution: Not all models have this button. Check your user manual or look closely around the edges. Models like the DS-7604NI-K1/4P do have it, but some cloud-managed units (e.g., HikCentral) may disable it.

Using the physical reset is a reliable fallback when the menu is inaccessible—making it a key part of our how to factory reset Hikvision NVR in 2026 easy guide.

Step 5: Software Reset Using SADP Tool (Remote Access Method)

If you can’t access the NVR physically, use Hikvision’s SADP (Search Active Devices Protocol) tool—ideal for IT teams managing multiple sites.

Download SADP from the official Hikvision website. Install it on a Windows PC connected to the same network as the NVR.

Open SADP. It automatically scans your network for Hikvision devices. Find your NVR in the list.

Right-click the device and select Restore. A window pops up with two options:

• Reset to factory defaults (recommended)
• Restore network settings only (for IP conflicts)

Choose the first option and click Apply. Enter the current admin password (if prompted). The NVR will restart remotely.

After reboot, log in with the default credentials. For most 2026 models, this is:

• Username: admin
• Password: 12345

🔒 Security Note: Always change the password immediately after reset. Leaving it as “12345” makes your system vulnerable to attacks.

This method is perfect for remote offices or multi-site deployments—another reason why our how to factory reset Hikvision NVR in 2026 easy guide includes digital tools.

Step 6: Reconfigure Your NVR (Post-Reset Setup)

Now that the NVR is reset, you’ll need to set it up again. Don’t worry—it’s much easier now.

Follow the on-screen wizard:

• Set date/time (enable NTP for auto-sync)
• Change admin password (use a strong one: mix letters, numbers, symbols)
• Assign a static IP (recommended for reliability)
• Re-add your IP cameras (they’ll auto-discover if on the same network)
• Set recording schedules (motion-based or continuous)
• Enable email alerts (optional but useful)

If you backed up your config file earlier, go to System > Configuration > Import and upload it. This restores all settings in seconds.

Otherwise, manually reconfigure each camera. Check video quality, PTZ controls, and motion zones.

Pro Tip: Label each camera (e.g., “Front Door,” “Backyard”) during setup. It saves time when reviewing footage later.

Step 7: Test Everything Thoroughly

Before calling it done, test every function:

• Can you see live video from all cameras?
• Are recordings saving to the hard drive?
• Does motion detection trigger alerts?
• Can you access the NVR remotely (via iVMS-4500 app or web browser)?

Use the Playback feature to verify recordings are working. Try walking in front of a camera and check if it’s captured.

For remote access: open a browser and enter the NVR’s IP address (e.g., http://192.168.1.100). Log in and confirm live viewing works.

If anything fails, double-check network settings or camera connections. A full reset should resolve most issues, but hardware problems (like a faulty HDD) won’t be fixed this way.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple process, small mistakes can cause big headaches. Here are expert insights from real-world use.

🔹 Tip 1: Always Update Firmware After Reset

Newer firmware (2025–2026) fixes bugs and improves security. After reset, go to System > Maintenance > Upgrade and upload the latest version from Hikvision’s site.

Older firmware may lack support for modern cameras or encryption standards.

🔹 Tip 2: Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

Power outages during a reset can brick your NVR. A UPS keeps it running during short blackouts—essential for 24/7 systems.

Even a basic $50 UPS can prevent costly replacements.

🔹 Tip 3: Label Your Reset Method

Write down which method you used (e.g., “SADP reset on 04/15/2026”) in a notebook or digital log. This helps if you need to troubleshoot later.

For businesses, this is part of IT asset management.

🚫 Mistake 1: Skipping the Backup

Many users skip backup because “I don’t need old footage.” But what if a crime happens next week and you wish you had it? Always back up—even if you delete it later.

🚫 Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Reset Option

Confusing Default with Factory Reset is common. Default only resets user accounts and network—cameras and recordings stay. Factory Reset wipes everything.

Double-check the option before clicking!

🚫 Mistake 3: Forgetting to Change the Default Password

Leaving the password as “12345” is a huge security risk. Hackers scan networks for default credentials. Change it immediately—use a password manager to store it safely.

🚫 Mistake 4: Not Testing Remote Access

You might reset the NVR but forget to reconfigure port forwarding or DDNS. Test remote access within 24 hours to ensure you can monitor it from anywhere.

🔍 Real-Life Scenario: The Forgotten Password Fix

Sarah, a small business owner, couldn’t log in after her IT guy left. She tried the physical reset button, but the LED didn’t blink. She discovered her model (DS-7608NI-I2) had the button under the rubber feet. After resetting, she used SADP to confirm success and updated her firmware—all without professional help.

This shows why knowing how to factory reset Hikvision NVR in 2026 easy guide matters—even for non-techies.

FAQs About How to Factory Reset Hikvision NVR in 2026 Easy Guide

Got questions? We’ve got answers—based on real user experiences and Hikvision support data.

Q1: Will a factory reset delete my hard drive data?

Yes. A factory reset erases all data on the internal HDD, including video recordings, logs, and event history. That’s why we stress backing up first. If you only want to reset settings (not recordings), use the Default option instead.

Q2: Can I reset the NVR without a monitor?

Yes, but with limits. You can use the SADP tool for a software reset. However, if the NVR is frozen or has no network connection, you’ll need a monitor for the physical button method. For remote access, a monitor is optional—but highly recommended for initial setup.

Q3: What if the reset button doesn’t work?

Some models (especially newer ones) disable the physical reset for security. In this case:

• Try the SADP tool
• Contact Hikvision support with your serial number—they can send a reset code
• Use the menu method (if accessible)

Never force the reset hole with a screwdriver—it can damage internal components.

Q4: How do I recover from a failed reset?

If the NVR doesn’t boot after reset:

• Wait 10 minutes—some units take longer
• Power cycle (off for 30 seconds, then on)
• Check power supply and HDD connections
• Contact Hikvision support—your unit may need a firmware flash

A failed reset is rare but fixable with the right help.

Q5: Is there a way to reset only network settings?

Yes! Use SADP and select “Restore network settings only.” Or, in the menu: System > Network > Reset. This fixes IP conflicts without touching recordings or users.

Useful when you’ve changed routers or subnet masks.

Q6: Can I reset multiple NVRs at once?

Yes, with SADP Pro (enterprise version). It allows batch resets across multiple devices—ideal for large installations. Download it from Hikvision’s partner portal. For home users, reset one at a time to avoid mistakes.

Q7: What’s the difference between a reboot and a factory reset?

A reboot (power cycle) only restarts the system—it doesn’t erase data. A factory reset wipes all settings and data. Use reboots for minor glitches; resets for serious issues.

Think of it like restarting your phone vs. erasing it completely.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your Hikvision NVR doesn’t have to be scary. With the right tools and steps, it’s a straightforward process that can solve everything from login problems to system crashes.

Remember: always back up first, use the correct reset method for your situation, and update firmware afterward. Whether you’re using the local menu, physical button, or SADP software, our how to factory reset Hikvision NVR in 2026 easy guide has you covered.

For best results, test your system thoroughly after the reset. Check recordings, remote access, and camera feeds. And don’t forget to change that default password!

Now that you know how to reset safely, you’re ready to maintain your NVR like a pro. Keep this guide bookmarked—you never know when you’ll need it again.

Got another issue? Check Hikvision’s official forums or reach out to their support team. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with others who might be struggling with their NVR.

Stay secure, stay smart—and happy resetting!