Hacking a Hikvision NVR password in 2026 is only ethical and legal when performed on devices you own or have explicit authorization to test—unauthorized access violates cybersecurity laws and can lead to severe penalties. This guide outlines approved methods, including factory resets, manufacturer backdoor tools, and firmware exploits (where legally permitted), emphasizing security hardening to prevent unauthorized breaches. Always prioritize compliance and system integrity over unauthorized access attempts.

How to Hack Hikvision NVR Password in 2026 Ultimate Guide

Key Takeaways

• Never attempt unauthorized access: Hacking NVRs violates privacy laws and can lead to severe penalties.
• Use default credentials cautiously: Many breaches occur due to unchanged factory-set usernames and passwords.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Add an extra security layer to prevent unauthorized NVR access attempts.
• Update firmware regularly: Patch vulnerabilities by installing the latest Hikvision security updates promptly.
• Reset via hardware only when locked out: Use physical reset buttons following official Hikvision procedures.
• Monitor login attempts: Configure alerts to detect and respond to suspicious NVR access patterns.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever been locked out of your Hikvision NVR (Network Video Recorder) because you forgot the password? Or maybe you inherited a system from a previous owner and can’t access the footage? It’s frustrating—especially when your security depends on it.

Hikvision devices are used in homes, businesses, and public spaces worldwide. But with great power comes password problems. If you’re trying to figure out how to hack Hikvision NVR password in 2026, you’re not alone. Many users face this issue due to forgotten credentials, factory resets gone wrong, or outdated firmware.

Before we dive into the solution, let’s be clear: hacking here means legally regaining access—not breaking into someone else’s system. This guide is for authorized users who own or manage the NVR and need to restore access. Unauthorized access is illegal and unethical.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a home security enthusiast, or an IT technician, knowing how to hack Hikvision NVR password in 2026 can save time, money, and stress. Let’s fix this—safely and legally.

What You Need

Before starting, gather these tools and materials. Most are common, but a few are specific to Hikvision systems. Don’t skip anything—this process is precise.

• A computer (Windows or Mac) – To run Hikvision tools and access the NVR.
• Ethernet cable (Cat5e or better) – For direct connection to the NVR.
• Hikvision SADP (Search Active Devices Protocol) Tool – Free software from Hikvision to find and manage devices on your network. Download from Hikvision’s official site.
• Hikvision iVMS-4200 software – Optional but helpful for advanced recovery.
• USB flash drive (8GB or larger) – For password reset files (if required).
• Hikvision account (if cloud-enabled) – If you used Hik-Connect or HikCentral, your account may help.
• Paper and pen – To record new credentials.
• Access to the physical NVR – You’ll need to plug in the Ethernet cable.

Warning: Never attempt this on an NVR you don’t own or have permission to access. Doing so violates privacy laws and could lead to legal consequences.

With these tools ready, you’re set to begin the process of regaining access using the How to Hack Hikvision NVR Password in 2026 Ultimate Guide method.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Hack Hikvision NVR Password in 2026 Ultimate Guide

Step 1: Power Down and Connect the NVR Directly

First, shut down the NVR completely. Unplug it from the power source. This ensures a clean start and prevents data corruption during the reset.

Now, connect your computer directly to the NVR using an Ethernet cable. Avoid using a router or switch at this stage. A direct link gives you the best chance of detection.

Plug in the power and turn the NVR back on. Wait for it to fully boot (usually 1–2 minutes). You should see lights blinking on the front panel.

Pro Tip: If your computer has multiple network interfaces, disable Wi-Fi and other connections. Only the Ethernet port should be active.

Step 2: Set Your Computer’s IP Address Manually

Hikvision NVRs often use a default subnet like 192.168.1.x. Your computer needs to be on the same network to communicate.

On Windows:

• Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
• Right-click Ethernet > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties.
• Select “Use the following IP address” and enter:
  • IP Address: 192.168.1.100
  • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
  • Leave Gateway and DNS blank.

On Mac:

• Go to System Settings > Network > Ethernet.
• Set Configure IPv4 to “Manually”.
• Enter IP: 192.168.1.100, Subnet: 255.255.255.0.

Now your computer and NVR are on the same network—ready for discovery.

Step 3: Install and Run the SADP Tool

Download the SADP Tool from the official Hikvision website (support.hikvision.com). Install it on your computer.

Open SADP. It will automatically scan the local network for Hikvision devices. Wait 30–60 seconds.

You should see your NVR listed with its:

• IP address
• MAC address
• Device type (e.g., DS-7608NI-I2)
• Status (Online/Offline)
• Password status (if locked)

If the NVR doesn’t appear, double-check:

• Ethernet connection
• IP settings (must match subnet)
• Firewall isn’t blocking SADP

Warning: Some firewalls or antivirus programs block SADP. Temporarily disable them or add SADP to the whitelist.

Step 4: Use SADP to Reset the Password (If Supported)

Click on your NVR in the SADP list. Look for the “Reset Password” button.

If it’s active, click it. You’ll be prompted to:

• Enter a new password (8–16 characters, mix of letters, numbers, symbols)
• Confirm the password
• Enter the verification code (a CAPTCHA-like string)

Click “OK”. The NVR will reset and reboot. Wait 2–3 minutes.

Now try logging in via web browser or iVMS-4200 using the new password.

Note: This method works on most Hikvision NVRs manufactured after 2018. Older models may require a different approach (see Step 5).

Pro Tip: Use a password manager to store the new password. Never rely on sticky notes!

Step 5: Use a Password Reset File (For Older or Locked NVRs)

If the SADP reset button is grayed out or doesn’t work, you’ll need a password reset file. This is a special .xml file generated by Hikvision.

Go to the Hikvision Password Reset Tool (available on their support site). You’ll need:

• The NVR’s serial number (found on the label or in SADP)
• The MAC address
• The device model

Enter these details into the tool. It will generate a “ResetKey.xml” file.

Save this file to a USB flash drive. Make sure it’s the only file on the drive and formatted as FAT32.

Insert the USB into the NVR’s front or back USB port. Power on the NVR.

Wait 1–2 minutes. The NVR will detect the file and automatically reset the admin password. You’ll see a message like “Password reset successful” on the screen.

Remove the USB and reboot the NVR. The default admin password (usually admin/12345 or admin/123456) should now work.

Warning: The reset file is model-specific. Using the wrong file can brick the device. Double-check the serial number and model.

Step 6: Log In and Update Security Settings

Once the password is reset, log in to the NVR using:

• Username: admin
• Password: 12345 or 123456 (check your model’s manual)

Immediately change the password to something strong and unique. Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols (e.g., Cam3ra!2026).

Go to System > User Management and:

• Create a new admin account (optional but recommended)
• Disable the default admin account if possible
• Enable two-factor authentication (if supported)

Also, update the firmware:

• Go to System > Maintenance > Upgrade
• Download the latest firmware from Hikvision’s site
• Upload and install it

Old firmware is a security risk. Updating closes known vulnerabilities.

Step 7: Reconnect to Your Network (DHCP or Static)

Now that access is restored, reconnect the NVR to your main network.

Remove the manual IP from your computer and set it back to DHCP (automatic).

On the NVR:

• Go to Network > TCP/IP
• Set IP to DHCP (recommended for most users) or assign a static IP in your router’s range
• Save and reboot

Once back online, use SADP or iVMS-4200 to verify the NVR is accessible on your network.

Test remote access via Hik-Connect app or web browser. You should now have full control.

Step 8: Verify Camera Feeds and Recordings

Don’t assume everything is working. Check:

• All cameras are connected and streaming
• Recording is active (check schedule settings)
• Storage isn’t full (go to Storage > HDD Management)
• Motion detection and alerts are enabled (if used)

If a camera is offline, check its power and network connection. Re-add it if needed.

Review recent footage to ensure no gaps occurred during the reset process.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right steps, small errors can derail your progress. Here’s what to watch for.

Pro Tip 1: Always label your NVR with the serial number and model. Tape it to the back or inside the case. This saves time during recovery.

Pro Tip 2: Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). Power outages during a reset can corrupt the firmware. A battery backup keeps things stable.

Common Mistake 1: Skipping the direct Ethernet connection. Using Wi-Fi or a router can prevent SADP from finding the NVR. Always go direct first.

Common Mistake 2: Using a USB drive with other files. The NVR may ignore the reset file if the drive has extra data. Keep it clean and FAT32-formatted.

Common Mistake 3: Not updating the firmware after reset. Old firmware has known exploits. Hackers can use them to re-lock your system. Update immediately.

Pro Tip 3: Enable Hik-Connect cloud sync. Even if you lose local access, you can often reset the password remotely via the app. Just make sure the NVR has internet.

Common Mistake 4: Forgetting to test remote access. After a reset, some NVRs block external connections by default. Check Network > Port Settings and DDNS to ensure remote access works.

By avoiding these pitfalls, your journey to how to hack Hikvision NVR password in 2026 becomes smoother and more reliable.

FAQs About How to Hack Hikvision NVR Password in 2026 Ultimate Guide

Q1: Is it legal to reset my own NVR password?
Yes—if you own or manage the device. Resetting your own Hikvision NVR is legal and encouraged. But accessing someone else’s system without permission is a crime. Always have proof of ownership.

Q2: What if SADP doesn’t detect my NVR?
First, check the Ethernet connection and IP settings. Try a different cable or port. If still no luck, the NVR may have a hardware issue. Test with another computer. As a last resort, contact Hikvision support with the serial number.

Q3: Can I reset the password remotely?
Only if:

• The NVR is connected to Hik-Connect cloud
• You have a valid Hikvision account linked to it
• Remote password reset is enabled (in Hik-Connect app)

If so, use the app to send a reset request. Otherwise, you must be on-site.

Q4: What’s the default password after a reset?
Most Hikvision NVRs default to:

• Username: admin
• Password: 12345 or 123456

But some newer models use a randomized default password printed on a label. Check your device.

Q5: Can I reset the password without a USB?
Yes—if your NVR supports SADP reset (most post-2018 models do). But for older or locked systems, the USB reset file is required. There’s no software-only bypass for these.

Q6: Will resetting the password delete my recordings?
No. A password reset only changes login credentials. It does not erase video data. Your footage remains safe on the hard drive.

Q7: What if I don’t have the serial number?
You can find it in:

• The original box or manual
• The NVR’s physical label
• Hikvision’s cloud portal (if registered)
• Previous backup configuration files

Without it, you cannot generate a reset file. Contact Hikvision support with proof of purchase to recover it.

Final Thoughts

Getting locked out of your Hikvision NVR doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right tools and steps, you can regain access quickly and safely. This How to Hack Hikvision NVR Password in 2026 Ultimate Guide gives you everything you need—from direct Ethernet setup to USB reset files and post-reset security.

Remember: the goal isn’t to “hack” in the illegal sense. It’s to restore control over your own security system. Always act ethically and legally.

After the reset, take a few extra minutes to:

• Set a strong password
• Update the firmware
• Enable cloud backup
• Document your new credentials

These small steps prevent future lockouts and keep your system secure. And if you ever face this again, you’ll know exactly what to do.

Now go check your cameras—peace of mind is just a password away. 🛡️