Locate the hidden reset button on your Hikvision NVR—usually inside a small pinhole on the back or bottom panel—and press it for 10–15 seconds using a paperclip to trigger a full factory reset. This erases all configurations, including passwords and network settings, restoring the device to its original state for a fresh setup in 2026 and beyond.

How to Hard Reset Button Hikvision NVR in 2026 Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on the NVR’s back or side panel.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the button with a thin tool for 10+ seconds.
• Wait for reboot: Release after hearing a beep or seeing lights flash.
• Confirm reset: Check if the NVR restarts with factory settings.
• Backup data first: Save configurations externally to avoid permanent data loss.
• Reconfigure settings: Set up network, users, and storage after the reset.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever been locked out of your Hikvision NVR because you forgot the admin password? Or maybe the system is acting glitchy after a firmware update? You’re not alone.
Many security system users hit a wall when their Hikvision Network Video Recorder (NVR) stops responding or becomes inaccessible. That’s where the How to Hard Reset Button Hikvision NVR in 2026 Easy Guide comes in.

A hard reset (also called a factory reset) restores your NVR to its original settings—like when it first came out of the box. It clears all user data, passwords, camera configurations, and network settings.
This is often the fastest fix for login issues, frozen interfaces, or corrupted firmware.

But here’s the catch: not all resets are the same. Some require software tools, others need physical access to a hidden reset button. And if you do it wrong, you could lose all your camera feeds and recordings.

Important: A hard reset erases everything—including saved footage and custom settings. Always back up your configuration (if possible) before proceeding.

Whether you’re a homeowner managing a small surveillance setup or a technician troubleshooting a commercial system, knowing how to hard reset a Hikvision NVR using the physical button is a must-have skill in 2026.
This guide walks you through the safest, most reliable method using the built-in reset button—no extra software, no risky downloads.

What You Need

Before you start, gather these tools and materials. The process is simple, but having the right gear prevents mistakes.

• A paperclip or thin metal pin – to press the tiny reset button (a SIM ejector tool works great too).
• Access to the NVR unit – you’ll need to open the case slightly or locate the side/front panel.
• Your NVR’s model number – check the label on the back (e.g., DS-7608NI-K2, DS-7716NI-I4, etc.).
• Power source – the NVR must be plugged in and powered on during the reset.
• Ethernet cable (optional but recommended) – to reconnect to your network after the reset.
• Hikvision iVMS-4200 software (optional) – useful for reconfiguring the NVR post-reset.
• Patience and 10 minutes of uninterrupted time – rushing can lead to errors.

Pro Tip: If your NVR is mounted in a tight rack or hard-to-reach spot, consider temporarily moving it for easier access. The reset button is usually small and recessed.

This guide focuses on the physical reset button method, which works across most Hikvision NVR models released from 2018 to 2026. It’s the go-to solution when you can’t log in via the web interface or local GUI.

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

Step 1: Power On the NVR and Locate the Reset Button

First, make sure your Hikvision NVR is plugged in and turned on. The power LED should be lit (usually green or blue). If it’s off, check the power adapter and outlet.

Now, look for the reset button. It’s typically a tiny hole labeled “Reset” or “RST” on the side, back, or front panel of the NVR. On newer models (like the K2 or I4 series), it’s often on the side near the USB ports.

• On DS-7608NI-K2: Check the right side panel, near the USB 2.0 port.
• On DS-7716NI-I4: Look on the front, below the status LEDs.
• On DS-7916NI-K4: It’s on the back, next to the HDMI output.

Warning: Don’t confuse the reset hole with the IR receiver or audio jack. Use the label or user manual if unsure. Pressing the wrong hole won’t harm the unit, but it won’t trigger the reset.

This step is crucial because the reset only works when the NVR is running. The system needs to detect the button press during boot-up to initiate the factory restore.

Step 2: Prepare Your Paperclip and Get Ready to Press

Straighten one end of a paperclip or use a SIM ejector tool. The tip should be thin enough to fit into the reset hole without forcing it.

Do not use a screwdriver or thick wire—you risk damaging the internal switch or shorting nearby components.

Position the NVR so you can easily reach the reset hole and see the status LEDs. You’ll need to press and hold the button for about 30 seconds, so make sure your hand is steady.

Pro Tip: If the hole is deep, gently wiggle the paperclip to find the switch. You should feel slight resistance when it hits the button.

At this point, you’re ready to begin the hard reset process. But remember: timing is everything. You must press the button while the NVR is booting up, not when it’s fully loaded.

Step 3: Initiate the Reset During Boot-Up (The Critical Window)

Here’s where most people fail. The reset must be triggered during the first 30 seconds after power-on.

Follow this sequence:

• Turn off the NVR (if it’s already on, wait for it to fully shut down).
• Plug it back in – power it on.
• Wait for 10 seconds – let the system start booting (you’ll hear a faint click and see LEDs flashing).
• Insert the paperclip into the reset hole.
• Press and hold the reset button for 25–30 seconds – keep it pressed even after the NVR restarts.

During this time, the NVR will:

• Reboot automatically (you’ll see the LEDs flicker).
• Begin the factory restore process (the power LED may blink rapidly).
• Eventually stabilize with a solid green light.

Warning: Releasing the button too early (before 25 seconds) cancels the reset. The system will boot normally, and you’ll have to start over.

This step is the core of the How to Hard Reset Button Hikvision NVR in 2026 Easy Guide. The 30-second hold signals the firmware to wipe all user data and restore defaults.

Step 4: Confirm the Reset Was Successful

After holding the reset button for 30 seconds, release it and wait. The NVR will continue booting. Look for these signs:

• The power LED is solid green (not blinking).
• The network LED blinks slowly (indicating DHCP is active).
• The HDD LED is off or steady (no recording activity).

If the NVR displays a setup wizard on the connected monitor, the reset worked! This is the default post-reset behavior.

If nothing happens after 2 minutes, or if the system boots normally (no wizard), the reset failed. Try again, ensuring:

• You held the button long enough.
• You pressed it during the boot phase.
• The paperclip made firm contact with the switch.

Pro Tip: Some NVRs (like the I4 series) emit a short beep when the reset is detected. If you have speakers connected, listen for it.

Success means your NVR is now in factory default mode. The admin password is reset to admin123 or blank (depending on firmware), and all network settings are cleared.

Step 5: Reconnect to the NVR and Set It Up

Now that the hard reset is complete, you need to reconfigure your NVR. Here’s how:

• Connect via HDMI or VGA to a monitor. The NVR should show the setup wizard.
• Set a new admin password – avoid using default or weak passwords.
• Configure network settings – assign a static IP or use DHCP.
• Re-add your cameras – the NVR will auto-detect connected Hikvision IP cameras.
• Set recording schedules and motion detection – restore your preferred settings.

If you’re managing the NVR remotely, connect it to your network and use iVMS-4200 or Hik-Connect to access it from a PC or smartphone.

Warning: Don’t skip setting a strong password. Leaving it default makes your system vulnerable to hackers.

This step is part of the full How to Hard Reset Button Hikvision NVR in 2026 Easy Guide because the reset isn’t complete until you secure and reconfigure the system.

Step 6: Test Your Cameras and Recording (Optional but Recommended)

After setup, verify everything works:

• Check live feeds from all cameras.
• Start a manual recording and confirm it saves to the HDD.
• Test motion detection and alerts.
• Verify remote access via mobile app or web browser.

If a camera isn’t showing up, it may need to be re-added manually. Go to Camera Management > Add and input the camera’s IP and credentials.

Also, check the HDD health. A reset won’t fix a failing hard drive, but it will clear old recordings. If the NVR reports “No Disk” or “Disk Error,” the HDD may need replacement.

Pro Tip: Use the Hikvision SADP tool to scan your network and find the NVR’s IP address if it’s not showing up on your router.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a clear guide, things can go wrong. Here are real-world tips from technicians and users who’ve done this hundreds of times.

✅ Pro Tips

• Label your reset tool – keep a paperclip or SIM tool near the NVR for emergencies.
• Use a timer – set your phone to 30 seconds so you don’t lose count while holding the button.
• Reset during low traffic – avoid peak hours if you’re managing a business system. A reset means downtime.
• Check firmware first – sometimes a simple firmware update fixes issues without a reset.
• Document your settings – take screenshots of your camera list, IP addresses, and schedules before any reset.

❌ Common Mistakes

• Pressing the reset button when the NVR is off – the system won’t detect the signal.
• Holding the button for less than 25 seconds – the reset won’t trigger.
• Using a thick tool that damages the switch – stick to paperclips or ejector tools.
• Skipping the setup wizard – always set a new password and check network settings.
• Assuming all cameras will auto-reconnect – some may need manual re-adding, especially third-party models.
• Forgetting to back up configurations – if you had a working setup, save the config file before resetting (via System > Configuration > Export).

Warning: If your NVR has a dual-boot system (some I4 models), the reset may not affect both partitions. In rare cases, you may need to reset each partition separately. Check the Hikvision support site for your model.

Remember, the How to Hard Reset Button Hikvision NVR in 2026 Easy Guide is designed for simplicity—but real-world use requires attention to detail. Take your time, follow each step, and double-check your work.

FAQs About How to Hard Reset Button Hikvision NVR in 2026 Easy Guide

Q1: Will a hard reset delete my saved footage?

Yes. A hard reset erases all data, including recordings, camera settings, user accounts, and network configurations. The hard drive is reformatted, so previous footage is unrecoverable without professional data recovery (which is rarely successful).

If you need to keep recordings, back them up first using a USB drive or network export before resetting.

Q2: What if my NVR doesn’t have a reset button?

Some older or compact NVRs (like the DS-7100 series) lack a physical reset button. In that case, use the software reset method:

• Log in via the web interface or local GUI.
• Go to System > Maintenance > Factory Reset.
• Enter your password and confirm.

If you can’t log in, you may need to contact Hikvision support for a password reset service (requires proof of ownership).

Q3: Can I reset the NVR remotely?

No. The physical reset button must be pressed locally. Remote access tools (like Hik-Connect or iVMS-4200) can help you reconfigure the NVR after a reset, but they can’t trigger the factory restore.

This is a security feature—preventing unauthorized resets over the internet.

Q4: Why won’t my NVR reset even after holding the button for 30 seconds?

Possible causes:

• The reset switch is damaged (common in older units).
• You pressed the button too late (after the boot sequence completed).
• The NVR has a firmware bug (update to the latest version).
• The power supply is unstable (try a different outlet).

Try the reset 2–3 times. If it still fails, contact Hikvision support or a certified technician.

Q5: What’s the default username and password after a reset?

On most 2020–2026 Hikvision NVRs, the default login is:

• Username: admin
• Password: admin123 or blank

However, some models require you to create a password during the first boot after reset. Always set a strong, unique password immediately.

Q6: Can I reset only the network settings without erasing everything?

Yes, but only if you can log in. Go to System > Network > Advanced Settings > Restore Default Network Settings. This keeps your recordings and camera setups.

The physical reset button does a full factory reset—there’s no way to reset just the network using the button.

Q7: Is the reset process the same for all Hikvision NVR models?

Mostly yes. The 30-second boot-time reset works on DS-76xx, DS-77xx, DS-79xx, DS-96xx, and newer I4/K4 series.

But always check your model-specific manual—some industrial NVRs or OEM versions may have different procedures. When in doubt, visit Hikvision’s official support site and search by model number.

Final Thoughts

The How to Hard Reset Button Hikvision NVR in 2026 Easy Guide is your go-to solution for locked-out systems, corrupted settings, or unresponsive NVRs.
It’s fast, reliable, and doesn’t require technical expertise—just a paperclip and a few minutes.

But remember: a hard reset is a last resort. Try software fixes first, back up your data, and always document your settings.

After the reset, take the time to properly configure your NVR. Set strong passwords, enable encryption, and update the firmware. A well-maintained system rarely needs a reset.

Whether you’re securing a home, office, or warehouse, knowing how to reset your Hikvision NVR gives you peace of mind. You’re not at the mercy of forgotten passwords or glitchy firmware.

Actionable Advice: Bookmark this guide, keep a reset tool nearby, and practice the steps (on a test system if possible). The next time your NVR fails, you’ll know exactly what to do.

Stay safe, stay secure, and keep your surveillance system running smoothly in 2026 and beyond.