Forgot your Hikvision IP camera password? This guide walks you through the hard reset process to regain full control of your device. Whether you’re locked out or setting up a new system, we’ll help you restore access safely and quickly using physical resets and software tools.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Tip/Question?
Answer: Can I recover my old password after a hard reset? No—once reset, all previous credentials are permanently erased. Always write down important passwords or store them securely.
Tip/Question?
Answer: Will a hard reset delete my video recordings? Generally, no. Recordings stored on DVR/NVR systems remain intact. However, SD card footage may be lost if the card was formatted during setup.
Tip/Question?
Answer: Why won’t my camera connect after resetting? Ensure it’s plugged into power and your network. Try assigning a static IP manually if DHCP isn’t working.
Tip/Question?
Answer: Is there a software way to reset the password without touching the camera? Hikvision does not offer official password recovery tools. Physical reset is the only guaranteed method.
Tip/Question?
Answer: How often should I change my camera password? At minimum, change it every 90 days—more frequently if shared with contractors or employees.
How to Hard Reset Hikvision IP Camera Password
If you’ve forgotten your Hikvision IP camera password—or worse, lost access entirely—don’t panic. While there’s no built-in “forgot password” feature like some consumer routers, Hikvision provides a reliable way to regain control: a hard reset. This process restores your camera to its original factory settings, including reverting the login credentials to their defaults. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step, explain what a hard reset does (and doesn’t do), and offer expert tips to prevent future issues.
Whether you’re troubleshooting a locked-out device, preparing a camera for resale, or setting up a new security system, understanding how to perform a hard reset is essential knowledge for any Hikvision user. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly where to find the reset button, how long to hold it, which default credentials to use afterward, and how to reconfigure your camera securely.
What Is a Hard Reset?
A hard reset, also known as a factory reset, wipes all custom settings from your Hikvision IP camera. That includes Wi-Fi networks, video quality preferences, motion detection zones, recording schedules, and—most importantly—your admin username and password.
Visual guide about How to Hard Reset Hikvision Ip Camera Password
Image source: vectorseek.com
After a hard reset, your camera behaves exactly as it did when first unboxed. It will restart automatically and begin broadcasting its default network name (SSID) if it supports wireless connectivity. You’ll then be able to connect and log in using the original login credentials provided by Hikvision.
⚠️ Important Note: A hard reset does not erase recorded footage stored on connected DVRs or NVRs unless those devices are also reset. However, local SD card recordings may be affected depending on your model and settings.
When Should You Perform a Hard Reset?
There are several common scenarios where a hard reset becomes necessary:
- You forgot the admin password and cannot log into the web interface or mobile app.
- The password was changed by someone else who now refuses to share it.
- You’re selling or transferring ownership of the camera and want to remove all personal data.
- The camera is malfunctioning due to corrupted settings (rare but possible).
In most cases, a hard reset is the quickest and most effective solution. Unlike software-based recovery tools (which aren’t officially supported by Hikvision for password resets), the physical reset method works reliably across nearly all Hikvision models.
Before You Begin: Gather What You Need
Performing a hard reset is simple, but preparation helps ensure success:
- A paperclip, SIM tool, or thin metal object: You’ll need something narrow enough to reach the tiny reset hole.
- Access to the camera’s power source: Make sure the device remains powered during the reset (uninterrupted electricity is ideal).
- Your computer or smartphone: To reconnect to the camera after reset and reconfigure it.
- Network details (optional): If you plan to reconnect via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, know your router’s SSID and password.
💡 Tip: Label your cameras before resetting multiple units—especially if they’re part of a larger surveillance system. This avoids confusion later.
Step-by-Step: How to Hard Reset Your Hikvision IP Camera
Step 1: Locate the Reset Button
Most Hikvision cameras have a small, recessed reset button near the power port or underneath the housing. Common locations include:
- On the back or side panel of dome or bullet cameras
- Inside a removable cover on box-type cameras
- Underneath a rubber flap on PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) models
Look for a tiny hole marked “RESET” or labeled with a circular arrow symbol. The button itself is usually flush with the casing.
Step 2: Press and Hold the Reset Button
Insert the tip of your paperclip or SIM tool into the reset hole and press firmly. Then, hold for 10–15 seconds. Do not release early—the reset won’t register if you let go too soon.
You may hear a beep, see an LED light flash, or notice the camera reboot. These are normal signs that the reset has been triggered.
Step 3: Wait for Reboot Completion
After releasing the button, allow the camera at least 2–3 minutes to fully restart. During this time, avoid touching it or disconnecting power.
Once restarted, the camera will broadcast its default settings. If it’s a Wi-Fi-enabled model, you might see a new network appear in your Wi-Fi list—typically named something like “HIKVISION_XXXX”.
Step 4: Connect to the Camera
Use one of these methods:
- Via Ethernet cable: Plug your computer directly into the camera’s LAN port.
- Via Wi-Fi: Connect to the camera’s default network (if available).
- Via Hik-Connect app: Open the app and scan for nearby devices—it should detect the camera post-reset.
Open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and type the camera’s IP address into the address bar. You can find this via your router’s admin page or using tools like Advanced IP Scanner.
Step 5: Log In with Default Credentials
After reset, the default login is typically:
- Username: admin
- Password: (leave blank) OR 12345
Try both combinations. Some newer models require a password even for the first login, so check your device manual if neither works.
Step 6: Change the Password Immediately
Once logged in, go to Configuration > System > Security > User Management and create a new strong password. Use uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols—avoid dictionary words.
Step 7: Reconfigure Network Settings
Update your camera’s network settings to match your home or business network:
- Assign a static IP address or confirm DHCP assignment
- Set up port forwarding if needed for remote viewing
- Configure email alerts, motion detection, or recording schedules
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Reset Button Doesn’t Work?
If pressing the reset button does nothing:
- Ensure the camera is powered on (some models only accept resets while running).
- Try holding the button longer—up to 20 seconds for stubborn firmware bugs.
- Check for physical damage or obstructions blocking the button.
- Consult your model’s user manual for exact reset procedures.
Can’t Find the Default Password?
Not all Hikvision cameras use “admin” as the username. Some older models use “root” or “viewer”. Refer to the label on the camera body or packaging. If unavailable, try common defaults like:
- admin / admin
- admin / 12345
- admin / (blank)
- root / root
Camera Not Appearing in Network Scan?
If your computer can’t detect the camera after reset:
- Verify it’s connected via Ethernet or joined the correct Wi-Fi network.
- Restart your router and camera.
- Use the Hikvision Device Management Software to search for devices.
Advanced Tips for Professionals
System administrators managing dozens of cameras can streamline resets using:
- Hikvision Configuration Manager (HCM): Bulk-configure and reset multiple devices remotely.
- Firmware updates: Always install the latest firmware after a reset to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Centralized management platforms: Use iVMS-4200 or HikCentral for unified control.
🔐 Security Reminder: Never leave default passwords active on public-facing cameras. Change them immediately after installation or reset.
Conclusion
Recovering access to your Hikvision IP camera doesn’t require technical wizardry—just a steady hand, a paperclip, and patience. By performing a hard reset, you restore full control over your surveillance system and eliminate password-related headaches.
Remember: a hard reset clears all custom settings, so always back up configurations beforehand if possible. And once you’re back in, take five minutes to strengthen your login credentials and review your privacy settings.
With this guide, you now know how to hard reset Hikvision IP camera passwords confidently and safely. Whether you’re a homeowner securing your driveway camera or an IT pro managing a city-wide network, these steps apply universally across the Hikvision lineup.