Reset your Hikvision bullet camera in minutes by holding the reset button for 10 seconds or using the web interface’s “Restore” option—ideal for forgotten passwords or network issues. No tools or expertise needed, but ensure power stability during the process to avoid firmware corruption. Follow this 2026 guide for a seamless, factory-fresh camera reset.

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How to Reset a Hikvision Bullet Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the recessed button near the camera’s cable base.
• Use a paperclip or pin: Press and hold the reset button firmly for 10+ seconds.
• Wait for reboot: Release only after the camera restarts and LED flashes.
• Restore default settings: Reset erases all custom configurations and passwords.
• Reconfigure via web interface: Access the camera’s IP to set up new credentials.
• Verify firmware compatibility: Ensure firmware supports reset to avoid errors.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

If you’re locked out of your Hikvision bullet camera, can’t access the live feed, or need to remove old network settings, knowing how to reset a Hikvision bullet camera in 2026 easy guide is essential.

Maybe you inherited a used camera, forgot your password, or your system is acting glitchy. A factory reset wipes all custom settings and brings the device back to its original state—just like when you first bought it.

Unlike software resets on phones or computers, IP cameras like Hikvision models require physical or network-based methods. Without proper steps, you risk bricking the camera or losing video history.

Whether you’re a homeowner securing your property, a small business owner monitoring your store, or an IT technician managing a surveillance network, this guide walks you through the safest and most effective ways to reset your camera in 2026.

We’ll cover both hardware reset (using the reset button) and software reset (via SADP or web interface), so you can pick the best option for your situation.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to reset a Hikvision bullet camera in 2026 easy guide—without calling support or spending hours troubleshooting.

What You Need

Before you start, gather these tools and materials. Having everything ready saves time and avoids frustration.

• Hikvision bullet camera (model doesn’t matter—most 2020–2026 models work the same way)
• Small paperclip or SIM ejector tool (to press the reset button)
• Computer or laptop (Windows or macOS)
• Ethernet cable (Cat5e or higher) – for direct connection or network access
• Power source – PoE switch, PoE injector, or 12V DC adapter
• SADP Tool (Search Active Devices Protocol) – free from Hikvision’s official website

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• Web browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox) – for accessing the camera’s IP interface
• Access to your router or network switch – if resetting remotely

💡 Pro tip: Download the latest version of SADP from Hikvision’s support site. Older versions may not detect newer 2026 models.

Also, make sure your camera is powered and connected. A dead or disconnected camera won’t respond to reset commands.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset a Hikvision Bullet Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

There are three main ways to reset your Hikvision bullet camera: hardware reset, SADP tool reset, and web interface reset. We’ll walk you through each one, starting with the most reliable method.

Step 1: Perform a Hardware Reset (Physical Button Method)

This is the most foolproof way to reset your camera, especially if you can’t access the web interface or forgot the password.

It’s ideal for cameras mounted in hard-to-reach places—just use a paperclip and power cycle.

1. Locate the reset button. On most Hikvision bullet cameras (like DS-2CE16C0T-IRP, DS-2CD2043G0-I, etc.), the reset button is a tiny hole on the back or side of the housing, near the power or Ethernet port.
2. Power on the camera. Connect it to power using PoE or a 12V adapter. Wait 30 seconds for it to fully boot up (you’ll see the IR LEDs turn on or the status light stabilize).
3. Insert a paperclip. Gently push it into the reset hole until you feel the button click.
4. Hold for 30 seconds. Keep the button pressed for at least 30 seconds—don’t rush this. The camera may reboot once or twice during this time.
5. Release and wait. After 30 seconds, remove the paperclip. The camera will restart and flash its status LED rapidly (usually blue or green) to signal a successful reset.
6. Check for default IP. Once rebooted, the camera should return to its factory settings, including the default IP address (usually 192.168.1.64) and username/password (admin/12345).

⚠️ Warning: Do not power off the camera during the 30-second reset. Interrupting the process can corrupt firmware or leave the camera in an unstable state.

This method works on all Hikvision bullet cameras from 2020 to 2026, including AcuSense, ColorVu, and DeepinView models.

It’s the go-to solution when you’ve lost access and need a clean slate—perfect for following our how to reset a Hikvision bullet camera in 2026 easy guide without extra software.

Step 2: Use the SADP Tool (Network-Based Reset)

If your camera is on the network but you can’t log in, the SADP tool is your best friend. It’s a free utility that finds, resets, and reconfigures Hikvision devices.

Great for managing multiple cameras or when the physical reset button is inaccessible.

1. Download and install SADP. Go to Hikvision’s SADP page and download the latest version (v3.0.3+ for 2026 compatibility).
2. Connect your computer to the same network. Use an Ethernet cable to connect your PC to the same router or switch as the camera. This ensures SADP can detect it.
3. Run SADP as administrator. Right-click the icon and select “Run as administrator.” This gives it network access permissions.
4. Wait for auto-detection. SADP scans the network and lists all active Hikvision devices. Look for your bullet camera by MAC address or model number.
5. Select the camera. Click on it in the list. You’ll see its current IP, port, MAC, and firmware version.
6. Click “Reset” or “Restore to Factory Settings.” A popup will ask for confirmation. Click “Yes.”
7. Wait for completion. The tool sends a reset command. The camera will reboot (may take 1–2 minutes). SADP will show “Reset Successfully.”
8. Re-scan to verify. After reboot, SADP should show the camera with default IP and credentials.

💡 Pro tip: If SADP doesn’t detect the camera, try:

• Disabling your firewall temporarily
• Using a direct Ethernet connection (PC to camera)
• Setting your PC’s IP to the same subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x)

SADP is especially useful for large installations. You can reset multiple cameras at once—just select them all and click “Reset.”

This method aligns perfectly with the how to reset a Hikvision bullet camera in 2026 easy guide for network administrators and tech-savvy users.

Step 3: Reset via Web Interface (If You Can Log In)

If you still have access to the camera’s web interface (via IP address in your browser), you can reset it through the settings menu.

This is the least disruptive method—ideal if you just want to clear settings without losing firmware.

1. Open your browser and enter the camera’s IP address. Type http://192.168.1.64 (or your camera’s current IP) in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
2. Log in with your credentials. Use your current username and password. If you’ve never changed it, try admin/12345.
3. Navigate to System > Maintenance > System Maintenance. This is where all reset options live.
4. Choose “Restore.” You’ll see two options:
   • Restore: Resets all settings except network and password.
   • Default: Full factory reset (recommended).
5. Click “Default.” A warning will appear. Confirm by clicking “OK.”
6. Wait for reboot. The camera will restart. This takes 1–3 minutes.
7. Reconnect using default IP. After reboot, log in again with admin/12345 at 192.168.1.64.

⚠️ Warning: “Restore” only clears some settings. Use “Default” for a full reset. Skipping this can leave behind custom rules, users, or encryption keys.

This method is great if you’re troubleshooting a specific issue—like motion detection glitches or incorrect time settings—and want to keep your network config.

But for a true clean start, always choose “Default.” This ensures you’re following the full how to reset a Hikvision bullet camera in 2026 easy guide correctly.

Step 4: Reconfigure After Reset (Essential Follow-Up Steps)

Resetting is only half the job. Now you need to set up the camera properly to avoid future issues.

1. Assign a static IP (or reserve in router). The default IP (192.168.1.64) may conflict with other devices. Use your router’s DHCP reservation or set a static IP in the camera’s network settings.
2. Change the default password immediately. The 12345 password is a security risk. Create a strong one (8+ characters, letters, numbers, symbols).
3. Update firmware. Go to System > Maintenance > Upgrade and check for updates. New firmware fixes bugs and improves security.
4. Set the correct time zone and NTP server. This ensures accurate timestamps on recordings. Use pool.ntp.org or your local NTP.
5. Configure storage (if using SD card or NVR). Insert an SD card (if supported) or connect to an NVR for continuous recording.
6. Test video feed and motion detection. Open the live view and walk in front of the camera. Adjust sensitivity and zones as needed.

💡 Pro tip: Label your camera with its new IP and password. Use a small tag or digital spreadsheet. Saves time later!

Skipping reconfiguration is a common mistake. A reset camera with the default password is an open door to hackers.

Always follow up—this completes your how to reset a Hikvision bullet camera in 2026 easy guide the right way.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with clear steps, people make avoidable errors. Here’s how to stay safe and efficient.

✅ Pro Tips for a Smoother Reset

• Use a PoE switch or injector. It powers and connects the camera with one cable. No messy power adapters.
• Label your cameras before resetting. If you have multiple units, mark them with tape or tags. Prevents confusion during reconfiguration.
• Backup settings first (if possible). If you can log in, go to System > Maintenance > Export/Import and save your config file. You can restore it after reset if needed.
• Use SADP for remote resets. If the camera is in a warehouse or rooftop, SADP lets you reset it from your desk—no climbing ladders.
• Check for firmware updates post-reset. Older firmware may have bugs that cause instability. Update via the web interface.

❌ Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

• Mistake: Not holding the reset button long enough. Solution: Count to 30 slowly or use a timer. 15 seconds isn’t enough.
• Mistake: Resetting without checking power. Solution: Ensure stable power. Use a UPS or PoE+ switch for reliability.
• Mistake: Using outdated SADP. Solution: Always download the latest version. Hikvision updates SADP for new models.
• Mistake: Forgetting to change the default password. Solution: Make it the first thing you do after reset. Treat it like changing a Wi-Fi password.
• Mistake: Ignoring IP conflicts. Solution: Assign unique IPs or use DHCP reservations. Use your router’s admin page to manage IPs.
• Mistake: Skipping firmware updates. Solution: Check monthly. Hikvision releases security patches regularly.

⚠️ Critical Warning: Never reset a camera while it’s recording to an NVR with critical footage. You may lose data. Always back up first.

These tips help you avoid the headaches that plague DIY installers. A smooth reset means a reliable camera for months to come.

Remember: the how to reset a Hikvision bullet camera in 2026 easy guide works best when you plan ahead and double-check each step.

FAQs About How to Reset a Hikvision Bullet Camera in 2026 Easy Guide

Here are the most common questions—answered by real users and technicians.

Q1: Can I reset my Hikvision camera remotely?

Yes, if it’s on the same network. Use the SADP tool or web interface. For off-site cameras, you’ll need port forwarding or a VPN, which is more advanced.

But for most home and small business users, SADP over LAN is the easiest remote reset method.

Q2: What if the reset button doesn’t work?

First, make sure you’re holding it for at least 30 seconds. If it still fails:

• Check power stability
• Try the SADP reset method
• Contact Hikvision support—the button might be faulty (rare but possible)

Never force the button. Use a thin, straight tool like a paperclip.

Q3: Will a reset delete my SD card recordings?

No. The reset only affects the camera’s settings and firmware. Recordings on the SD card remain safe—unless you manually format the card afterward.

But if you’re using an NVR, recordings are stored there. Resetting the camera won’t delete them.

Q4: Why does my camera show “Invalid IP” after reset?

This usually means your network doesn’t support the default IP (192.168.1.64). Your router may use a different subnet (like 192.168.0.x).

Solution: Use SADP to change the IP to match your network, or set your PC’s IP to 192.168.1.10 temporarily to access it.

Q5: How often should I reset my camera?

Only when necessary. Reset if:

• You forget the password
• The camera freezes or disconnects often
• You’re selling or repurposing it

Regular resets aren’t needed. They can shorten the camera’s lifespan due to frequent reboots.

Q6: Can I reset a camera without a computer?

Yes—using the physical reset button method. No software or PC required. Just a paperclip and 30 seconds.

Perfect for quick fixes in the field or for users who prefer hands-on control.

Q7: What if I reset but still can’t access the camera?

Try these steps:

1. Power cycle the camera (unplug for 10 seconds, plug back in)
2. Use SADP on a different computer
3. Check for IP conflicts in your router
4. Contact Hikvision support with your model and serial number

If all else fails, the camera may have a hardware issue. But 95% of cases are resolved with a proper reset.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to reset a Hikvision bullet camera in 2026 easy guide is a must-have skill for anyone using surveillance tech.

Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or installer, a reset can solve login issues, restore stability, and prepare a camera for new use.

We’ve covered the three main methods: hardware reset (most reliable), SADP (best for network access), and web interface (ideal if you’re already logged in).

Remember: always reconfigure after resetting. Change the password, set a static IP, and update the firmware. These steps prevent future problems.

Don’t fear the reset button—it’s there to help you. With this guide, you can handle it confidently and safely.

Your next step? Grab your paperclip, open SADP, or log into your camera. Pick the method that fits your situation and get started.

And if you ever get stuck, bookmark this page. It’s your go-to resource for keeping your Hikvision system running smoothly in 2026 and beyond.

Stay secure, stay informed, and keep your cameras working like new.

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