Reset your Dahua NVR to factory default in 2026 quickly and securely using the built-in reset button or web interface—no technical expertise required. Whether you’re troubleshooting or prepping for resale, this straightforward process erases all settings, restoring the device to its original state. Always back up configurations first to avoid permanent data loss.

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How to Reset Dahua NVR to Factory Default in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the physical reset button on your Dahua NVR device.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the reset button with a paperclip for 10 seconds.
• Power cycle required: Unplug the NVR before and after resetting for best results.
• Default login applies: Use admin/123456 to log in after factory reset completes.
• Reconfigure all settings: Reset erases all custom settings—plan for reconfiguration time.
• Backup first: Always save your configuration before resetting to avoid data loss.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever forgotten your Dahua NVR login password? Or maybe your system has been acting sluggish, recording inconsistently, or showing strange errors after a software update. If you’re managing a home security system or running surveillance for a small business, these issues can leave you vulnerable. That’s when knowing how to reset Dahua NVR to factory default in 2026 becomes a game-changer.

A factory reset wipes all custom settings—passwords, camera configurations, network settings, and user accounts—and returns your NVR to its original state. It’s like giving your system a fresh start. Whether you’re troubleshooting, prepping for resale, or reconfiguring your setup, a reset is often the quickest fix. But doing it wrong can lead to data loss or even hardware issues.

Many users avoid resets because they fear losing footage or damaging the unit. But with the right steps and precautions, you can safely reset your Dahua NVR without a hitch. This guide walks you through everything you need—from tools to troubleshooting—so you can confidently perform a factory reset in 2026 and beyond.

Pro Tip: Always back up your footage before resetting. Once the reset completes, all recordings are gone unless stored externally.

What You Need

Before diving into the reset process, gather these essential tools and materials. Having them ready saves time and prevents interruptions.

• Dahua NVR unit (any model: DHI-NVR41, XVR51, etc.)
• Monitor and HDMI/VGA cable (to view the NVR interface)
• USB mouse or remote control (for navigation)
• Ethernet cable (optional) – helpful if you plan to reconfigure network settings post-reset
• External hard drive or NAS – for backing up recordings (highly recommended)
• Paper and pen – to jot down current camera IPs, usernames, or network settings (if you plan to reuse them)
• Access to the NVR’s physical location – some reset methods require physical buttons

You don’t need special software or a computer for most resets—just the NVR itself and a way to interact with its interface. However, if you’re using a password recovery method or a hardware-based reset, a few extra items might help.

Note: If your NVR is part of a larger security ecosystem (like Dahua’s DMSS mobile app), you may also need your Dahua account credentials for re-pairing devices after the reset. Keep those handy too.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Dahua NVR to Factory Default in 2026

Step 1: Back Up Your Recordings and Settings

Your NVR stores all recorded footage on its internal hard drive. A factory reset erases everything—so back up first.

To back up:

• Connect an external USB hard drive to the NVR’s USB port.
• Go to Menu > Backup > Manual Backup.
• Select the time range and cameras you want to save.
• Click Start and wait for the process to complete (can take minutes to hours, depending on footage size).

For configuration settings, go to Menu > System > Maintenance > Export Config and save the file to the same USB drive. This lets you restore network and camera settings later if needed.

Warning: Never skip this step. Once the reset is done, there’s no way to recover footage without a backup.

Step 2: Access the Dahua NVR Interface

Power on your NVR and connect it to a monitor using an HDMI or VGA cable. Plug in a USB mouse or use the included remote.

When the home screen appears, you’ll see the main menu. If you can log in, great—proceed to the next step. If you’ve forgotten your password, don’t panic. There are two ways to reset: via the software menu (if accessible) or via physical reset (if locked out).

This guide covers both methods. We’ll start with the software-based reset, which is the safest and most common.

Step 3: Perform a Software-Based Factory Reset (Recommended)

This method works if you can log in—even with an admin account you’ve used before.

1. Log in to the NVR using your admin credentials.
2. Navigate to Menu > System > Maintenance > Restore.
3. You’ll see two options: Restore and Default.
4. Click Default (this is the factory reset option—do not select “Restore” unless you have a config file).
5. A warning will pop up: “All settings will be restored to factory default.” Click OK.
6. The NVR will reboot automatically. This takes 1–3 minutes.

After reboot, the system will prompt you to set up basic settings: language, time zone, and admin password. This confirms the reset worked.

Now your NVR is clean and ready for reconfiguration. This is the preferred way to reset because it’s safe, doesn’t require opening the device, and is fully supported by Dahua.

Pro Tip: If your NVR has a web interface (via browser), you can also log in remotely at http://[NVR_IP] and perform the reset from the web portal under System > Maintenance.

Step 4: Use the Physical Reset Button (For Locked-Out Systems)

Can’t log in? No problem. Dahua NVRs have a physical reset button—usually a tiny hole on the back or side panel.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Power off the NVR.
2. Locate the reset hole (often labeled “Reset” or “RST”).
3. Insert a paperclip or SIM ejector tool and press the button.
4. While holding the button, power on the NVR.
5. Keep holding for 10–15 seconds until the system beeps or the LED blinks rapidly.
6. Release the button. The NVR will boot up in factory default mode.

After booting, the system will guide you through initial setup—just like a new device. This method resets passwords and settings but does not erase recordings in most cases. However, some newer models (2025–2026) may wipe data during a physical reset, so always back up first if possible.

Warning: Avoid using this method repeatedly. It can wear out the reset circuit. Use only when software access is impossible.

Step 5: Reconnect and Reconfigure Your Cameras

After the reset, your NVR won’t recognize any cameras. You’ll need to reconnect them.

There are two ways:

• Auto-Discovery: Go to Menu > Camera > Camera Management. Click Add and let the NVR scan for Dahua IP cameras on the same network. Select the ones you want and click Add.
• Manual Addition: If auto-discovery fails, enter the camera’s IP address, username, and password manually. You can find this info on the camera label or in your old config file.

Once added, assign recording schedules, motion detection zones, and storage settings. If you exported your config earlier, you can import it now under Menu > System > Maintenance > Import Config to restore most settings in one go.

This step is crucial. A reset without proper camera setup leaves your property unmonitored—defeating the purpose.

Step 6: Update Firmware (Critical for 2026 Security)

Dahua regularly releases firmware updates to patch vulnerabilities and improve performance. A factory reset doesn’t update the firmware—you must do it manually.

To update:

1. Visit the Dahua official website.
2. Enter your NVR model number (e.g., DHI-NVR4108HS-4KS2).
3. Download the latest firmware (look for 2025–2026 versions).
4. Copy the firmware file to a USB drive.
5. Insert the USB into the NVR.
6. Go to Menu > System > Upgrade > USB Upgrade.
7. Select the firmware file and click Upgrade.
8. Wait 5–10 minutes. Do not power off during the process.

After the update, the NVR reboots. Your system is now secure and optimized for 2026 performance standards.

Step 7: Re-enable Remote Access and Mobile Apps

If you used Dahua’s DMSS app or P2P remote viewing, you’ll need to re-enable it.

To reconnect:

1. Go to Menu > Network > P2P.
2. Enable P2P and note the QR code or device ID.
3. Open the DMSS app on your phone.
4. Tap + Add Device and scan the QR code or enter the ID.
5. Log in with your Dahua account (create one if needed).

Now you can monitor your cameras from anywhere. This is especially useful if you’re managing multiple locations or want to check in while traveling.

Pro Tip: Use a strong, unique password for your Dahua account. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if available to prevent unauthorized access.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced users make mistakes when resetting their NVRs. Here are the top pro tips and pitfalls to dodge.

✅ Pro Tip 1: Always Label Your Cameras

After resetting, you’ll re-add cameras one by one. If you don’t know which camera is which (e.g., front door, backyard), it’s easy to misconfigure. Label each camera with tape or a tag before resetting. This saves hours of trial and error.

✅ Pro Tip 2: Use Static IPs for Critical Cameras

Dynamic IPs (assigned by DHCP) can change after a network reset, breaking camera connections. Assign static IPs to important cameras (e.g., entry points) so your NVR always finds them.

✅ Pro Tip 3: Test Motion Detection Before Leaving

After reconfiguring, walk in front of each camera to test motion detection. Adjust sensitivity and zones to avoid false alerts (like moving tree branches) or missed events.

❌ Common Mistake 1: Skipping the Backup

“I’ll just reset and re-record” sounds easy—until you realize you lost a week of footage. Always back up. Even if you think you don’t need it, you might.

❌ Common Mistake 2: Forgetting to Update Firmware

An outdated firmware is a security risk. Hackers target known vulnerabilities in older versions. A factory reset without an update is like locking the door but leaving the window open.

❌ Common Mistake 3: Using Weak Passwords After Reset

During setup, the NVR will ask for a new admin password. Don’t use “123456” or “password.” Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down and store it securely.

❌ Common Mistake 4: Ignoring Network Settings

If your NVR was on a static IP, a reset may revert to DHCP. This can disconnect it from your router or other devices. Reconfigure network settings under Menu > Network > TCP/IP if needed.

✅ Pro Tip 4: Keep a Reset Checklist

Create a simple checklist:

• Back up recordings
• Export config file
• Note camera IPs and locations
• Perform reset
• Update firmware
• Re-add cameras
• Test remote access

Print it and keep it with your security equipment. Saves time and stress during future resets.

FAQs About How to Reset Dahua NVR to Factory Default in 2026

Q1: Will a factory reset delete my video recordings?

Yes. A factory reset erases all data on the internal hard drive, including recordings. That’s why backing up is essential. If you use an external recorder or cloud storage, those files remain safe.

Q2: Can I reset my Dahua NVR remotely?

Only if you can log in to the web interface or DMSS app. You can perform a software reset remotely via the web portal. But if you’re locked out, you’ll need physical access for the reset button method.

Q3: How long does the reset process take?

The reset itself takes 1–3 minutes. But the full process—backup, reconfiguration, firmware update—can take 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on your setup size. Plan accordingly.

Q4: What if the physical reset button doesn’t work?

Try holding the button for a full 20 seconds. If it still fails, the button may be damaged or the NVR model doesn’t support it (rare). Contact Dahua support or use the software method if you regain login access.

Q5: Can I reset a Dahua NVR without a monitor?

Not easily. You need a monitor to navigate the interface. However, if you have remote access (via DMSS or web), you can perform a software reset. But for physical resets, a monitor is required to confirm the process completed.

Q6: Will I lose my camera licenses after a reset?

Most Dahua NVRs use license-free camera channels (e.g., 4CH, 8CH, 16CH). If your NVR has paid licenses (for extra channels or features), you’ll need to reactivate them after the reset. Contact Dahua support with your license key and serial number.

Q7: Is there a way to reset without losing recordings?

Not directly. But you can:

• Back up to an external drive
• Remove the hard drive and store it separately
• Use a NAS for continuous recording

After resetting, reinsert the drive and reformat it. Your old recordings won’t be accessible, but you’ve preserved them.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to reset Dahua NVR to factory default in 2026 is a vital skill for any security system user. Whether you’re fixing a glitch, securing a secondhand unit, or starting fresh, this process gives you control and peace of mind.

Remember: Back up first, reset carefully, reconfigure thoroughly, and update promptly. These steps ensure your system is not only reset but also secure and ready for modern threats.

Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Bookmark this guide, keep your tools ready, and practice the steps when everything is working. That way, when you really need it, you’ll be prepared.

And if you’re setting up a new system or upgrading an old one, consider labeling cameras, using strong passwords, and enabling remote alerts. A well-maintained NVR is your best defense—and your easiest path to reliable security.

Now go reset with confidence. Your Dahua NVR is ready for a fresh start in 2026.

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