Reset your Dahua NVR without a reset button by using the web interface or mobile app—simply log in, navigate to System > Maintenance, and select “Restore Default Settings.” This method works for most 2026 models and avoids physical disassembly or hardware risks. Always back up configurations first to prevent permanent data loss.

How to Reset Dahua NVR Without Reset Button in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Use Dahua Config Tool: Download and scan for NVR IP to initiate reset remotely.
• Access via Web Interface: Log in to the NVR’s web portal for factory reset options.
• SSH/Telnet Commands: Advanced users can reset via command-line tools if enabled.
• Contact Dahua Support: Request a password reset link if locked out completely.
• Backup First: Always save configurations before resetting to avoid data loss.
• Check Firmware Updates: Ensure latest firmware to access modern reset methods.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

You’ve just moved into a new office, inherited a security system, or simply forgotten your login details. Now you’re staring at a Dahua NVR (Network Video Recorder) that won’t let you in. Worse—there’s no visible reset button. Sound familiar?

This is a common headache for installers, small business owners, and even tech-savvy homeowners. Most people assume a physical reset button is the only way to restore factory settings. But what if it’s missing, hidden, or the device is mounted out of reach?

The good news? You can still reset your Dahua NVR without a reset button in 2026—and it doesn’t require a degree in computer science. Whether you’re troubleshooting access issues, preparing for resale, or reconfiguring your surveillance setup, knowing how to reset Dahua NVR without reset button in 2026 is a valuable skill.

From forgotten admin passwords to corrupted configurations, this guide walks you through every option—software-based, network-based, and even hardware tricks—using safe, proven methods. No guesswork. No bricking your device.

What You Need

Before diving in, gather the tools and materials below. Most are already lying around your home or office.

• A computer or laptop (Windows or macOS works)
• Ethernet cable (to connect directly to the NVR)
• Dahua ConfigTool (free software) – download from Dahua’s official site
• Dahua SADP Tool (Search Active Device Protocol) – also free and essential
• Access to the NVR’s IP address (or ability to discover it)
• USB keyboard (optional) – helpful if using local reset methods
• Power source and stable electricity – avoid interruptions during reset
• Patience and a steady hand – no rush; follow steps carefully

Pro Tip: Always back up your recordings before resetting. A factory reset wipes all data, including video archives. Use a USB drive or external hard drive to export footage if possible.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Dahua NVR Without Reset Button in 2026

Step 1: Connect Your Computer to the NVR Directly

Most Dahua NVRs don’t have a physical reset button, especially newer models from 2024–2026. That means we need to use software or network tools. Start by creating a direct connection.

• Power off the NVR.
• Use an Ethernet cable to connect your laptop to one of the LAN ports on the NVR (usually labeled LAN1).
• Power the NVR back on and wait 2–3 minutes for it to fully boot.

Why direct? A direct connection ensures your computer is on the same network as the NVR, even if it’s not connected to Wi-Fi. This avoids IP conflicts and makes device discovery easier.

Warning: If your laptop has multiple network adapters (like Wi-Fi and Ethernet), disable Wi-Fi temporarily. Only the Ethernet connection should be active during this step.

Step 2: Set a Static IP Address on Your Computer

Dahua NVRs often use a default IP range like 192.168.1.x. Your computer needs to be on the same subnet to communicate.

• On Windows: Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections, right-click your Ethernet adapter, and select Properties.
• Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
• 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 macOS: Go to System Settings > Network > Ethernet > Advanced > TCP/IP, then manually set the same values.

This static IP ensures your computer can “talk” to the NVR even if it’s using a default address. Now, you’re ready to discover the device.

Step 3: Use Dahua SADP Tool to Find the NVR

The Dahua SADP Tool scans your local network and lists all Dahua devices. It’s the most reliable way to locate an NVR when you don’t know its IP.

• Download SADP from Dahua’s official website.
• Install and open the tool. It will auto-scan the network.
• Look for your NVR in the list. It should show:
  • Device Type (e.g., “NVR”)
  • IP Address (likely 192.168.1.108 or similar)
  • MAC Address (unique to your device)
  • Status (Active/Inactive)

If the NVR appears, great! If not, double-check your Ethernet connection and IP settings. Sometimes the NVR takes up to 5 minutes to appear.

Pro Tip: If the NVR shows as “Inactive,” click the “Activate” button and set a strong admin password. This is often the first step before a reset.

Step 4: Reset the Admin Password Using SADP Tool (If Locked Out)

Forgot your password? You can reset it without a factory reset using SADP—this is a game-changer.

• In SADP, select your NVR from the list.
• Click the Reset Password button.
• Enter your email address (must match the one registered with Dahua’s cloud service, if used).
• Click “Get Security Code” – Dahua will send a 6-digit code to your email.
• Enter the code and set a new admin password.
• Click “Confirm” to apply.

This method preserves all recordings and settings—only the password changes. It’s perfect if you just need access.

Warning: If you’ve never registered the device with Dahua Cloud, this option won’t work. In that case, proceed to the factory reset method below.

Step 5: Perform a Factory Reset via Web Interface (If Accessible)

If you can log in—even as a guest—you can reset the NVR through its web interface. This is the safest method.

• Open a web browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox).
• Type the NVR’s IP address (from SADP) into the address bar (e.g., http://192.168.1.108).
• Log in using the admin credentials (or use the newly reset password).
• Navigate to: Maintenance > System Maintenance > Restore.
• Click Restore Default (this keeps recordings) or Restore Factory Settings (this wipes everything).
• Confirm the action and wait 2–5 minutes.

The NVR will reboot automatically. After it restarts, it will use default settings: IP 192.168.1.108, username “admin,” and a blank password (on older models) or require activation (newer models).

Pro Tip: Always choose “Restore Default” first if you want to keep recordings. Use “Factory Settings” only when reconfiguring or selling the device.

Step 6: Use ConfigTool for a Hard Reset (When Web Access Fails)

No web login? No problem. The Dahua ConfigTool can force a factory reset even when the device is unresponsive.

• Download and install Dahua ConfigTool from the official site.
• Launch the tool and click “Device Search” to find your NVR.
• Right-click the NVR and select Device Configuration.
• Go to System > Maintenance > Restore.
• Choose Restore Factory Settings and click “Apply.”

Unlike the web interface, ConfigTool communicates at the protocol level. It bypasses login screens and resets the device remotely.

This is one of the most effective ways to reset Dahua NVR without reset button in 2026—especially for newer models with enhanced security.

Warning: This will erase all settings and recordings. Double-check that you’ve backed up footage before proceeding.

Step 7: Physical Reset via USB Keyboard (Last Resort)

Some Dahua NVRs (especially older or industrial models) support a hidden reset method using a USB keyboard. This mimics a hardware reset button.

• Plug a USB keyboard into one of the NVR’s USB ports.
• Restart the NVR.
• During boot-up, press and hold Ctrl + Alt + F12 for 5–10 seconds.
• Wait for the system to prompt a reset confirmation (on-screen message).
• Press Enter to confirm.

Not all models support this. Success varies by firmware version. But if your NVR has a 2024 or 2025 firmware update, there’s a good chance it works.

Pro Tip: If nothing happens, try Ctrl + Alt + F10 or F11. Dahua sometimes changes the key combo in firmware updates.

Step 8: Reconfigure the NVR After Reset

Once reset, your NVR is like new. Now it’s time to set it up properly.

• Reconnect to the web interface using the default IP (192.168.1.108).
• Follow the setup wizard to:
  • Set a strong admin password.
  • Change the IP address to match your network (e.g., 192.168.0.100).
  • Set the date and time (enable NTP sync).
  • Add cameras (auto-search or manually input IPs).
• Enable encryption and two-factor authentication if available.

This step ensures your system is secure, reliable, and ready for daily use.

Warning: Never leave the default IP or blank password. These are easy targets for hackers.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right tools, small mistakes can cause big delays. Here’s what seasoned installers wish they knew earlier.

✅ Pro Tip 1: Always Use the Latest Software
Download the most recent versions of SADP and ConfigTool from Dahua’s site. Older versions may not support 2026 firmware or newer NVR models. This is crucial when trying to reset Dahua NVR without reset button in 2026.

✅ Pro Tip 2: Label Your NVRs
If managing multiple NVRs, label each one with its MAC and IP. This saves hours when troubleshooting or resetting. Use a permanent marker or asset tag.

✅ Pro Tip 3: Use a Dedicated Reset Laptop
Keep one laptop with static IP and Dahua tools pre-installed. It’s faster than configuring a new device every time. Think of it as your “NVR toolkit.”

❌ Common Mistake 1: Forgetting to Disable Wi-Fi
If your laptop uses Wi-Fi while connected via Ethernet, it may connect to the wrong network. Always disable Wi-Fi during direct setup. This is a top reason SADP fails to detect the NVR.

❌ Common Mistake 2: Rushing the Reset
After clicking “Factory Reset,” the NVR may take 3–7 minutes to reboot. Don’t power it off or disconnect. Interruptions can corrupt the firmware.

❌ Common Mistake 3: Not Backing Up First
Many users realize too late that their last week of footage is gone. Always export recordings to a USB drive or cloud before resetting. Even a partial backup helps.

❌ Common Mistake 4: Using Third-Party Tools
Avoid “Dahua reset hacks” or cracked tools from forums. They often contain malware or damage the device. Stick to official software for safety and reliability.

✅ Pro Tip 4: Test After Reset
Once reset, log in and check camera feeds, storage status, and network connectivity. A quick test ensures everything works before re-mounting the unit.

FAQs About How to Reset Dahua NVR Without Reset Button in 2026

Q1: Is it possible to reset a Dahua NVR without any software?
Yes, but only in rare cases. Some models (like the XVR series) have a hidden reset via keyboard (Ctrl+Alt+F12). However, for most modern NVRs in 2026, you’ll need SADP or ConfigTool. These are free and safe—don’t skip them.

Q2: Will resetting delete my video recordings?
It depends. A “Restore Default” keeps recordings but resets settings. A “Factory Reset” erases everything. Always choose the option that matches your goal. When in doubt, back up first.

Q3: What if SADP doesn’t detect my NVR?
Check these:

• Is the Ethernet cable working? Try a different one.
• Is your computer on the same subnet (192.168.1.x)?
• Is the NVR powered and fully booted?
• Is your firewall blocking SADP? Temporarily disable it.

If all fail, try rebooting both devices and repeating the scan.

Q4: Can I reset a Dahua NVR remotely?
Yes, if it’s connected to the internet and you have cloud access (via DMSS or iDMSS). Log into the Dahua cloud app, locate the NVR, and use remote reset options. But for full control—especially if the device is offline—a local reset is more reliable.

Q5: Why doesn’t my Dahua NVR have a reset button?
Newer models (2024–2026) often omit the physical button for security and design. A hidden reset prevents unauthorized access. Instead, Dahua relies on software tools like SADP and ConfigTool—which are more secure and flexible.

Q6: What if I get a “Device is Locked” message?
This usually means the NVR has been locked after multiple failed login attempts. Wait 30 minutes, then try again. Or use SADP to reset the password (if registered) or perform a factory reset via ConfigTool.

Q7: Are there risks to resetting my NVR?
The main risk is data loss. Recordings, user accounts, and custom settings are erased. There’s also a small chance of firmware corruption if the reset is interrupted. But if you follow this guide carefully, the risk is minimal.

Final Thoughts

Resetting a Dahua NVR without a reset button in 2026 might seem intimidating—but it’s totally doable with the right approach. Whether you’re locked out, upgrading, or preparing for a new installation, the steps above give you multiple safe, effective options.

Remember: Start with SADP for password reset, use ConfigTool for factory reset, and always back up first. These tools are your best friends when the hardware fails you.

Don’t panic if the first method doesn’t work. Try another. Every Dahua NVR can be reset—even without a physical button. The key is using the software tools Dahua built for exactly this situation.

Now that you know how to reset Dahua NVR without reset button in 2026, you’re ready for any access issue. Bookmark this guide, keep your tools updated, and share it with your team. A smooth reset means less downtime and a more reliable security system.

Got a tricky NVR setup? Leave a comment below—we’ll help you troubleshoot!