Reset your Hikvision IP bullet camera without a reset button using the web interface or SADP tool—no physical access needed. By logging into the camera’s IP address or using Hikvision’s SADP software, you can restore factory settings remotely, even on 2026 models lacking a hardware reset option. Ensure you have admin credentials and a stable network connection for a seamless reset process.

How to Reset Hikvision IP Bullet Camera Without Reset Button in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Use SADP Tool: Scan and reset via Hikvision’s SADP software on the same network.
• Factory Reset via Web Interface: Log in, navigate to System > Maintenance, and restore defaults.
• Power Cycle Method: Disconnect power 30+ seconds to clear temporary issues.
• Firmware Reinstallation: Re-flash firmware via TFTP for stubborn non-responsive cameras.
• Default IP Check: Reset IP to 192.168.1.64 if network conflicts block access.
• Admin Credentials Required: Ensure you have login rights before attempting any reset method.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine you’ve inherited an old Hikvision IP bullet camera from a previous security setup. You plug it in, but you can’t access the admin panel—wrong password, forgotten IP, or maybe the previous owner never shared the login. Frustrating, right?

This is where knowing how to reset Hikvision IP bullet camera without reset button in 2026 becomes essential. Not all models have a physical reset pinhole, and even if they do, it might be inaccessible due to mounting or weatherproofing. Worse, some newer or ruggedized models (like the DS-2CE16C0T-IRP or DS-2CD2T42WD-I5) have no external reset button at all.

Without a reset, you’re locked out. No live feed, no configuration, no way to integrate it into your current surveillance system. But don’t panic—there are reliable, safe methods to restore factory settings and regain control, even without a physical reset button.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through proven techniques to perform a factory reset using software tools, network tricks, and firmware recovery—all without needing to pry open the camera or risk damaging it. Whether you’re a homeowner, IT manager, or security installer, this guide will help you get that camera back online fast.

What You Need

Before diving in, gather these tools. Most are free or already on your computer. You’ll need:

• A computer (Windows or macOS, but Windows is preferred for Hikvision tools)
• Ethernet cable (to connect the camera directly to your PC or router)
• Power supply (12V DC, typically 1A–2A, matching your camera model)
• Hikvision SADP Tool (free from Hikvision’s official site—this is critical)
• Hikvision iVMS-4200 software (optional, for advanced recovery)
• TFTP client (like Tftpd64, if using firmware recovery method)
• Camera’s model number (check the label on the camera body)
• Latest firmware file (download from Hikvision’s support site using the model number)

No need for special hardware or soldering. Everything here uses standard networking and software tools. The key to how to reset Hikvision IP bullet camera without reset button in 2026 lies in software-based recovery and network configuration—not brute force.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Hikvision IP Bullet Camera Without Reset Button in 2026

Step 1: Power On the Camera and Connect It to Your Network

Start by powering the camera. Use the correct 12V DC adapter—overvoltage can damage it. Plug it into a wall outlet or PoE switch if supported.

Connect the camera to your computer using an Ethernet cable. For best results, connect it directly to your PC’s Ethernet port. This isolates the camera from your main network and prevents IP conflicts.

If your PC doesn’t have an Ethernet port (common on newer laptops), use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter. Make sure it’s recognized in your device manager or system preferences.

⚠️ Warning: Never power the camera via USB. It needs 12V DC for stable operation. Using USB power may cause boot failures or incomplete resets.

Step 2: Download and Install the Hikvision SADP Tool

The SADP (Search Active Devices Protocol) Tool is Hikvision’s official device discovery and recovery software. It’s free and works even if you don’t know the camera’s IP or password.

Go to Hikvision’s official support site, search for “SADP Tool,” and download the latest version (as of 2026, v3.0.4 is current).

Install it on your Windows PC. macOS users can run it via Parallels or a Windows VM, but native Windows is more reliable for this task.

Once installed, open the tool. It will scan your network for Hikvision devices. Give it 30–60 seconds to detect your camera.

If your camera appears, you’re in business. If not, check your Ethernet connection and ensure your PC is on the same subnet (we’ll fix this in Step 3).

Step 3: Set a Static IP Address on Your Computer (If Needed)

Newer Hikvision cameras often default to 192.168.1.x. If your PC is on 192.168.0.x or another subnet, SADP won’t see the camera.

Here’s how to fix it:

1. On Windows: Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
2. Right-click your Ethernet connection > Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties.
4. Choose Use the following IP address and enter:
   • IP: 192.168.1.100
   • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
   • Leave gateway and DNS blank
5. Click OK and close all windows.

Now restart the SADP Tool. The camera should appear in the list. This step is crucial for how to reset Hikvision IP bullet camera without reset button in 2026 because it ensures communication between your PC and the camera.

💡 Pro Tip: After the reset, change your PC’s IP back to DHCP to avoid network issues on your main Wi-Fi.

Step 4: Use SADP to Reset the Camera Password (Soft Reset)

If the camera appears in SADP but you don’t know the password, you can reset it directly through the tool.

Right-click the camera in the SADP list > Reset Password.

A window will pop up. Enter a new password (8–16 characters, mix of letters, numbers, and symbols). Confirm it.

Click OK. The tool will send the reset command over the network. The camera will reboot (you’ll see the IR LEDs flicker or the status light change).

Once it’s back online, SADP will show it as “Activated” or “Uninitialized” (if fully reset).

This is a soft reset—it clears the password and restores default network settings, but doesn’t erase firmware or custom configurations. It’s perfect if you just need access.

But if you need a full factory reset (e.g., after a failed firmware update), move to Step 5.

Step 5: Perform a Full Factory Reset via SADP (Recommended)

A full reset wipes all settings—network, users, motion detection, etc.—and restores the camera to “out-of-box” state.

In SADP, right-click the camera > Restore Factory Settings.

Confirm the action. The tool will send a factory reset command. The camera will reboot and reappear in the list as “Uninitialized.”

Now, the camera:

• Has default IP: 192.168.1.64
• No password (first login prompts you to create one)
• All settings cleared

You can now log in via a web browser (go to http://192.168.1.64) or use iVMS-4200 to configure it.

This is the safest and most reliable method for how to reset Hikvision IP bullet camera without reset button in 2026. It works on 95% of models, including those without physical reset pins.

Step 6: Use Firmware Recovery (For “Bricked” or Unresponsive Cameras)

What if the camera doesn’t show up in SADP? Maybe it’s stuck in boot loop, failed a firmware update, or the firmware is corrupted. This is where TFTP-based recovery saves the day.

What is TFTP? Trivial File Transfer Protocol. It’s a simple way to push firmware to a device during boot-up—before the main OS loads.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Download the correct firmware: Go to Hikvision’s support site. Enter your camera model (e.g., DS-2CD2342WD-I). Download the .dav or .bin firmware file.
2. Install Tftpd64: Download Tftpd64 (free) from tftpd64.jounin.net. Install it.
3. Set up TFTP server:
   • Open Tftpd64.
   • Under Server interfaces, select your Ethernet adapter (the one connected to the camera).
   • Drag the firmware file into the Tftpd64 window. It will show as “Ready.”
4. Configure your PC’s IP: Set a static IP: 192.168.1.2, subnet 255.255.255.0.
5. Power off the camera completely. Unplug power and Ethernet.
6. Reconnect Ethernet to PC, then power on the camera. As soon as you plug in power, the camera will detect the TFTP server and start downloading firmware.
7. Wait 3–5 minutes. The camera’s status LED will blink rapidly. When it stabilizes, the recovery is complete.

After recovery, the camera will boot with default settings. Use SADP to find it and set a new password.

⚠️ Warning: Use the exact firmware for your model. Wrong firmware can permanently brick the camera. Double-check the model number and firmware version.

Step 7: Reconfigure the Camera (Post-Reset)

Once reset, you’ll need to set it up again. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Set a strong admin password (avoid “123456” or “admin”)
• Assign a static IP (e.g., 192.168.1.101) or use DHCP with a reservation
• Update firmware (check for newer versions on Hikvision’s site)
• Configure video settings (resolution, frame rate, IR mode)
• Set up motion detection and alerts if needed
• Add to NVR or VMS (iVMS-4200, Milestone, etc.)

You can do this via the web interface (http://[camera-ip]) or using iVMS-4200 software.

For remote access, enable Hik-Connect or set up port forwarding (but use strong passwords and HTTPS).

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

💡 Pro Tip 1: Always download firmware from Hikvision’s official site. Third-party sites may host malware or modified firmware.

💡 Pro Tip 2: Label your cameras. Write the model, IP, and password on a sticker on the cable. Prevents future lockouts.

💡 Pro Tip 3: Use a PoE switch. It powers the camera and simplifies network setup. Just plug and go.

⚠️ Common Mistake 1: Skipping the static IP step. If your PC and camera are on different subnets, SADP can’t find it. Always match subnets during recovery.

⚠️ Common Mistake 2: Using the wrong firmware. Even similar models (e.g., DS-2CD2342 vs DS-2CD2343) have different firmware. Mismatched firmware = bricked camera.

⚠️ Common Mistake 3: Powering the camera via USB. It needs 12V DC. USB provides 5V—enough for data, not for stable operation.

⚠️ Common Mistake 4: Not checking the camera’s boot sequence. During TFTP recovery, the camera must be powered after the TFTP server is ready. Timing matters.

Another tip: If SADP shows the camera but you can’t reset it, try uninstalling and reinstalling SADP. Sometimes the tool gets corrupted.

For outdoor cameras, ensure the Ethernet connection is waterproof. Use weatherproof RJ45 couplers or gel-filled enclosures.

And remember: how to reset Hikvision IP bullet camera without reset button in 2026 is not a one-size-fits-all process. Always verify your camera model and follow Hikvision’s official guidelines.

FAQs About How to Reset Hikvision IP Bullet Camera Without Reset Button in 2026

Q1: Can I reset a Hikvision camera without any software?
No. Without the SADP Tool or TFTP, you can’t reset a camera without a physical button. The software is essential for communication and recovery. Some third-party tools claim to do this, but they’re unreliable and often unsafe.

Q2: What if the camera doesn’t show up in SADP?
Try these fixes:

• Check Ethernet cable and power
• Set your PC to 192.168.1.100
• Disable firewall/antivirus temporarily
• Try a different PC or network card
• Use TFTP recovery (Step 6)

If still no luck, the camera may have hardware failure.

Q3: Is it safe to reset the camera remotely over the internet?
Not recommended. Remote reset requires port forwarding, which exposes your network to risks. Always reset locally via Ethernet. If remote, use a secure VPN first.

Q4: Can I reset a camera connected to an NVR?
Yes, but it’s easier to disconnect it first. The NVR may assign a static IP or password. Disconnecting allows SADP to detect it directly. After reset, reconnect to the NVR and re-add it.

Q5: What if the camera is mounted high up and I can’t reach it?
Use a PoE injector or midspan. Power the camera via Ethernet from a switch, then connect it to your PC with a cable. No need to climb. Or, use a temporary Wi-Fi-to-Ethernet bridge if the camera supports Wi-Fi.

Q6: Does a factory reset delete recorded footage?
Only if the camera has onboard storage (like an SD card). A reset clears the SD card’s file system. If footage is stored on an NVR, it’s safe. Always back up SD card footage before resetting.

Q7: Why does my camera keep reverting to the old IP after reset?
This happens if the NVR or router has a DHCP reservation for that MAC address. After reset, the camera gets the same IP. To fix it, either:

• Clear the reservation in your router
• Assign a new static IP manually
• Let it get a new IP via DHCP

Final Thoughts

Resetting a Hikvision IP bullet camera without a reset button isn’t as scary as it sounds. With the right tools—especially the SADP Tool and TFTP recovery—you can regain full control, even if the camera is “locked” or unresponsive.

The key takeaway: how to reset Hikvision IP bullet camera without reset button in 2026 relies on software, not hardware hacks. No drilling, no soldering, no risk of voiding the warranty.

Start with SADP for soft or full resets. If that fails, use TFTP firmware recovery for stubborn or “bricked” cameras. Always double-check firmware versions and network settings.

And once you’ve reset it, take 5 minutes to set a strong password, update the firmware, and label the camera. It’ll save you hours of headaches later.

Now go forth and reclaim that camera. Your security system will thank you.