Reset your Hikvision NVR admin password in 2026 quickly and securely using the built-in reset function or SADP tool—no factory reset required. This guide walks you through step-by-step methods, including using a registered email or USB key for verification, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum data protection during the recovery process.

How to Reset Hikvision NVR Admin Password in 2026 Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Always try default credentials first before attempting a reset to save time.
• Use the SADP tool for online NVR password recovery via IP scan.
• Physical reset button works if software methods fail—check the device label.
• Factory reset erases all data—backup configurations before proceeding.
• Contact Hikvision support if locked out after multiple failed attempts.
• Update firmware post-reset to patch vulnerabilities and ensure stability.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: you’re responsible for a business’s security system, and one morning, you can’t log into the Hikvision NVR (Network Video Recorder) because you forgot the admin password. No access means no live camera feeds, no playback, and no ability to update settings. It’s a stressful situation—especially if there’s an ongoing security issue.

Many users face this exact problem. Whether it’s due to staff turnover, poor password management, or simply a long time since the last login, losing access to your NVR admin account halts operations. The good news? You can fix it without replacing hardware. This How to Reset Hikvision NVR Admin Password in 2026 Easy Guide walks you through the process safely and efficiently.

Hikvision has updated its security protocols over the years, and 2026 models now include enhanced encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA) options. That means older methods (like default passwords or simple factory resets) won’t always work. But don’t worry—this guide covers modern, supported techniques that preserve your camera recordings while restoring access.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a security technician, or a homeowner managing your own surveillance system, knowing how to reset the admin password is essential. And with cyber threats on the rise, doing it correctly ensures you don’t compromise your system’s integrity.

What You Need

Before diving into the steps, gather everything you’ll need. Having the right tools ready saves time and prevents errors during the How to Reset Hikvision NVR Admin Password in 2026 Easy Guide process.

• Your Hikvision NVR device – obviously! Make sure it’s powered on and connected to your network.
• A computer or smartphone – to access the NVR via web browser or mobile app.
• An Ethernet cable – for a direct connection (recommended for reliability).
• Access to the same local network – or physical proximity to the NVR.
• Hik-Connect or iVMS-4200 software – free tools from Hikvision for remote management.
• Your Hikvision account credentials (optional) – if you’ve previously linked the device to a cloud account.
• USB flash drive (8GB+) – only if using the password recovery method via USB.
• A working email address – required for Hikvision’s online password reset tool.

Note: Avoid public Wi-Fi when attempting a reset. Use a secure, private network to prevent unauthorized access during the process.

Also, check your NVR model. Most 2020–2026 models (like the DS-7600/7700/8600 series) support the methods described here. Older models may require different steps, but the principles remain similar.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Hikvision NVR Admin Password in 2026 Easy Guide

Step 1: Try Hikvision’s Online Password Recovery Tool (Recommended)

This is the safest and most user-friendly method for modern NVRs. Hikvision launched a secure online portal to help users recover forgotten passwords without losing data.

Start by opening a web browser on a computer connected to the same network as your NVR. Navigate to https://www.hikvision.com/en/support/forgot-password/.

Click the “Forgot Password” option and select “NVR/DVR” from the device type dropdown. You’ll be prompted to enter the serial number of your NVR.

Pro Tip: Find the serial number on the label at the back or bottom of the NVR. It starts with “DS-” followed by numbers and letters. You can also find it in the device’s web interface (if accessible) under System > Device Info.

After entering the serial number, click “Next.” Hikvision will verify the device and send a verification code to the email address associated with the device’s cloud account (if registered). If no email is linked, you’ll need to use another method.

Enter the code and create a new admin password. Hikvision will generate a recovery file (.bin) that you must save to a USB drive. This file is unique to your device and time-sensitive (expires in 24 hours).

Now, plug the USB drive into your NVR. The device will automatically detect the file and prompt you to reset the password. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Why this works: The online tool uses encrypted authentication, ensuring only authorized users can reset passwords. It’s ideal for the How to Reset Hikvision NVR Admin Password in 2026 Easy Guide because it preserves all recordings and settings.

Step 2: Use Hik-Connect App for Remote Reset

If your NVR is linked to a Hik-Connect account, you can reset the password remotely—even from another country.

Open the Hik-Connect app on your smartphone (available on iOS and Android). Log in with your Hikvision account credentials.

Tap on the NVR device from your device list. If the password is incorrect, you’ll see a “Login Failed” message. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) and select “Reset Device Password.”

The app will ask you to verify your identity via email or SMS. Once confirmed, you’ll be prompted to set a new admin password.

The change syncs automatically to the NVR over the internet. No USB drive needed—just a stable connection.

Warning: This method only works if the NVR is online and linked to your Hik-Connect account. If it was set up locally (without cloud), skip to Step 3.

This is especially useful for property managers or IT teams managing multiple sites. You don’t need to be on-site to fix access issues.

Step 3: Perform a Local USB Reset (When Online Methods Fail)

No cloud account? No problem. You can still reset the password locally using a USB drive and Hikvision’s offline recovery tool.

First, visit the Hikvision Support website and download the “Device Password Recovery Tool” (search for “NVR password recovery tool 2026”). It’s a small executable file for Windows.

Install and open the tool. Click “Generate” and enter your NVR’s serial number. The tool will create a recovery file (.bin) on your desktop.

Copy this file to a USB flash drive. Make sure it’s formatted as FAT32 (most NVRs don’t read NTFS or exFAT).

Power off your NVR. Insert the USB drive into one of the front or back USB ports. Power the NVR back on.

The device will detect the file and show a message: “Found password reset file. Apply?” Press “Yes.”

The system will reset the admin password to “admin” (default). You’ll be prompted to log in and set a new, secure password immediately.

Important: This method resets only the admin password. It does not delete recordings, camera settings, or network configurations. Your data stays safe.

This is the go-to method for the How to Reset Hikvision NVR Admin Password in 2026 Easy Guide when cloud options aren’t available.

Step 4: Use iVMS-4200 Software for Advanced Users

For IT professionals or system integrators, the iVMS-4200 software offers deeper control and password recovery options.

Download and install iVMS-4200 from the Hikvision website (free). Launch the software and click “Add Device.”

Enter the NVR’s IP address (check your router or use Hikvision’s SADP tool to find it). Leave the password field blank and click “Search.”

If the device appears, right-click it and select “Reset Password.” You’ll need to enter a new password and confirm it.

The software will send the reset command over the network. The NVR will apply the change and prompt you to log in with the new credentials.

Pro Tip: Use iVMS-4200 to manage multiple devices at once. It’s perfect for large installations (e.g., retail chains, schools).

This method requires network access but avoids USB drives. It’s faster for tech-savvy users managing multiple NVRs.

Step 5: Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If all else fails, you can perform a full factory reset. But beware: this erases all data—recordings, camera settings, network configs, and user accounts.

Only use this as a last resort, especially if you don’t have backups.

Locate the reset button on the NVR. It’s usually a tiny hole on the back or side panel. Use a paperclip or SIM ejector tool to press and hold it.

With the NVR powered on, hold the button for 15–20 seconds until the indicator lights flash rapidly.

Release the button. The NVR will restart and restore factory settings. The default login will be:

• Username: admin
• Password: admin (or blank, depending on model)

Log in immediately and set a strong, unique password. Then reconfigure your cameras, network, and storage settings.

Warning: A factory reset means you’ll lose all video history. Always try recovery methods first. If you must reset, consider backing up critical footage via USB or network export before proceeding.

Step 6: Secure Your New Password (Critical!)

After resetting, don’t just log in and forget about security. Take these steps to prevent future lockouts and cyber risks.

First, change the default password to something strong. Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols (e.g., Cam3r@2026!).

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if your NVR model supports it. This adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.

Write down the password and store it in a secure location (e.g., encrypted password manager or locked safe). Share it only with trusted personnel.

Link your NVR to a Hik-Connect account for remote recovery. This ensures you can reset the password from anywhere in the future.

Finally, update the NVR’s firmware. Go to System > Maintenance > Upgrade. Hikvision regularly releases patches to fix security flaws.

Following these steps makes the How to Reset Hikvision NVR Admin Password in 2026 Easy Guide a one-time fix, not a recurring problem.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a clear guide, small mistakes can cause big headaches. Here are expert tips and pitfalls to avoid.

Pro Tip #1: Always use a wired Ethernet connection during recovery. Wi-Fi can drop, interrupting the process and potentially corrupting the NVR’s system.

Pro Tip #2: Keep your NVR’s serial number and model info in a digital document (e.g., Google Drive or password manager). It saves time during recovery.

Pro Tip #3: Test the reset method on a spare NVR first (if available). This helps you understand the process without risking your main system.

Common Mistake #1: Using a USB drive with multiple files. The NVR only reads the recovery file if it’s the only file on the drive. Format the USB and copy only the .bin file.

Common Mistake #2: Forgetting to disable antivirus software. Some security programs block the password recovery tool or delete the .bin file. Temporarily disable real-time protection during the process.

Common Mistake #3: Ignoring firmware updates. An outdated NVR may not support the latest recovery methods. Check for updates quarterly.

Common Mistake #4: Sharing admin access too freely. Create limited user accounts for daily use. Keep admin access restricted to key personnel.

Another real-world scenario: A user tried to reset their password using a USB drive, but the NVR didn’t respond. After troubleshooting, they realized the USB was formatted as NTFS—not FAT32. Reformatting fixed the issue instantly.

Also, avoid using public computers for password recovery. The .bin file contains sensitive data. Always use a trusted, private device.

Finally, document the reset process for your team. Create a simple checklist: “1. Get serial number. 2. Download tool. 3. Copy to FAT32 USB.” This ensures consistency and reduces errors.

FAQs About How to Reset Hikvision NVR Admin Password in 2026 Easy Guide

Q1: Can I reset the password without losing my recordings?

Yes! The online recovery tool, USB method, and iVMS-4200 reset only the password. Your videos, camera names, and settings remain untouched. Only a full factory reset deletes data.

Q2: What if I don’t have the serial number?

Find it on the device label, in the web interface (if accessible), or by using Hikvision’s SADP Tool (free download). It scans your network for Hikvision devices and displays their details.

Q3: Does the USB method work on all NVR models?

Most 2018–2026 models support it. However, some budget models (e.g., DS-7100 series) may require a factory reset. Check your user manual or Hikvision’s support site for model-specific info.

Q4: How long does the password reset take?

The online tool takes 5–10 minutes. The USB method takes 2–3 minutes (once the file is ready). iVMS-4200 is the fastest—under a minute. Factory reset takes 15–30 minutes (due to reconfiguration).

Q5: What if the NVR doesn’t recognize the USB drive?

Try these fixes: (1) Format the USB as FAT32. (2) Use a different USB port. (3) Test the USB on another device. (4) Ensure the .bin file is named correctly (e.g., HikReset.bin).

Q6: Can I reset the password remotely without a Hik-Connect account?

Not easily. Without cloud linking, you need physical access or local network connection. Consider setting up Hik-Connect during initial installation for future convenience.

Q7: Is it safe to use third-party password recovery tools?

No. Avoid tools from unofficial sources. They may contain malware or steal your data. Always use Hikvision’s official tools and websites for the How to Reset Hikvision NVR Admin Password in 2026 Easy Guide.

Final Thoughts

Forgetting your Hikvision NVR admin password doesn’t have to be a crisis. With the right tools and knowledge, you can regain access quickly and securely. This How to Reset Hikvision NVR Admin Password in 2026 Easy Guide gives you multiple options—from the user-friendly online portal to advanced software methods.

Remember: always try non-destructive methods first. Use the online recovery tool or USB reset to preserve your recordings. Only resort to a factory reset if absolutely necessary.

After resetting, take security seriously. Set a strong password, enable 2FA, and keep your firmware updated. These steps protect your system from future breaches.

And don’t wait until you’re locked out—prepare now. Save your serial number, install iVMS-4200, and create a recovery USB drive. A little planning saves hours of stress later.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a security pro, knowing how to reset your NVR admin password is a vital skill. Bookmark this guide, share it with your team, and rest easy knowing you’re ready for any access issue.

Stay safe, stay secure, and keep your eyes on the cameras!