Reset your Hikvision NVR password in 2026 using the serial number by accessing the device’s local interface or web portal and entering the unique serial number to generate a secure reset code. This official method ensures quick, reliable recovery without third-party tools or data loss—ideal for administrators managing multiple systems or locked-out users.

How to Reset Hikvision NVR Password from Serial Number in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Verify the serial number on the NVR label before starting the reset process.
• Contact Hikvision support with the serial number to request a reset code.
• Use SADP tool if the NVR is online and password reset is enabled.
• Factory reset as last resort if other methods fail—backup data first.
• Keep firmware updated to avoid security issues and ensure smooth resets.
• Document new credentials securely to prevent future access problems.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Imagine this: you’re a security technician or a small business owner who relies on a Hikvision NVR (Network Video Recorder) to monitor your premises. One morning, you try logging in—only to realize you’ve forgotten the admin password. Panic sets in. Without access, you can’t manage cameras, check recordings, or respond to security alerts.

Forgetting a password is common, but with Hikvision NVRs, it’s not always as simple as clicking “Forgot Password.” Unlike some consumer tech, Hikvision devices don’t allow self-service resets through email or SMS. Instead, the official recovery path involves using the device’s serial number to generate a unique unlock key from Hikvision’s support portal.

This method—how to reset Hikvision NVR password from serial number in 2026—is the go-to solution for regaining access when you’ve lost or misconfigured the admin credentials. It works for most Hikvision NVR models released in the last decade, including DS-7600, DS-7700, iDS-7200, and newer 2025–2026 models.

The good news? The process is straightforward if you follow the right steps. But there are pitfalls—wrong serial number entry, outdated firmware, or using unofficial tools—that can make things worse. This guide walks you through the official, safe, and reliable method to reset your Hikvision NVR password using the serial number, ensuring you get back to monitoring your property without delays or risks.

Pro Tip: Always keep a secure backup of your NVR password. Use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to store it. That way, you won’t need this reset process in the first place!

What You Need

Before diving into the steps, gather everything you’ll need. This process is mostly online, but having the right tools on hand saves time and avoids frustration.

• A computer with internet access – You’ll use this to access the Hikvision support portal and generate the unlock key.
• The Hikvision NVR device – It must be powered on and connected to your network (Ethernet is best for stability).
• The NVR’s serial number – This is a 10–12 character alphanumeric code, usually found on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. It may start with “DS,” “iDS,” or “HKV.”
• Your device’s MAC address – Found in the NVR’s system info or on the same sticker as the serial number. Required for verification.
• Access to the NVR’s login screen – You don’t need the password, but you must be able to reach the login interface via web browser or Hik-Connect.
• A registered Hikvision support account – Create one at Hikvision’s official support site. It’s free and essential for generating the unlock key.
• A USB drive (optional, for some models) – Older or enterprise-grade NVRs may require you to download the unlock key to a USB and insert it into the NVR.

Note: The how to reset Hikvision NVR password from serial number in 2026 method works best when all these elements are ready. Skipping any—especially the support account—can delay the process by days.

Warning: Never use third-party “password reset” tools downloaded from forums or unknown websites. These often contain malware or can permanently lock your NVR. Stick to Hikvision’s official method.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Hikvision NVR Password from Serial Number in 2026

Step 1: Locate the NVR’s Serial Number and MAC Address

Start by physically checking your NVR. The serial number is usually printed on a white or silver sticker on the back or underside. It looks something like DS-7604NI-I4/8P-12345678 or iDS-7216HUHI-M2/16P-87654321. The MAC address is often printed right below it, formatted like 00:1C:7E:12:34:56.

If you can’t find the sticker, you can retrieve both from the NVR’s interface—even without logging in. Here’s how:

• Connect a monitor and keyboard directly to the NVR.
• Power it on and wait for the login screen to appear.
• Click the “Forgot Password” link (available on most models since 2018).
• On the recovery screen, the system will display the serial number and MAC address.

Write both down carefully. Double-check for typos—especially between “0” (zero) and “O” (letter O), or “1” and “l” (lowercase L). A single mistake will invalidate your unlock request.

This step is crucial for the how to reset Hikvision NVR password from serial number in 2026 process. Accuracy here saves hours of troubleshooting later.

Step 2: Log In to the Hikvision Support Portal

Open your web browser and go to Hikvision’s official password recovery page.

Click “Create an Account” if you don’t already have one. You’ll need:

• Your name and email address
• A strong password
• Your company or organization name (optional but recommended)
• Your country and preferred language

Once registered, log in. The portal will redirect you to the password recovery section. This is the only place where you can generate a legitimate unlock key using the serial number method.

Why this matters: Hikvision uses a secure algorithm to tie the unlock key to your specific device’s serial number and MAC address. Only verified users with registered accounts can access this tool—this prevents unauthorized resets and protects your system’s integrity.

Tip: Bookmark this page. You might need it again if you ever lose access to another Hikvision device. This is part of the official how to reset Hikvision NVR password from serial number in 2026 protocol.

Step 3: Submit the Unlock Request

After logging in, click “Forgot Password” or “Request Unlock Key” on the support portal.

You’ll see a form asking for:

• Device Type: Select “NVR” (or “DVR” if applicable).
• Serial Number: Enter the 10–12 digit code you found earlier.
• MAC Address: Enter the 12-character hex code (use colons or dashes as shown on the sticker).
• Verification Code: Complete the CAPTCHA to prove you’re not a robot.

Click “Submit”. The system will validate your inputs. If everything matches Hikvision’s database, you’ll receive a confirmation message.

Wait time: Usually, the unlock key is generated within 1–5 minutes. In rare cases, it may take up to 24 hours if Hikvision needs to manually verify your request (common for enterprise or bulk devices).

Once approved, you’ll receive an email with:

• A unique unlock code (a long alphanumeric string)
• Instructions for applying it
• A link to download the code as a TXT or KEY file (for USB method)

This is the heart of the how to reset Hikvision NVR password from serial number in 2026 process—the unlock key is mathematically tied to your device and can only be used once.

Step 4: Apply the Unlock Key to Your NVR

Now, you’ll enter the unlock key directly into your NVR. There are two methods, depending on your model and firmware version.

Method A: Web Browser (Most Common)

1. On your computer, open a browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
2. Enter the NVR’s IP address (e.g., http://192.168.1.100). If unsure, check your router’s connected devices list or use Hikvision’s iVMS-4200 software to scan your network.
3. On the login screen, click “Forgot Password”.
4. Enter the unlock key you received via email.
5. Click “Submit”.

Method B: USB Drive (For Older or Enterprise Models)

1. Download the unlock key file (usually named unlock.key or reset.txt) from the email.
2. Copy it to the root directory of a blank USB flash drive (FAT32 formatted).
3. Insert the USB into the NVR’s front or back USB port.
4. On the login screen, click “Forgot Password” → “Load from USB”.
5. The NVR will detect the file and apply the key automatically.

After submitting the key, the system will prompt you to create a new admin password. Choose a strong one (at least 8 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, and numbers).

Important: This is your new permanent admin password. Write it down or save it in a password manager immediately.

Step 5: Log In and Secure Your NVR

Once the new password is set, the NVR will return to the login screen. Enter your new credentials.

After logging in:

• Go to System → User Management and verify that the admin account is active.
• Check System → Maintenance → System Info to confirm the device is online and recording.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if available (in newer firmware).
• Set up email alerts for login attempts and system events.

Also, consider updating the NVR’s firmware to the latest version. Older versions may have security flaws or lack the “Forgot Password” feature entirely.

This final step ensures your system is not only accessible but also secure. The how to reset Hikvision NVR password from serial number in 2026 method is complete, but your responsibility to protect access continues.

Step 6: Troubleshoot If the Key Doesn’t Work

Sometimes, the unlock key fails. Here’s what to do:

Issue 1: “Invalid Unlock Key” Error

• Double-check the serial number and MAC address for typos.
• Ensure you’re using the correct unlock key (each is device-specific).
• Try copying and pasting the key instead of typing it.

Issue 2: NVR Doesn’t Recognize the USB

• Reformat the USB to FAT32 (not exFAT or NTFS).
• Ensure the file is in the root folder, not inside a subfolder.
• Try a different USB port or drive.

Issue 3: “Forgot Password” Link Missing

• Your NVR may be running outdated firmware. Update it via System → Maintenance → Upgrade.
• Some very old models (pre-2016) don’t support this feature. In that case, you may need to contact Hikvision support directly or perform a factory reset (see FAQs).

If none of these work, contact Hikvision support with your serial number and the error message. They can reissue the key or provide device-specific guidance.

Remember: The how to reset Hikvision NVR password from serial number in 2026 method is designed to be foolproof—but only if you follow each step precisely.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pro Tip #1: Always use the official Hikvision support portal. Third-party sites claiming to “generate unlock keys” are scams or malware traps.

Pro Tip #2: Keep a physical record of your NVR’s serial number and MAC address in a secure location (e.g., a locked drawer or safe). Digital backups can fail—paper doesn’t.

Pro Tip #3: After resetting, change the default IP address and disable UPnP if you’re on a public network. This prevents unauthorized access attempts.

Common Mistake #1: Using the wrong serial number. Some users confuse the camera serial number with the NVR’s. Only the NVR’s serial number works for this reset.

Common Mistake #2: Skipping the support account registration. Without it, you can’t generate the unlock key—even if you have the serial number.

Common Mistake #3: Not saving the new password. Many people reset the password but forget to write it down, leading to the same problem in a few months.

Common Mistake #4: Using a weak new password like “123456” or “admin.” This defeats the purpose of resetting. Use a unique, strong password.

Another insider tip: If you manage multiple Hikvision devices, consider using HikCentral Professional or iVMS-4200 to centralize user management. These tools let you reset passwords remotely and enforce password policies across your entire network.

The how to reset Hikvision NVR password from serial number in 2026 process is efficient, but it works best when paired with good security habits.

FAQs About How to Reset Hikvision NVR Password from Serial Number in 2026

Q1: Can I reset the password without the serial number?

Not easily. The serial number is required to generate the unlock key. If you can’t find it, try accessing the NVR’s local interface (via monitor) and clicking “Forgot Password” to see it displayed. As a last resort, contact Hikvision support with proof of purchase.

Q2: Does this method work on all Hikvision NVR models?

It works on most models released after 2016 with firmware 3.4.80 or higher. Older models (e.g., DS-7600 series with firmware below 3.4.80) may require a factory reset or direct support intervention. Always check your model and firmware version.

Q3: How long does the unlock key take to arrive?

Usually 1–5 minutes via email. In rare cases, Hikvision may take up to 24 hours to verify your request, especially for enterprise devices or bulk orders. Be patient and check your spam folder.

Q4: Can I use the same unlock key for multiple devices?

No. Each unlock key is mathematically tied to a single device’s serial number and MAC address. You must request a separate key for each NVR.

Q5: What if I don’t have internet access near the NVR?

You can still do it! Use a smartphone or laptop with mobile data to access the support portal, generate the key, and then apply it locally via USB or Wi-Fi hotspot. The NVR only needs local network access—not internet—to accept the key.

Q6: Is there a limit to how many times I can reset the password?

Hikvision doesn’t enforce a hard limit, but frequent reset requests may trigger security flags. If you’re resetting more than once a year, consider setting up user roles (e.g., viewer, operator) to reduce admin access needs.

Q7: What if I lose both the password and the serial number sticker?

If the sticker is missing, try retrieving the serial number from the NVR’s local interface (via “Forgot Password”). If the NVR won’t power on, contact Hikvision support with your purchase invoice and device photos. They may assist with verification.

These FAQs cover the most common hurdles in the how to reset Hikvision NVR password from serial number in 2026 process. Preparation and patience are key.

Final Thoughts

Losing access to your Hikvision NVR doesn’t have to mean downtime or expensive service calls. The how to reset Hikvision NVR password from serial number in 2026 method is a powerful, official, and free tool that puts control back in your hands.

By following the steps—finding your serial number, registering on the support portal, submitting the unlock request, and applying the key—you can restore access in under 30 minutes. No technical wizardry needed. Just attention to detail.

But don’t stop there. Use this reset as a wake-up call to improve your security practices:

• Store passwords securely.
• Update firmware regularly.
• Enable 2FA and email alerts.
• Back up configuration files.

Your NVR is more than a recording device—it’s a critical part of your security infrastructure. Treat it with care, and it will protect you for years.

Next time you’re locked out, remember: you’ve got the tools, the steps, and the knowledge to get back in fast. Bookmark this guide, save the support portal link, and keep your serial number handy. You’ve got this.

Stay secure, stay connected.