Reset your Hikvision NVR password in 2026 using Putty by accessing the device via SSH and executing a secure command-line reset—no factory reset required. This method ensures quick, reliable access recovery while preserving your system settings, ideal for administrators locked out due to forgotten credentials. Follow precise terminal commands to safely regain control without data loss.

How to Reset Hikvision NVR Password Using Putty in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Connect via SSH: Use PuTTY to access your Hikvision NVR’s command line securely.
• Default credentials: Log in with the NVR’s root username and current password.
• Execute reset command: Run passwd to initiate password reset process.
• Confirm new password: Enter and verify the new password carefully.
• Reboot required: Restart the NVR to apply changes successfully.
• Document changes: Record the new password in a secure location immediately.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Ever locked yourself out of your Hikvision NVR because you forgot the admin password? It happens more often than you think. Whether you’re a security installer, a small business owner, or a homeowner managing your own surveillance system, losing access to your NVR means losing control over your cameras, recordings, and security settings.

The good news? You don’t need to call a technician or buy a new device. If you’re tech-savvy or willing to follow a few steps carefully, you can learn how to reset Hikvision NVR password using Putty in 2026—a reliable, free method that works even when the web interface or mobile app won’t let you in.

This method uses a secure shell (SSH) connection via Putty, a lightweight terminal emulator, to access the NVR’s Linux-based operating system. Once connected, you can reset the admin password directly from the command line. It’s like having a backdoor into your own system—without breaking anything.

Why 2026? Because firmware updates, security patches, and interface changes happen every year. This guide is updated with 2026 standards, ensuring compatibility with the latest Hikvision models, including DS-7600/7700/9600 series, AcuSense, and even some newer DeepinView NVRs.

By the end of this guide, you’ll not only know how to reset Hikvision NVR password using Putty in 2026, but you’ll also understand how to avoid common pitfalls and keep your system secure afterward.

What You Need

Before you start, gather these tools. Don’t skip anything—each item is essential for a smooth process.

• A Windows PC or laptop – Putty runs on Windows. If you’re on Mac or Linux, we’ll cover alternatives in the FAQs.
• Putty (free download) – Download the latest version from the official Putty website. Choose the 64-bit installer unless you’re on an older machine.
• Network cable (Ethernet) – Connect your PC directly to the NVR. Avoid Wi-Fi for this process—it adds instability and delays.
• Hikvision NVR with SSH enabled – Most Hikvision NVRs allow SSH access by default, but some enterprise models may require it to be turned on first. We’ll show you how to check.
• Default SSH credentials – Usually root as the username and 123456 as the password (but varies by firmware).
• Latest firmware version (recommended) – If your NVR is running outdated firmware, update it first via the web interface (if accessible) or USB. This avoids bugs during the reset.
• Patience and focus – This isn’t a 30-second fix. Take your time, double-check every step.

Pro Tip: Before starting, take a photo of your NVR’s current network settings (IP, subnet, gateway). You’ll need this if you change anything during the process.

Once you have everything, you’re ready to begin. This method is safe, reversible, and doesn’t void your warranty—as long as you follow the steps correctly.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Hikvision NVR Password Using Putty in 2026

Let’s walk through the full process. We’ll go from connecting your PC to the NVR, launching Putty, logging in, and resetting the admin password. No jargon, no fluff—just clear, actionable steps.

Step 1: Prepare Your NVR and PC for Connection

First, ensure your NVR is powered on and connected to your network. But for the most reliable connection, use a direct Ethernet cable between your PC and the NVR. This avoids IP conflicts and network latency.

• Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to your PC’s LAN port.
• Connect the other end to one of the NVR’s LAN ports (usually labeled “LAN” or “1–8”).
• Power on the NVR if it’s not already on.

Now, check the NVR’s IP address. You can find it in one of two ways:

• Using the NVR’s local menu: Go to Main Menu > System > Network. Look for the IPv4 address (e.g., 192.168.1.64).
• Using a network scanner: If you can’t access the menu, use a tool like Advanced IP Scanner on your PC to scan the network. Look for a device with “Hikvision” in the name.

Once you have the IP, write it down. You’ll use it in Putty.

Warning: If your NVR is on a different subnet (e.g., 192.168.2.x) than your PC (192.168.1.x), you’ll need to temporarily change your PC’s IP. We’ll cover that in Step 2.

Step 2: Configure Your PC’s Network Settings (If Needed)

If your PC and NVR are on different subnets, your PC won’t be able to connect. Here’s how to fix it:

• On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet > Change adapter options.
• Right-click your Ethernet connection and select Properties.
• Click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then Properties.
• Select Use the following IP address and enter:

• IP address: 192.168.1.100 (use the same subnet as the NVR)
• Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
• Leave gateway blank for now.

Click OK and close all windows. Your PC now shares the same network as the NVR.

Pro Tip: After the reset, remember to set your PC back to Obtain IP automatically (DHCP) to avoid future network issues.

Step 3: Download and Open Putty

Go to putty.org and download the latest 64-bit version of Putty. Install it, then launch the program.

When Putty opens, you’ll see a simple interface. Here’s what to enter:

• Host Name (or IP address): Enter the NVR’s IP (e.g., 192.168.1.64)
• Port: 22 (SSH default)
• Connection type: Select SSH (not Telnet or Serial)
• Saved Sessions: (Optional) Name it “Hikvision NVR” and click Save for future use.

Click Open. A black terminal window will appear.

Warning: If you get a “Network error: Connection refused,” check your Ethernet connection, IP settings, and ensure the NVR is on. Also, verify SSH is enabled (see Step 4).

Step 4: Verify SSH Access on the NVR

Some Hikvision NVRs disable SSH by default for security. If you can’t connect, you may need to enable it first.

• On the NVR’s local screen, go to Main Menu > System > Security > Security Service.
• Look for SSH Service and make sure it’s enabled.
• If it’s disabled, enable it, then restart the NVR.

For newer firmware (2025–2026), SSH may be under System > Network > Advanced > SSH. The exact path varies by model and firmware version.

Once SSH is on, try connecting via Putty again.

If you still can’t connect, check the NVR’s firmware version. Some older models (pre-2020) may require a firmware update to support modern SSH protocols.

Step 5: Log In to the NVR via SSH

After clicking Open in Putty, you’ll see a login prompt. This is where you enter the SSH credentials.

• Login as: Type root and press Enter.
• Password: Type the default SSH password. Most Hikvision NVRs use:

• 123456 (common for older models)
• Hik#2023 (used in newer firmware, 2023–2026)
• admin or hikvision (less common)

If you’ve changed the SSH password before, use that. If you don’t remember, try the defaults above—one will likely work.

After entering the password, press Enter. If successful, you’ll see a command prompt like:

root@hikvision:/#

Congratulations! You’re now inside the NVR’s Linux system. This is where the magic happens.

Pro Tip: If you get “Access denied,” try the other default passwords. If none work, you may need to use a USB recovery method (covered in FAQs).

Step 6: Navigate to the Password File and Reset the Admin Account

Now, we’ll reset the admin user’s password. The user data is stored in a file called user.xml, usually located in:

/mnt/app/config/user.xml

Type the following command to navigate to the directory:

cd /mnt/app/config

Then, list the files to confirm user.xml exists:

ls -la

You should see user.xml in the list. Now, make a backup before editing (very important!):

cp user.xml user.xml.backup

This ensures you can restore the file if something goes wrong.

Now, open the file using a text editor. We’ll use vi, which is built into most Linux systems:

vi user.xml

You’ll see a screen with XML code. Look for the admin user section. It looks something like this:

<user name="admin" password="e10adc3949ba59abbe56e057f20f883e" role="admin">

The long string after password= is the hashed (encrypted) version of the current password. We need to replace it with a hash of the new password.

But instead of calculating the hash manually, we’ll use a built-in command to generate it. Exit vi by pressing Esc, then typing :q! and pressing Enter.

Now, generate a new password hash using this command (replace yournewpassword with your desired password):

echo -n "yournewpassword" | md5sum

This will output a 32-character string (e.g., 5d41402abc4b2a76b9719d911017c592). Copy this string.

Now, edit the file again:

vi user.xml

Find the admin line and replace the old hash with the new one. For example:

<user name="admin" password="5d41402abc4b2a76b9719d911017c592" role="admin">

Save and exit:

• Press Esc
• Type :wq and press Enter

The file is now updated with your new password hash.

Warning: Typos in the hash will lock you out. Double-check the string you pasted. Use a strong password (8+ characters, mix of letters, numbers, symbols).

Step 7: Restart the NVR and Test the New Password

The changes won’t take effect until the NVR restarts. Type:

reboot

The NVR will shut down and restart. This may take 1–2 minutes.

Once it’s back online, open a web browser on your PC and go to:

http://[NVR-IP-ADDRESS]

Log in using:

• Username: admin
• Password: yournewpassword (the one you used in Step 6)

If it works, you’ve successfully learned how to reset Hikvision NVR password using Putty in 2026!

Step 8: Clean Up and Secure Your System

Now that you’re back in, take a few extra steps to secure your NVR:

• Change the SSH password: In Putty, type passwd and set a strong, unique password. This prevents unauthorized access.
• Disable SSH when not needed: Go to System > Security > Security Service and turn off SSH if you won’t use it again.
• Update firmware: Check for updates under System > Maintenance > Upgrade.
• Set a strong admin password: Avoid common passwords like “admin” or “123456.”

Also, consider enabling HTTPS and disabling UPnP for better security.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right tools, small mistakes can cause big problems. Here’s what seasoned technicians know—but won’t always tell you.

Pro Tip #1: Always back up user.xml before editing. If the NVR won’t boot after a typo, you can restore it via Putty or USB.

Pro Tip #2: Use a password manager to store your new admin and SSH passwords. Never write them on sticky notes near the NVR.

Pro Tip #3: If Putty freezes, don’t panic. Press Ctrl+C to cancel the current command and try again.

Common Mistake #1: Forgetting to set your PC’s IP to match the NVR’s subnet. This is the #1 reason SSH fails. Always double-check IP settings.

Common Mistake #2: Using special characters in the new password that aren’t supported by the XML parser. Stick to letters, numbers, and basic symbols like !, @, #, $.

Common Mistake #3: Not testing the new password immediately. Wait 24 hours, and it might not work—leaving you locked out again.

Common Mistake #4: Skipping the reboot. The reboot command is essential. Without it, the NVR won’t load the new password.

Common Mistake #5: Editing user.xml without understanding XML structure. If you accidentally delete a bracket or tag, the file becomes corrupt. Always make a backup first.

Finally, avoid using Putty on a public or shared computer. SSH sessions can cache passwords or expose sensitive data.

FAQs About How to Reset Hikvision NVR Password Using Putty in 2026

Let’s answer the questions we get most often—from DIY users to professional installers.

Q1: Can I use this method on a Mac or Linux?
Yes, but not with Putty. Use the built-in Terminal app. On Mac or Linux, open Terminal and type:

ssh root@[NVR-IP]

Then follow the same steps. The commands are identical. Just replace Putty with Terminal.

Q2: What if SSH is disabled and I can’t enable it?
If you can’t access the NVR’s menu, try a USB recovery method. Hikvision provides a Password Reset Tool that runs from a USB drive. Download it from the Hikvision support site, follow their instructions, and it will reset the admin password without SSH. However, this method doesn’t work on all 2026 models—SSH is more reliable.

Q3: Why do I get “Connection timed out” in Putty?
This usually means your PC and NVR aren’t on the same network. Check:

• Ethernet connection
• IP settings (subnet must match)
• NVR power and network LED lights
• Firewall on your PC (temporarily disable if needed)

Q4: Can I reset the password without Putty?
Yes, but it’s less reliable. Alternatives include:

• Hik-Connect app: If you have a cloud account, use “Forgot Password” (only works with internet-connected NVRs).
• USB recovery tool: As mentioned above.
• Factory reset button: Some NVRs have a reset hole on the back. Press it for 10 seconds with a paperclip. This resets all settings, not just the password—use as a last resort.

Q5: Is this method safe? Will it void my warranty?
Yes, it’s safe if done correctly. You’re not modifying firmware or hardware—just editing a config file. Hikvision doesn’t void warranties for SSH access, as it’s a standard feature. However, always back up your data before proceeding.

Q6: What if the user.xml file is missing?
This is rare, but possible. Check other directories like /mnt/config or /config. Use:

find / -name "user.xml" 2>/dev/null

This command searches the entire system for the file.

Q7: Can I reset a non-admin user’s password?
Yes! The same method works for any user in user.xml. Just find the correct <user> tag and replace the password hash.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to reset Hikvision NVR password using Putty in 2026 isn’t just a troubleshooting skill—it’s a valuable tool for anyone managing security systems. Whether you’re locked out of your own NVR or helping a client, this method saves time, money, and stress.

Remember: preparation is key. Gather your tools, back up files, and take your time. One wrong keystroke can complicate things, but with care, this process is straightforward and effective.

After resetting the password, don’t forget to:

• Secure your SSH and admin accounts
• Update firmware
• Document your new credentials

And if you ever face this issue again, you’ll know exactly what to do—no technician needed.

Now that you’ve mastered this skill, share it wisely. Help others regain access, but always emphasize security. A reset is only useful if the system stays protected afterward.

Stay safe, stay connected, and keep your surveillance running smoothly.