Locked out of your Hikvision camera. Forgot the admin password. Moving a camera from one site to another and need to start fresh. These are the three most common reasons people need to reset a Hikvision camera, and all three have a clean solution.
This guide covers every reset method available for Hikvision IP cameras in 2026: the physical reset button, the web browser interface, the NVR menu, and the SADP tool. It also covers what to do after the reset so you are not locked out again five minutes later.
Work through the methods in order. Start with the one that fits your situation. If one does not apply, skip to the next.
Before You Start: What a Reset Actually Does
A factory reset returns the camera to the state it left the factory. That means:
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All custom settings are wiped, including network configuration, video settings, motion detection zones, and recording schedules
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The admin password is cleared, and the camera returns to an inactive state requiring a new password to be set
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Any footage stored on an SD card inside the camera is not affected by a reset (the card retains its recordings)
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The camera's IP address may also reset to its default, so your NVR or video management software will need to rediscover it
If you only need to reset the password and not the entire configuration, the SADP method below offers a password reset without wiping all settings. Read through all methods before you start so you pick the right one.
Important: Resetting a camera does not reset the NVR it is connected to. The NVR has its own separate reset process covered further down. Each device is reset independently.
Method 1: Physical Reset Button (Hard Reset)
This is the most reliable method and works even if you have no network access and no idea what the camera's IP address is. It requires physical access to the camera itself.
What You Need
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Physical access to the camera
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A paperclip, pin, or small flathead screwdriver
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Power connected to the camera
Where Is the Reset Button?
The reset button location varies by camera model. Common locations include:
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Dome cameras: Inside the camera housing, near the SD card slot or along the cable connector side. You may need to remove the outer dome cover with a small screwdriver to access it.
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Bullet cameras: On the underside of the body, sometimes behind a rubber cover or near the cable exit point.
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Turret cameras: Behind a small screw-cap near the microSD slot, typically on the underside.
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PTZ cameras: Usually accessible through the access panel or near the cable connections at the base.
If you cannot locate the button, check the physical installation guide that came with the camera or search the Hikvision support portal at hikvision.com/en/support using your exact model number.
Steps
Step 1: Confirm the camera is powered on. The reset button must be pressed while the camera has power. Do not disconnect power during this process.
Step 2: Using a paperclip or pin, locate and press the reset button. Do not press yet, just find it first.
Step 3: Press and hold the reset button firmly. Most Hikvision cameras require the button to be held for between 10 and 90 seconds depending on the model. The most commonly referenced duration across current models is approximately 15 seconds for newer hardware and up to 90 seconds for older or outdoor models.
Step 4: Keep holding. The camera's indicator light (if visible) will typically flash or change colour during the process. On some models you will hear a click or a relay sound when the reset initiates.
Step 5: Release the button and wait. The camera will reboot automatically. This takes approximately 60 to 90 seconds.
Step 6: After rebooting, the camera will show as Inactive in the SADP tool or in your NVR. This confirms the reset worked. You will need to set a new password before the camera becomes accessible again.
Method 2: Reset via Web Browser Interface
This method works if you still have valid admin credentials for the camera and want to restore factory defaults through the camera's built-in web interface. It is also the recommended approach if you want to reset specific settings rather than wiping everything.
What You Need
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A computer on the same network as the camera
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The camera's IP address
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Valid admin username and password
Steps
Step 1: Open a web browser (Internet Explorer or a compatible browser with the Hikvision web plugin installed, or a Hikvision-supported browser like the iVMS-4200 web interface). Navigate to the camera's IP address.
Step 2: Log in with your admin credentials. The default username is admin and the default password is either blank or set during initial activation, depending on the firmware version.
Step 3: Navigate to Configuration in the top menu.
Step 4: Go to System, then select Maintenance.
Step 5: You will see two options:
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Restore: Resets most parameters to default but retains the network configuration and the IP address. This is the safer option if you want to keep the camera on the same network.
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Default: Full factory reset. Resets all parameters including network settings. The camera will need to be rediscovered on the network after this.
Step 6: Click the option you need and confirm when prompted. The camera will reboot.
Step 7: After rebooting, log back in. If you chose Default, you will need to set a new password during the activation process before the camera is accessible.
Note: Hikvision officially recommends using the Restore option rather than Default if you are troubleshooting configuration issues remotely, as it preserves the network settings and keeps the camera reachable after the reset.
Method 3: Reset via NVR (Network Video Recorder)
If the camera is connected to a Hikvision NVR and you have admin access to the NVR, you can reset the camera through the NVR interface without needing to physically access the camera or know its individual IP address.
What You Need
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Access to the Hikvision NVR (connected monitor or remote access via iVMS-4200)
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Admin credentials for the NVR
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The camera must be currently online and connected to the NVR
Steps
Step 1: Log into the NVR with admin credentials. From the live view screen, right-click to bring up the main menu.
Step 2: Go to Camera Management (sometimes listed as Channel Management depending on NVR firmware version).
Step 3: Select the camera you want to reset from the channel list.
Step 4: Click on the camera and look for the Remote Configuration or Camera Settings option.
Step 5: Navigate to System, then Maintenance, then select Default or Restore as appropriate (same distinction as the web browser method above).
Step 6: Confirm the reset. The camera will reboot remotely. The NVR will temporarily show the channel as offline during the reboot.
Step 7: After the camera comes back online, it may require reactivation if a full Default reset was performed. The NVR should prompt you to set a new password for the camera at this stage.
Method 4: Reset via SADP Tool (Password Reset Without Full Wipe)
The SADP (Search Active Device Protocol) tool is free software from Hikvision that runs on Windows and Mac. It discovers all Hikvision devices on the same local network and allows password resets without requiring a full factory reset.
This is the best method when you have forgotten the admin password but want to keep all your camera settings intact.
What You Need
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A Windows or Mac computer connected to the same network as the camera
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The SADP tool installed (download from the official Hikvision tools page)
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For newer firmware cameras: access to the registered email address for the camera, or a security code provided by Hikvision support
Downloading the SADP Tool
Download the SADP tool directly from Hikvision's official support portal:
Official download: hikvision.com/en/support/tools
Select SADP from the HiTools list. As of 2026, Hikvision has announced that SADP will transition to a newer tool called HiTools Delivery from April 2026 onward. HiTools Delivery offers the same device discovery and password reset functions plus additional features. Both are available from the same official support page.
Always download from the official Hikvision website. Third-party download sites distribute modified versions that may contain malware or outdated builds.
Steps
Step 1: Install and open the SADP tool on your computer. Make sure the computer is on the same physical network as the Hikvision camera (connected to the same switch or router).
Step 2: SADP will automatically scan and list all Hikvision devices it finds on the network. Wait for the scan to complete, usually 30 to 60 seconds.
Step 3: Find your camera in the list. Note its current status. If it shows as Active, you can proceed with a password reset. If it shows as Inactive, the camera has already been reset and needs activation, not a password reset.
Step 4: Select the camera by checking the box next to it. On the right side panel, look for the Forgot Password or Reset Password option.
Step 5: SADP will generate a reset request file or display a QR code. Export this file or note the device serial number shown.
Step 6: For newer Hikvision cameras with enhanced security firmware, you will need to use the Hikvision online password reset portal or contact Hikvision technical support with the device serial number to receive an authorisation code. This step was introduced as a security measure to prevent unauthorised password resets on active devices.
Step 7: Enter the authorisation code into SADP when prompted. Set a new password for the camera. The camera remains active and all settings are retained.
How to Reset a Hikvision NVR (Separate Process)
As noted above, resetting cameras and resetting the NVR are separate operations. If you need to reset the NVR itself:
Step 1: Log into the NVR with admin credentials. Go to System, then Maintenance.
Step 2: Select Factory Default. This will wipe all NVR settings including channel configurations, recording schedules, user accounts, and network settings. Footage on the hard drive is not deleted.
Step 3: Confirm the reset. The NVR will reboot and return to the initial setup wizard.
For NVRs with a physical reset button: Some Hikvision NVR models have a small reset button on the rear panel. Hold it for 10 seconds while the unit is powered on. The NVR will reboot to factory defaults.
After resetting the NVR, cameras that were previously added will need to be re-added and configured. A full NVR reset is a significant operation, so confirm this is actually necessary before proceeding.
After the Reset: What to Do Next
A factory reset leaves the camera in an Inactive state. Before it will accept any connections or appear in your NVR, you need to activate it with a new password. Skipping this step is not an option because Hikvision cameras will not operate without an admin password set.
Setting a New Password
Open the SADP tool. The camera should appear as Inactive. Select it and click Activate. Set a strong password that meets Hikvision's requirements: minimum 8 characters, combining uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters.
Write this password down and store it somewhere secure. The most common reason people end up doing a factory reset in the first place is a forgotten password. A password manager is worth using for all your security device credentials.
Reconnecting to Your NVR
After activation, open your NVR and go to Camera Management. Add the camera using its IP address (which SADP will show you) and the new admin credentials. If the NVR and camera are on the same subnet, the NVR may detect it automatically as an unmanaged device.
Reconfiguring Camera Settings
If you performed a full Default reset, all recording schedules, motion detection zones, image settings, and video quality parameters are gone and need to be reconfigured. If you used the Restore option, only the specific parameters were reset and most of your configuration will still be in place.
This is also a good time to note your camera's serial number and activation details somewhere accessible for future reference.
Common Problems and What to Do
Camera does not appear in SADP after reset: Confirm the computer running SADP is connected to the same physical network switch or router as the camera. SADP discovers devices on the local network, not across subnets. Check that the computer's firewall is not blocking SADP (Windows Firewall sometimes does this on first run).
Reset button does not seem to work: Confirm the camera is powered on during the reset attempt. Some models require the button to be held for a full 90 seconds. If the button is genuinely unresponsive, the camera may have a hardware fault or the reset mechanism may have failed. Contact Hikvision technical support with the model number and serial number.
Camera shows as Inactive but will not activate: The camera may be on a different subnet to the SADP computer. Check the IP address shown in SADP and confirm both devices are on the same subnet. Some enterprise network setups with VLANs or managed switches prevent SADP from reaching devices on other segments.
Forgot the NVR password and cannot access the camera settings menu: The NVR password reset process is separate. Most Hikvision NVR models allow a password reset via SADP in the same way as cameras. If the NVR has an active GUID (a security feature on newer models), you will need to contact Hikvision technical support with the device serial number.
The web browser method shows a blank page or plugin error: Hikvision's camera web interface requires a specific web plugin on older firmware. Internet Explorer with ActiveX enabled was the traditional requirement. On newer Hikvision firmware, the web interface works in Chrome or Firefox without a plugin. If you are getting plugin errors, check the camera's firmware version and consult the Hikvision compatibility guide on their support portal.
Useful Official References
All technical documentation and tools referenced in this guide are available directly from Hikvision:
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SADP and HiTools Delivery download: hikvision.com/en/support/tools
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Official Hikvision support portal: hikvision.com/en/support
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Product user manuals by model: Search your specific model number on the Hikvision support portal to download the exact installation and user guide for your hardware
For Australian-specific support and product queries, Hikvision Australia can be reached through their local distributor network.
FAQs: Resetting Hikvision Cameras
Will a factory reset delete my camera footage?
No. A factory reset wipes the camera's configuration settings but does not format or erase the SD card inside the camera. Footage stored on an SD card is retained. Footage stored on an NVR hard drive is also unaffected by resetting the camera.
What is the default password for a Hikvision camera after reset?
After a factory reset, Hikvision cameras do not have a usable default password. The camera enters an Inactive state and requires you to set a new admin password during the activation process before it will function. This was a security change introduced across Hikvision firmware several years ago. Cameras no longer ship with a blank or shared default password.
How long do I hold the reset button?
It varies by model. Newer Hikvision cameras typically require 10 to 15 seconds. Some older models and certain outdoor cameras require up to 90 seconds. Check your specific model's user manual for the confirmed duration. If you are unsure, hold for a full 30 seconds as a reasonable starting point for most models.
Can I reset a Hikvision camera remotely without physical access?
Yes, using either the web browser method (if you have valid credentials) or the NVR method (if the camera is connected to a Hikvision NVR). Password resets without full configuration wipe can also be done remotely via the SADP tool and the Hikvision password reset portal.
What is the difference between Restore and Default in the Hikvision menu?
Restore resets most configuration parameters but keeps the camera's network settings including its IP address. The camera stays reachable on the network after the reset. Default performs a complete factory reset including network settings, so the camera will need to be rediscovered on the network afterward. Use Restore for troubleshooting; use Default when fully reconfiguring a camera for a new location or new owner.
Does resetting one camera reset my whole system?
No. Each camera is an independent device. Resetting one camera has no effect on other cameras, the NVR, or the recording system. You reset each device individually.
Conclusion
Resetting a Hikvision camera is a straightforward process once you know which method applies to your situation. Physical reset button for locked-out hardware with no network access. Web browser for a clean reconfiguration with valid credentials. NVR menu for a remote reset without touching the camera. SADP tool for a password recovery without losing your settings.
Whichever method you use, set a strong unique password during reactivation and store it somewhere you will actually find it next time. The reset process itself takes minutes. Preventing the next one takes even less.
