How to Reset a Forgotten Hikvision CCTV Password on IP Cameras, NVRs and DVRs

Forgetting your CCTV password can completely lock you out of your security system. Whether you are using a Hikvision IP camera, DVR, or NVR, losing the admin password can prevent live viewing, playback, remote access, camera setup, and mobile app access.

The good news is that Hikvision provides several official password recovery methods. Depending on your device model, firmware version, and setup configuration, you can recover access through Hik-Connect verification, recovery email, security questions, GUID files, SADP Tool XML reset, or physical reset buttons.

This guide explains all available Hikvision password reset solutions in simple language that homeowners, businesses, technicians, offices, schools, apartments, and shop owners can easily understand.

Why Hikvision Password Problems Are Common

Many users experience password issues because:

The installer never shared the admin password.
The password was changed and forgotten.
The CCTV system was inherited from a previous owner.
The device has not been used for years.
Browser-saved passwords were deleted.
The recorder was linked to another Hik-Connect account.
Someone entered the wrong password too many times and froze the account.

Modern Hikvision devices no longer use simple default passwords like “12345” or “admin.” During activation, users are required to create a strong password for security reasons.

Official Hikvision Password Reset Methods

Hikvision currently supports several official password recovery options. However, not every device supports all methods.

The available reset options depend on:

Firmware version.
Device series.
Recovery settings configured during setup.
Whether the device is online.

According to Hikvision, the main supported reset methods are:

Hik-Connect verification.
Reserved email recovery.
Security questions.
GUID file recovery.
XML file reset using SADP Tool.

Method 1: Reset Hikvision Password Using Hik-Connect App

This is one of the easiest recovery methods available today.

How It Works

If the device was linked to a Hik-Connect account, the system can generate a QR code that is scanned using the Hik-Connect mobile app.

After verification, you can create a new password.

Steps

Open the DVR, NVR, or camera login screen.
Click “Forgot Password.”
Select “Verify by Hik-Connect.”
Open the Hik-Connect mobile app.
Scan the QR code shown on the device.
Enter the verification code.
Create a new password.

Requirements

The device must already be added to the Hik-Connect account.
The recorder or camera must be online.
The Hik-Connect account must still be accessible.

Method 2: Reset Using Reserved Email

Some Hikvision systems allow password recovery through a registered recovery email.

Steps

Click “Forgot Password.”
Select “Reserved Email Verification.”
A verification code will be sent to the configured email address.
Enter the code.
Create a new password.

Common Problem

Many installers skip configuring recovery email during setup. If no reserved email was added earlier, this method will not work.

Method 3: Reset Using Security Questions

Some newer Hikvision devices support security question recovery.

Example Questions

What is your favorite food?
What is your hometown?
What is your first school?

Steps

Select “Security Questions.”
Answer the questions correctly.
Create a new password.

Important

This method works only if security questions were configured during initial setup.

Method 4: Reset Using GUID File

Certain Hikvision devices allow users to export a GUID file during activation.

The GUID file works like a recovery backup file for future password resets.

Steps

Click “Forgot Password.”
Select “GUID File Verification.”
Upload the saved GUID file.
Create a new password.

Important

Most users never save the GUID recovery file, making this method less common in real-world situations.

Method 5: Reset Hikvision Password Using SADP Tool and XML File

This is the most widely used professional recovery method for Hikvision recorders and IP cameras.

What Is SADP Tool?

SADP Tool stands for Search Active Device Protocol. It is Hikvision software used to:

Detect devices on the network.
Change IP addresses.
Export password reset files.
Recover forgotten passwords.

What You Need

A Windows computer.
SADP Tool installed.
The CCTV device connected to the same network.
Stable power during the process.

Step-by-Step XML Reset Process

Step 1: Open SADP Tool

The software automatically scans the network and detects Hikvision devices.

Step 2: Select the Device

Choose the IP camera, DVR, or NVR you want to recover.

Step 3: Click “Forgot Password”

The system will generate:

An XML file.
A QR code.
Or a reset string.

Step 4: Send the File to Support

The exported file is sent to Hikvision support or an authorized distributor.

Step 5: Receive the Reset File

Support sends back:

An encrypted XML file.
Or a reset key.

Step 6: Import the File

Import the returned file into SADP Tool and create a new password.

Important Things to Know About XML Reset

According to technicians and Hikvision users online:

The exported XML file normally expires after one day.
The returned reset file also expires quickly.
Restarting the recorder during reset can fail the process.
SADP Tool may need administrator permissions.

Method 6: Reset Hikvision IP Cameras Using Physical Reset Button

Many Hikvision IP cameras include a small hardware reset button.

Where the Reset Button Is Found

It is commonly located:

Under the SD card cover.
Inside the camera housing.
Near internal connectors.

Steps

Power on the camera.
Press and hold the reset button for about 10–15 seconds.
Wait for the camera to reboot.
Activate the camera again using a new password.

Important

Not all Hikvision cameras include physical reset buttons.

Can Hikvision DVRs and NVRs Be Factory Reset?

This is one of the most searched CCTV questions online.

In most cases:

Hikvision DVRs and NVRs do NOT have physical factory reset buttons.
Password reset usually requires software recovery methods instead.

Hikvision Account Frozen After Wrong Password Attempts

If the wrong password is entered multiple times:

The admin account may temporarily freeze.
Local login may stop working.
Hik-Connect may still function.

Usually, waiting for the lockout timer or performing official password recovery solves the issue.

Hikvision Device Bound to Another Hik-Connect Account

Another major issue happens when:

A used DVR or NVR is still linked to the previous owner’s Hik-Connect account.

In such cases:

Password reset alone may not remove account binding.
Manual unbinding may require the original account owner or official support assistance.

This is very common with second-hand CCTV systems.

Common Hikvision Password Reset Errors

“Failed to Get the Key”

Possible causes:

Network communication failure.
Firewall blocking SADP.
Device timeout.
Computer permission issues.

“Forgot Password” Option Missing

Older firmware versions may:

Display different menus.
Require firmware upgrades.
Require distributor assistance.

Device Not Detected in SADP

Possible causes:

Faulty network cable.
Wrong IP range.
Device powered off.
Switch or router problem.

Best Practices to Avoid Future Hikvision Password Problems

Save Passwords Properly

Use:

Password managers.
Secure maintenance records.
Authorized administrator access.

Configure Recovery Methods

Always enable:

Hik-Connect account verification.
Reserved recovery email.
Security questions.

Use Strong Passwords

Hikvision recommends passwords with:

Uppercase letters.
Lowercase letters.
Numbers.
Special characters.

Avoid:

“12345”
“admin”
Phone numbers.
Business names.

Final Thoughts

Forgetting a Hikvision CCTV password does not necessarily mean replacing the recorder or cameras.

Modern Hikvision systems provide several official recovery options including:

Hik-Connect verification.
Reserved email recovery.
Security questions.
GUID file recovery.
SADP XML reset process.

For IP cameras, some models also support physical reset buttons.

The best recovery method depends on:

Device type.
Firmware version.
Recovery settings configured during installation.

If the reset process becomes difficult, it is safer to contact a qualified CCTV technician to avoid losing settings, recordings, or remote access configuration.

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