How to Reset a Hikvision IP Camera: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hikvision IP cameras are widely used for home and business security due to their reliability and feature-rich nature. However, like any tech device, there may be times when you need to reset your camera to its factory default settings. This can help resolve technical issues or allow you to reconfigure the camera for a different network.

In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps to reset your Hikvision IP camera safely and effectively. Whether you’re troubleshooting a problem or setting up the camera from scratch, this guide will help you reset the camera and get back on track.

Why You Might Need to Reset Your Hikvision IP Camera

Resetting an IP camera should not be your first step when troubleshooting, but it’s sometimes necessary for the following reasons:

• Forgotten password: If you've lost the password to your camera and can’t access it, a reset will restore the default login credentials.
• Network changes: If the camera is not responding after a change in network configuration or if you're moving it to a new network.
• Performance issues: Resetting can solve issues like freezing, connectivity problems, or malfunctioning software.
• Reconfiguration: You might want to clear previous settings and start fresh.

Now that we know when a reset is necessary, let’s move on to how you can do it.

Step-by-Step Process to Reset a Hikvision IP Camera

1. Identify Your Hikvision Camera Model

Before starting the reset process, it’s essential to identify which model of Hikvision camera you have. Hikvision has a variety of camera models, and while many follow similar reset procedures, it’s always best to refer to the user manual or Hikvision’s official website for model-specific information.

2. Locate the Reset Button

Many Hikvision IP cameras have a physical reset button, which is usually located under a cover or near the SD card slot. For dome or bullet cameras, you may need to remove the camera's housing to access the button. Some models don’t have an external reset button, and resetting them will require accessing the camera’s software interface.

3. Power Off the Camera

Before pressing the reset button, make sure to power off the camera. Unplug the power cable or disconnect it from your network (if using PoE – Power over Ethernet).

4. Hold the Reset Button

While the camera is powered off, press and hold the reset button. While holding the button, reconnect the power cable or PoE. Continue holding the button for about 10–15 seconds after the power is restored.

5. Release the Reset Button

After 10–15 seconds, release the reset button. The camera should now begin the process of rebooting. This can take a few minutes. The camera will reset to its factory settings, including the default IP address, login credentials, and network configurations.

6. Reconfigure the Camera

Once the camera has been reset and rebooted, you will need to reconfigure it:

• IP Address: The camera will likely revert to its default IP address. You can find the default IP address in your camera's user manual, but it's usually something like 192.168.1.64.
• Username and Password: The default login credentials for most Hikvision IP cameras are:
  • Username: admin
  • Password: 12345 or admin123 (for newer models, you might be required to create a new password during setup).

You can use Hikvision’s SADP tool (Search Active Devices Protocol) to discover the camera on your local network and reconfigure its IP address.

7. Re-add the Camera to Your NVR or Monitoring Software

If you're using a Network Video Recorder (NVR) or third-party monitoring software, you will need to re-add the camera using the new settings. This includes inputting the new IP address and login credentials.

Resetting a Hikvision Camera Without a Reset Button

If your Hikvision IP camera does not have a physical reset button, you can reset it via the software interface using the following steps:

1. Login to the Camera’s Web Interface: Access the camera’s web interface by entering its IP address into your browser.
2. Navigate to Maintenance Settings: Once logged in, go to the "Maintenance" or "Configuration" tab.
3. Reset to Factory Defaults: Look for an option that says "Restore" or "Default Settings," and click it to reset the camera. Some cameras might also have a soft reset option, where network settings are retained but other configurations are wiped.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your Hikvision IP camera is a straightforward process, but it's important to remember that resetting will erase all configurations. Always make sure you have a backup of your settings or note them down, especially if you’re resetting the camera for troubleshooting.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to reset your camera and restore it to factory settings without any issues. If you encounter any problems during the process, consult your camera’s user manual or reach out to Hikvision’s technical support for assistance.

Happy troubleshooting, and good luck with your security setup!