Forgot your Hikvision NVR password? Don’t factory reset or format the recorder. Select Forgot Password on the NVR login screen. Depending on the model and firmware, you may be able to recover access using Hik-Connect, security questions, reserved email, a GUID file, HiTools Delivery or Hikvision’s official support process.

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Forgotten the administrator password for your Hikvision NVR? Don’t panic. In many cases, you can reset the password without losing your CCTV recordings or changing your camera configuration.

The exact method depends on your Hikvision NVR model, firmware version and which password-recovery options were configured when the recorder was activated.

Hikvision currently supports several password-reset methods, including Hik-Connect/account verification, reserved email, security questions and GUID files on compatible devices. For devices that don’t support those self-service options, a reset request can be generated using Hikvision’s tools and submitted to Hikvision support.

Quick answer: Start at the NVR login screen and select Forgot Password. Use whichever verification method your recorder offers. If no usable recovery method is available, the NVR may need to be reset through Hikvision’s official support process.

🟧 The 4 Main Ways to Reset a Hikvision NVR Password

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1. Hik-Connect verification

If the NVR is associated with a Hik-Connect account, some compatible models allow the password to be reset by scanning a QR code using the associated account.

2. Security questions

Some Hikvision recorders allow you to answer the security questions that were configured when the device was activated.

3. Reserved email

Compatible devices may allow a verification code to be sent using the reserved email address configured on the recorder.

4. GUID file

If a GUID password-recovery file was previously exported, it can be imported to reset the administrator password.

Hikvision’s documentation confirms that not every NVR supports every recovery method, so the options displayed by your particular recorder are important.

❓ FAQ: How Do I Reset a Forgotten Password on a Hikvision NVR?

1. What should I do if I forgot my Hikvision NVR password?

Start by connecting a monitor and mouse to the NVR and reaching the login screen.

Select:

Forgot Password

The recorder should then display the password-recovery methods available for that particular model and firmware.

Depending on the NVR, you may see options such as:

• Verify by Hik-Connect
• Reserved email
• Security questions
• GUID file
• Password reset using SADP
• Hikvision support reset

The important point is that there is no single universal Hikvision password-reset method for every NVR. Recovery options vary by device and firmware.

🧠 Explainer

Think of the Forgot Password screen as the NVR’s recovery menu. Rather than guessing passwords or trying old default passwords, it tells you which authorised recovery mechanisms your particular recorder supports.

2. Can I reset a Hikvision NVR without deleting my CCTV recordings?

Normally, a password reset is not the same thing as formatting or factory-resetting the hard drive.

A password recovery procedure is intended to regain access to the recorder rather than deliberately erase recorded video.

However, do not format the HDD or initialise the recorder simply because you have forgotten the password.

If the CCTV footage is important—for example, because of a burglary, insurance claim or legal matter—preserve the system and avoid unnecessary changes until access has been recovered.

🧠 Explainer

There is a major difference between:

Password recovery → regain administrator access

and

Factory reset/initialisation → potentially changes configuration

This is why password recovery should be attempted first.

3. Does a Hikvision NVR have a default password?

Modern Hikvision NVRs should not be treated as having a universal default administrator password.

Hikvision’s documentation states that devices use a user-created password, rather than relying on a standard default password.

So if you’ve forgotten the password, repeatedly trying combinations such as admin, 12345 or other commonly circulated passwords is not the correct recovery procedure.

🧠 Explainer

Older CCTV advice found online can be dangerously out of date.

Modern Hikvision devices are designed around device activation and user-created credentials, so the correct approach is to use the supported recovery process.

4. Can I reset the Hikvision NVR password using SADP?

Yes, on compatible devices.

SADP is Hikvision’s device-discovery/configuration utility and can be used as part of the password-reset process.

The computer running SADP generally needs to be able to communicate with the NVR over the local network.

Hikvision’s current documentation also notes that, from April 2026, SADP is no longer receiving updates and Hikvision recommends migrating to HiTools Delivery, which includes device discovery, network configuration and password-reset functionality.

🧠 Explainer

SADP/HiTools is particularly useful when you cannot conveniently complete the recovery from the NVR’s local interface.

The computer communicates with the recorder over the LAN and identifies the device so the supported recovery process can be started.

🖥️ Hikvision NVR Password Reset Using SADP

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A typical professional recovery process looks like this:

Step 1 — Connect your computer to the CCTV network

Connect the computer to the same local network as the NVR.

Step 2 — Open Hikvision’s device-discovery software

Use the appropriate current Hikvision tool for your device.

Step 3 — Locate the NVR

The recorder should appear in the device list if network communication is working correctly.

Step 4 — Select the password-reset option

The available recovery procedure will depend on the NVR and firmware.

Step 5 — Follow the authorised verification process

Depending on the device, this could involve:

• QR-code verification
• XML/password-reset workflow
• GUID file
• security questions
• Hikvision support

Step 6 — Create a new administrator password

Once verification has succeeded, create a new strong password.

Hikvision documents several of these workflows, including GUID, security-question and support-based XML recovery.

5. What if my Hikvision NVR doesn’t show “Forgot Password”?

This can happen with older NVRs, different firmware versions or different generations of Hikvision user interfaces.

Don’t assume that an internet guide showing a particular button or menu applies to every Hikvision recorder.

Your next steps should be:

1. Identify the exact NVR model.
2. Identify the firmware version if possible.
3. Check the available recovery options.
4. Try the appropriate Hikvision-supported recovery method.
5. Contact Hikvision support or a qualified CCTV installer if self-service recovery isn’t available.

🧠 Explainer

Hikvision has produced many NVR generations and firmware interfaces. A procedure that works perfectly on a newer K-Series NVR may not appear on an older recorder.

That’s one reason generic “master password” websites and random YouTube tutorials can be unreliable.

6. Can I reset a Hikvision NVR using the serial number?

The serial number is useful for identifying the device, but it isn’t simply a universal password-reset code.

Hikvision says the serial number can typically be found on the device/packaging label, within the NVR’s system information, or using device-discovery software such as SADP.

If you need support, have the following information available:

• NVR model number
• Serial number
• Firmware version
• Device label photograph
• Current password-reset/export information requested by Hikvision

🧠 Explainer

Think of the serial number as the recorder’s identity, not its password.

This helps Hikvision establish exactly which device you’re trying to recover.

7. What is a GUID file on a Hikvision NVR?

A GUID file is a password-recovery file that can be exported from compatible Hikvision devices and stored for future password recovery.

If you already have the correct GUID file, it can be imported during the password-reset process.

However, there’s an important catch:

The old GUID file becomes invalid after the administrator password is changed or the GUID is used.

Hikvision’s documentation specifically recommends exporting a new GUID file after successfully changing the password.

🧠 Explainer

The GUID is effectively a pre-created recovery key.

It’s therefore worth securely storing the new GUID after recovering your NVR.

8. What if I never created a GUID file?

That’s okay.

A GUID file is only one possible recovery method.

Depending on your NVR, you may instead be able to use:

• Hik-Connect verification
• Security questions
• Reserved email
• Another supported verification method
• Hikvision’s official password-reset procedure

Not all devices support all methods.

9. Can Hikvision reset my NVR password?

Yes. If the available self-service methods don’t work or aren’t supported by your recorder, Hikvision provides a support-based password-reset process.

The current Hikvision guidance describes exporting an XML file, QR code or password-reset string from the device, submitting the required information to Hikvision support, and then importing the response or entering the supplied code to create a new password.

🧠 Explainer

This is the route to use when the NVR doesn’t have a usable recovery method available locally.

Don’t use websites claiming to generate a “master password” from your serial number.

Use the manufacturer’s authorised recovery process.

10. Why does Hikvision password reset sometimes fail?

There are several possible reasons.

Common causes include:

Incorrect recovery file

The exported XML may no longer be valid.

NVR has been rebooted

Hikvision notes that a password-reset XML can become invalid if the device is rebooted.

The file is too old

A generated reset file may expire or become unusable.

Computer is on the wrong network

The PC must be able to communicate with the NVR.

Network interface has changed

Hikvision documents Error 2015 as potentially occurring when the computer’s IP address changes while SADP is running.

SADP/device communication timeout

Hikvision recommends power-cycling an unresponsive device and, if necessary, connecting directly before retrying.

11. What does Hikvision Error 2022 mean during password reset?

Error 2022 generally means that the XML password-reset file is no longer valid or usable.

Hikvision recommends generating a new XML file and following the support process again.

🧠 Explainer

If you’re getting Error 2022, don’t keep submitting the same XML file.

Generate a fresh reset request from the NVR and follow the current Hikvision support instructions.

12. What does Hikvision Error 2015 mean?

Error 2015 can occur when the computer’s IP address changes while SADP is running.

Hikvision’s recommended troubleshooting includes closing SADP, confirming it has fully closed, then restarting it after the computer is on the correct network.

Quick fix

Close SADP → confirm it has closed → check network connection/IP → restart SADP → rediscover the NVR.

13. Can I reset the Hikvision NVR password remotely?

This depends heavily on the device and which recovery method is available.

For many password-recovery procedures, the NVR and computer need to communicate over the local network. Hikvision specifically notes that certain newer self-service password-reset strategies operate on the local area network.

If you’re an installer trying to recover a customer’s recorder remotely, it may therefore be necessary to have someone physically present with the NVR or computer.

14. Will resetting the NVR password disconnect my cameras?

Not necessarily.

Changing the NVR administrator password is different from resetting every camera.

However, camera credentials and recorder credentials can be configured differently depending on the system architecture.

If cameras have been independently configured with their own passwords, changing the NVR’s administrator password doesn’t automatically mean those camera passwords have changed.

🧠 Installer tip

Before making major changes to a working CCTV system, document:

• NVR IP address
• Camera IP addresses
• NVR model
• Camera models
• Camera passwords
• Network configuration
• Hik-Connect account
• Firmware versions
• PoE/switch configuration

This can save hours during future maintenance.

15. Can I use the Hik-Connect app to reset the NVR password?

On compatible devices, yes.

Hikvision documents a recovery method where the user selects Verify by Hik-Connect App, logs into the Hik-Connect account associated with the device, scans the QR code shown during password recovery and receives a verification code. The code can then be used to create a new password.

🧠 Explainer

This can be one of the easiest options for an end user because it avoids generating an XML file and contacting support.

The important requirement is that the device must support the method and be associated with the appropriate Hik-Connect account.

16. What password should I use after resetting my Hikvision NVR?

Create a unique, strong password that isn’t reused anywhere else.

Avoid:

❌ 12345

❌ admin123

❌ Your company name

❌ Your postcode

❌ Your address

❌ Your phone number

❌ Passwords used on email or other websites

A strong CCTV administrator password should be long, unique and difficult to guess.

Hikvision recommends strong passwords using combinations of upper/lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.

17. What should I do after successfully resetting the password?

Don’t stop once you’re back into the NVR.

Use the opportunity to secure the entire CCTV system.

Recommended CCTV security checklist

☑ Change the administrator password
☑ Store the password securely
☑ Check Hik-Connect users
☑ Check remote-access settings
☑ Check NVR network configuration
☑ Check camera passwords
☑ Check firmware versions
☑ Check recording schedules
☑ Check date/time/NTP
☑ Check HDD health
☑ Check motion/AI detection settings
☑ Export a new GUID file if supported
☑ Record the NVR model and serial number
☑ Test remote viewing
☑ Test playback
☑ Test notifications

🧠 Why this matters

A forgotten password is often a warning that the CCTV system’s credentials haven’t been properly documented.

A professional installation should have a secure handover record so the owner isn’t locked out of their own security system.

🚨 What NOT to Do When You’ve Forgotten a Hikvision Password

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❌ Don’t repeatedly guess passwords

It wastes time and may trigger security protections.

❌ Don’t format the HDD

You don’t want to risk CCTV footage unnecessarily.

❌ Don’t use random “master password generators”

These can be unsafe, outdated or fraudulent.

❌ Don’t install unofficial reset firmware

Use official manufacturer procedures.

❌ Don’t reboot unnecessarily during an XML reset

Hikvision specifically warns that rebooting can invalidate reset information in some workflows.

❌ Don’t assume every Hikvision NVR works the same way

Model and firmware matter.

🧰 Hikvision NVR Password Reset — Quick Decision Guide

👨‍🔧 Need Help Resetting a Hikvision NVR?

If you’ve inherited a CCTV system, moved into a property, bought a second-hand NVR, lost the installer password or simply can’t access your Hikvision recorder, don’t factory-reset the system before checking the recovery options.

A professional CCTV engineer can identify the exact NVR model and firmware, establish which recovery methods are available and recover access while protecting the existing CCTV configuration wherever possible.

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Need help resetting a Hikvision NVR?

If you’ve lost access to your Hikvision recorder or inherited a CCTV system without the administrator password, professional help can often recover access without unnecessarily changing the system configuration.

CCTV.services — CCTV installation, repairs and troubleshooting across the UK.