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How to Activate Hikvision NVR Step by Step

Activate a Hikvision NVR with SADP: find Inactive, set password & IP, browser login, live view, add cameras on a switch.

Hikvision NVR activation with SADP — featured guide image
Hikvision NVR activation with SADP — featured guide image

Activating a Hikvision NVR is simple if you follow the right steps. In this guide, you will learn how to activate a Hikvision NVR using a computer.

We will reset the NVR, activate it again, and then add a camera. This guide uses very simple words, short sentences, and clear steps—so even beginners can follow easily.

For a shorter overview of activation patterns, see activating Hikvision devices with SADP. To change IP after activation, use our change IP with SADP guide.

Table of contents

What you need before starting

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

This setup makes the process easier and faster.

Network setup used in this guide

Here is the basic setup:

Because everything is on one network, communication works smoothly.

Step 1: Restore Hikvision NVR to factory default

First, we reset the NVR.

  1. Log in to the NVR menu
  2. Go to Configuration
  3. Click Maintenance
  4. Select Restore to Factory Default
  5. Choose Restore All Parameters
  6. Click Restore

Now wait. The NVR will reboot. It will also get a new IP address (or factory defaults, depending on model).

Step 2: Why the old IP address will not work

After reset:

So what do we do next? We use Sadptool (SADP).

Step 3: Find inactive NVR using SADP Tool

The SADP Tool helps you find Hikvision devices on the network.

  1. Open the SADP Tool
  2. Click Refresh
  3. Wait until the NVR appears
  4. Look at the Status column

You will see the NVR marked as Inactive. This means it needs activation.

SADP Tool showing Hikvision NVR listed as Inactive on the network

Inactive NVR visible in SADP after refresh—ready for activation.

Step 4: Activate Hikvision NVR in Sadptool

Now comes the main step.

  1. Select the inactive NVR
  2. Click Activate
  3. Create a strong password
  4. Re-enter the password
  5. Click Activate

Wait a few seconds. The NVR status should change to Active.

Activating the Hikvision NVR in SADP — password and Activate

Set a strong admin password and confirm activation in SADP.

Step 5: Change NVR IP address to match your network

After activation:

Steps:

  1. Select the NVR in SADP Tool
  2. Enter a new IP address
  3. Enter the correct gateway
  4. Type the NVR password
  5. Click Modify

You should see a success message. For more detail, see the change IP guide linked in the introduction above.

Editing NVR network parameters in SADP — IP, gateway, Modify

Match the NVR IP and gateway to your LAN, then save with Modify.

Step 6: Log in to Hikvision NVR from browser

Next, open your browser.

  1. Type the new IP address
  2. Press Enter
  3. Log in with your password

At first, you may see a plugin message. This is common on some firmware builds.

Logging into the Hikvision NVR web interface in a browser

NVR web UI after browsing to the new IP—sign in with the password you set in SADP.

Step 7: Fix live view in modern browsers

If you use Edge or Chrome:

Easy fix (Edge):

  1. Open the browser menu
  2. Reload the page in Internet Explorer mode (where available)
  3. Log in again

Now live view often works. Exact options depend on your browser version; check Hikvision’s current documentation for your firmware.

Step 8: Add camera to Hikvision NVR manually

Now let’s add the camera.

  1. Go to Configuration
  2. Open Camera Management
  3. Select a camera channel
  4. Click Modify
  5. Choose Manual mode
  6. Select protocol as Hikvision
  7. Enter the camera IP address
  8. Enter the camera password
  9. Click OK

Wait a few seconds.

Step 9: Camera status shows offline?

Sometimes you may see:

This is often normal. Try this:

  1. Go to Live View
  2. Then return to Camera Management
  3. Refresh the page

Now the camera will often show Online.

Step 10: Check live view

Finally:

  1. Open Live View
  2. Click on the camera
  3. Video should appear

This confirms everything is working correctly.

Direct NVR camera vs network camera

There are two ways to connect cameras:

Cameras connected directly to NVR

Cameras connected via switch

Both methods are supported.

FAQs

1. Why does my Hikvision NVR show inactive status?

This happens when the NVR is new or reset to factory default. Hikvision devices must be activated before use. You can activate it using the SADP Tool.

2. Can I activate a Hikvision NVR using a computer?

Yes. Using a computer is often the easiest method. You need the SADP Tool and a working LAN path to the NVR.

3. What should I do if I forget my Hikvision NVR password?

If you forget the password, you must use an official recovery path (often reset). After reset, the NVR may show Inactive again—then activate it with a new password. Read password reset, ethics, and support before attempting resets.

4. Why is my camera showing offline after adding it to the NVR?

This is common. Sometimes the page does not refresh correctly. Go to Live View, then return to Camera Management. The camera usually shows online after refresh.

5. Do I need manual setup if the camera is connected directly to the NVR?

No. Directly connected cameras are often detected automatically. Manual setup is more common when cameras are on the same network via a switch.

Conclusion

Now your Hikvision NVR can be activated and working: camera online, live view smooth. This method is simple and reliable. Follow these steps anytime you reset or install a new NVR. You are ready to add more cameras and start recording.

Confirm menus and downloads on official Hikvision materials for your model.

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