SADP Tool, a software tool that’s certainly very popular among Hikvision camera technicians, is often used for initial camera setup, especially on Hikvision IP cameras and NVRs. Although SADP Tool was designed primarily for Windows in its latest version, I’ve successfully used it on my MacBook. Once installed, the software provides the same essential features, including device discovery, IP configuration, password recovery, and device management.
This guide explains how to use the Hikvision SADP Tool on a Mac, including how to detect the device, prepare it for configuration, change the IP address, reset the device password, and unpair the device from your Hik-Connect account.
What Is Hikvision SADP Tool?
SADP stands for Search Active Device Protocol. It is an official utility developed by Hikvision to help users locate and manage Hikvision devices connected to the same Local Area Network (LAN).
Instead of manually scanning your network for connected cameras or recorders, the SADP Tool automatically detects compatible devices and displays important information such as:
- Device name
- Device type
- Current IP address
- MAC address
- Firmware version
- Serial number
- Device status
- Activation status
The software is widely used by homeowners, IT administrators, CCTV installers, and security professionals because it simplifies the initial setup and ongoing maintenance of Hikvision products.
Why Use the Hikvision SADP Tool on a Mac?
I use the SADP Tool on a MacBook because I’m a Mac user and don’t have a Windows device yet. Many professionals prefer to work on a MacBook Pro or other macOS device for daily tasks. While Hikvision primarily provides the SADP Tool for Windows, Mac users can still access its full functionality.
Using the SADP Tool on your Mac allows you to:
- Discover Hikvision cameras automatically
- Activate new devices
- Configure network settings
- Change IP addresses
- Recover or reset device passwords
- Manage multiple cameras at once
- Troubleshoot connection problems quickly
For installers managing several cameras, the software can significantly reduce installation time by allowing batch configuration instead of configuring each device individually.
How to Use Hikvision SADP Tool on Mac: Based on My Real Experience
After successfully installing the SADP Tool software on my MacBook, I’ll demonstrate how to use it. I’ll detect the device, change its IP address, password, and unbind it from the Hik-Connect account.
Detect Hikvision Device
After launching the Hikvision SADP Tool, it automatically scans your local network.
Within a few seconds, every compatible Hikvision device connected to the same subnet should appear in the device list.
Each detected device displays important information including:
- Device model
- Current IP address
- Serial number
- Activation status
- Firmware version
- Network port
If you’re installing multiple cameras, the software organizes them in a single interface, making it easy to identify each device before configuration.
Change a Device IP Address
One of the most common reasons for using the Hikvision SADP Tool is to change a device’s IP address. This is especially useful when the default IP address conflicts with your existing network or when you need to assign a static IP for easier management.
Follow these steps:
Mark the device whose IP address you want to change.
Uncheck Enable DHCP. Changing the IP address also sets the device’s IP address (IP camera, NVR, and DVR) to a static IP.
Please enter a new IP address and device password.
Once you’re satisfied with everything, click Modify to save the settings. Ensure the success message appears as shown below.
Tip: Always assign a unique IP address to each device to prevent IP conflicts on your network.
Reset a Device Password
Forgetting the administrator password is a common issue, especially for devices that have not been accessed for a long time. The SADP Tool supports password recovery for many Hikvision devices, although the exact process may vary depending on the firmware version.
Unfortunately, you can’t reset your device password directly from SADP Tool. You’ll need another app, Hik-Partner Pro.
To begin the reset process:
Select the device whose password you want to reset.
Select Forgot Password which is below the Modify button.
Next, a password reset window will appear. Here are the password reset methods you can choose from.
- Export/Import Secret Key Mode
- GUID Mode
- Security Question Mode
- Reserved Email
When resetting a password, I usually use the first method, Export/Import Secret Key Mode. I find this method easier than the others.
Once the method is selected, click QR Code.
Please scan this QR code using the Hik-Partner Pro app to get the security code. If you don’t have the app, you can contact your nearest camera technician or send them this QR code to perform a remote password reset. I offer remote password reset services; please contact me via the email address listed on this blog’s about page.
Next, enter the received security code, fill in the new password and click the Confirm button to save.
Attention: You must be registered as a verified account in the Hik-Partner Pro app to be able to use the password reset feature.
Unbind a Hikvision Device Using SADP Tool
If a device is already linked to another Hik-Connect account, you must remove that association before adding it to your own account. For the process, please pay attention to the steps below.
Select the device to unbind and click the Unbind button.
Next, enter the device username, device password, and verification code as they appear on the screen. Click the Confirm button. If the unbinding is successful, the image below will appear.
Attention: If after pressing the Confirm button and the success message does not appear and instead an error message such as “Error code: 299 Network connection failed” appears, this indicates that the device cannot be unbind using the SADP Tool. You must use the Hik-Partner Pro application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hikvision SADP Tool free?
Yes. Hikvision provides the SADP Tool as a free utility for discovering, activating, and configuring supported devices on a local network.
Can I use the SADP Tool without an internet connection?
Yes. The software works over your local network and does not require an internet connection to detect or configure devices.
Does the SADP Tool work on macOS?
There is no fully featured native macOS version in many deployment scenarios. Most users run the Windows version through virtualization software or, on Intel-based Macs, Boot Camp.
Why can’t the SADP Tool find my camera?
The most common reasons are incorrect network settings, firewall restrictions, faulty cables, or the device and computer being connected to different network segments.
Can I manage multiple devices at the same time?
Yes. The SADP Tool supports batch operations, making it possible to activate or configure multiple compatible devices more efficiently.
Final Thoughts
The Hikvision SADP Tool is one of the most valuable utilities for setting up and maintaining Hikvision security systems. From detecting devices and activating new cameras to changing IP addresses, recovering passwords, and managing Hik-Connect associations, it simplifies many tasks that would otherwise require manual configuration. Although this software is primarily made for Windows, Mac users can still use it by downloading the Mac version.
By following the steps in this guide and applying the recommended security practices, you’ll be able to configure your Hikvision devices with greater confidence and maintain a more reliable surveillance network over time.