I recently received a new Hikvision IP camera, the DS-2CD1047G3-LIU. This model comes equipped with a built-in microphone for audio recording, ColorVu technology for full-color images in low-light conditions, and a 4MP lens that delivers clear video quality. Based on my experience installing surveillance systems, I always configure each IP camera before taking it to the installation site. This includes setting the IP address, changing the default password, adjusting image settings, and verifying that the camera can communicate properly with the network.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how I set up a Hikvision IP camera from scratch before installation—all in less than 10 minutes.
What You Need Before Starting?
In order for the Hikvision IP camera setup to run smoothly, there are several devices that must be prepared, including the following.
- Hikvision IP camera
- Power adapter or PoE switch – I use a Hikvision POE Switch
- Network cable (Ethernet)
- Computer or laptop
- SADP Tool installed on your computer
The SADP (Search Active Device Protocol) tool allows you to discover Hikvision devices on your local network, identify their IP addresses, and configure basic network settings. You can also find the camera’s default IP address on the product label or packaging. However, using SADP is the easiest and most reliable way to discover cameras on your network.
How to Set Up a Hikvision IP Camera in Less Than 10 Minutes?
Step 1: Connect the Camera to Your Network
If your camera supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), simply connect it to a PoE switch. If not, connect the camera to the power adapter and then connect the Ethernet cable. The method I’ll use in this guide is to connect the camera directly to the PoE switch with a single Ethernet cable.
Here is the wiring diagram:
Turn on the PoE Switch. Wait about a minute for the camera to fully power on.
Step 2: Find the Camera Using SADP Tool
Open the SADP Tool on your computer or laptop.
After a few seconds, the SADP Tool software will detect all Hikvision devices connected to your network. If you don’t have SADP Tool installed, please read how to install it on your PC/Laptop.
You will see information such as:
- Device model
- IP address
- Serial number
- Firmware version
- Device status
If the camera is new, it will usually appear as “Inactive.”
Actually, you can find the default IP address of the Hikvision camera on the label attached to the product box.
Step 3: Activate the Camera Using SADP Tool
Once the camera appears in the SADP Tool, select it from the list. You’ll then see a screen similar to the one below, where you can activate the camera and provide a password.
Create a strong password that includes:
- Uppercase letters
- Lowercase letters
- Numbers
- Special characters
For the Enable Hik-Connect label, I did not check it.
Confirm the password and click “Activate.” My recommendation is to use a strong password combination. A strong password helps protect your surveillance system from unauthorized access.
Then please fill in the security questions.
In fact, every time I configure it, I skip this step. This test is intended for password recovery purposes. Therefore, I immediately press the Cancel button. Below is a sign that the Hikvision IP camera is active.
- IP address detailed information
- “Active” status
Step 4: Activate the Camera via Web Browser
Another way to activate a Hikvision IP camera is through the web interface. You can choose this if you know the device’s IP address.
Please open a web browser.
Type the device’s IP address. You will be redirected to the Device Activation page. Please specify the camera IP password. The username is automatically filled in as admin.
Creating a strong password:
- 8 to 16 characters allowed.
- You can use a combination of numbers, lowercase, uppercase and special characters for your password with at least two kinds of them contained.
- Do not contain the following characters in the password: 123, admin, 4 consecutive digits in ascending or descending order, or 4 consecutive repeated characters.
Then click the Activate button.
After that, you’ll be directed to the Account Security Settings page, where you’ll need to fill in your security questions and email address. At this point, I usually just click the “Don’t Set Up Temporarily” button at the bottom, and the camera is successfully activated.
Step 5: Change Hikvision Camera IP Address
Once activated, configure the IP address to match your local network. To do this, I use the SADP Tool. This is optional, not required. Unless your camera’s IP address is on a different segment of your local network, it should be the same.
For example the default IP address:
- Camera IP: 192.168.1.64
- Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
- Gateway: 192.168.1.1
I usually assign a static IP address to each Hikvision IP camera. This simplifies future maintenance and prevents DHCP-induced IP address changes.
To change the IP address, simply:
- Type in the new IP address
- Subnet Mask
- Gateway
Then, to confirm, enter the camera password and click the Modify button. If a success message appears, the IP address has been successfully changed.
Step 6: Access the Camera Through a Web Browser
After the camera activation process is complete, I usually test it by accessing the camera in a web browser using the IP address. If the IP address is successfully opened, it indicates a proper network connection.
Example:
I use the IP address 192.168.1.64, then the display below will appear.
Then, log in with the username and password specified during activation. The default username for Hikvision IP cameras is admin. If the display below appears, the camera can be accessed.
You can use the Microsoft Edge web browser if Chrome doesn’t display the live view. Below is a screenshot of how I opened the Hikvision DS-2CD1047G3-LIU IP camera using Microsoft Edge.
Step 7: Add the Camera to Your DVR/NVR
Once the camera is fully configured, it’s ready to be added to the recorder. In this guide, I haven’t set up an NVR yet, so I’ll be connecting the camera to a Hikvision DVR that supports IP cameras. As a technician, I typically manage the recorder’s settings through a web browser rather than a local monitor, so I’ll be adding the camera using the DVR’s web interface.
How to do it:
Access the Hikvision DVR’s IP address. Ensure the DVR is connected to the same network as the IP camera. I used the DVR IP address 192.168.1.65, and the screen below appeared. Then, log in using your username and password.
After logging in, select the Configuration > System > Camera Management menu > select the IP Channel tab.
Click the Add button.
Enter the Hikvision IP camera details and click OK. Ensure the IP camera status is Online in the list.
And this is a live view of the Hikvision DS-2CD1047G3-LIU IP camera successfully connected or added to a Hikvision DVR. Adding a camera to a Hikvision NVR is the same process.
How to Restore Hikvision IP Camera to Factory Settings?
Resetting a Hikvision IP camera to factory settings will erase all previously configured settings. I typically do this when selling the camera to another user.
How to do it:
Open a web browser. Type the camera’s IP address into a web browser. Then log in using your username and password.
Select Maintenance & Security > Backup & Restore.
Click the Default button in the Restore to Factory Settings section.
Click the OK button to confirm.
The camera will then restart. Access the camera’s default IP address. If the screen below appears, the camera has been successfully restored to factory settings.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a Hikvision IP camera is much easier than many beginners expect. By connecting the camera, activating it through SADP, configuring the network settings, and enabling remote access, you can have a fully functional surveillance system running in about 10 minutes. If your camera cannot connect to the NVR/DVR with the status still offline, make sure the IP address and password entered are correct. Whether you’re securing a home, office, warehouse, or retail store, a properly configured Hikvision IP camera provides reliable monitoring and peace of mind with minimal setup effort.
We hope this guide has been helpful. And if you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below.