How to Change Security Camera Password

Forgetting your security camera password or needing to update it after a security concern is more common than you might think—especially when inheriting a system, adding new users, or responding to potential breaches. Knowing how to change password on security camera devices properly is critical to protecting your surveillance footage from unauthorized access. Devices still using default credentials like admin/12345 are prime targets for hackers scanning the internet for vulnerable systems.

This comprehensive guide walks you through universal and brand-specific methods to change passwords on DVRs, NVRs, and IP cameras. You’ll learn how to update credentials using web browsers, mobile apps, and centralized management software. We’ll also cover password recovery options, factory reset procedures, and essential security practices. Whether you still remember your current password or are completely locked out, this article gives you step-by-step solutions to regain control—safely and efficiently.

Access Your Camera via Web Browser

Changing your security camera password through a web browser is the most direct method for IP cameras and recorders like Hikvision, Dahua, or Samsung systems.

Log In Using the Device’s IP Address

Connect your computer to the same local network as the camera or recorder.
Open a supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge).
Type the device’s local IP address into the address bar (e.g., 192.168.1.108).
Enter your current login credentials. Default login is often:
– Username: admin
– Password: 12345, admin, or blank

Pro Tip: If you don’t know the IP address, use the manufacturer’s discovery tool—like Hikvision’s SADP or Dahua’s ConfigTool—to detect all connected devices on your network.

Navigate to User Management Settings

Once logged in:

Go to Configuration > System > User Management.
Select the user account you want to modify (usually admin).
Click Modify.
Enter your new password, making sure it meets complexity requirements:
– At least 8 characters
– Contains uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special symbols
Confirm the new password and click Save.

After saving, log out and log back in with the new credentials to verify the change was successful.

Update Credentials in Connected Devices

A critical step many users overlook: changing the password on the device does not automatically update it in your mobile apps or CMS software.

You must manually update the login details in:
– Hik-Connect, DMSS, or gDMSS mobile apps
– iVMS-4200, Smart PSS, or other CMS platforms
– Cloud services or third-party integrations

Failure to do so results in “Invalid Login” errors or devices appearing as “Offline.”

Change Password Using Mobile Apps

Updating your security camera password from a smartphone is fast and convenient—especially for remote users who aren’t on-site.

Hikvision: Use the Hik-Connect App

Open the Hik-Connect app.
Tap the device name.
Go to Device Settings > User Management.
Select the admin user.
Tap Modify Password.
Enter both old and new passwords.
Save and re-login.

If the device shows as offline, check your network connection or DDNS settings in the web interface.

Dahua: Use gDMSS or iDMSS App

Open the gDMSS app.
Tap the device > Details > Edit Device.
Go to User Settings.
Select admin.
Choose Modify Password.
Enter both passwords and save.

After the change, if connection issues persist, remove and re-add the device to clear any cached credentials.

Swann: Reset App Account Password

For Swann Security app users:

Open the app and tap Forgot Password?
Enter your registered email address (must be lowercase).
Check your inbox for an email from useradmin@swannsecurity.com.
Click the reset link and set a new password.
If login fails after reset, uninstall and reinstall the app.

Important: This resets only the app account, not the recorder. To reset the NVR itself, use physical reset methods.

Fix Grayed-Out Camera Password Fields on NVR

A frustrating issue: when adding cameras to an NVR, the username and password fields are grayed out and uneditable. This happens when the NVR assumes cameras use default authentication.

Enable Custom Authentication on Hikvision NVR

On the NVR, go to Configuration > Network > IP Channel.
Find the camera in the list.
Change Authentication Mode from Default to Custom.
The Username and Password fields will now be editable.
Enter the camera’s current credentials.
Save and test the connection.

If fields remain locked, remove the camera and re-add it manually using custom authentication.

Best Practice Tip

Always change each camera’s password individually via its web interface before adding it to the NVR. Avoid default passwords like admin/12345 to prevent future access issues.

Recover Forgotten Password on Hikvision Devices

If you’re locked out, Hikvision provides multiple recovery paths—but only if you set them up in advance.

Self-Service Reset via Reserved Email

Available only if a recovery email was previously registered.

On the login screen, tap Forgot Password.
Choose Via Reserved Email.
Enter the registered email address.
Check your inbox (and spam folder) for a reset link.
Click the link and create a new password.

The link expires after 15 minutes. Request a new one if needed.

Use SADP Tool for Installer-Level Reset

For advanced users or installers:

Download the SADP Tool on a Windows PC.
Connect your PC to the same network as the device.
Launch SADP—your Hikvision devices will appear.
Select the device and click Forgot Password.
Choose:
– Email verification
– GUID file upload
Follow on-screen instructions.

Requires internet access and either a valid email or pre-saved GUID file.

XML Password Reset Method

In SADP, generate a password reset XML file.
Save it to a USB drive.
Insert the USB into the Hikvision device.
Power cycle the device—the system reads the file and resets the password.

This method only works if the GUID was exported and saved earlier.

Dahua Password Change & Recovery

Dahua systems allow password updates via web interface, mobile apps, and CMS software.

Change Password via Web Browser

Log in using the device’s IP address.
Go to Main Menu > Configuration > Network > User Management.
Select the user > Modify.
Enter the new password and save.

Use Smart PSS (CMS) for Remote Reset

Open Smart PSS.
Right-click the device > Remote Configuration.
Go to System > User.
Edit the user account and apply the new password.
Save and reconnect.

Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If you’re locked out:

Locate the reset button on the Dahua NVR.
Press and hold for 10–30 seconds while powered on.
Release when the device reboots.
Log in with default credentials:
– Username: admin
– Password: admin or 12345

Warning: All recordings, settings, and configurations are permanently erased.

Samsung DVR: Factory Reset Methods

Samsung SDR-3300N and similar models require physical reset procedures when the password is forgotten.

Button Combination Reset

Method 1:
1. Press and hold [MODE] + [PTZ] for 5 seconds.
2. When prompted, enter 4321.
3. System resets.

Method 2:
1. Press and hold [MODE] + [CH2] for 5 seconds.
2. Enter 4321 when prompted.

Method 3 (Android-Based Models):
1. Power off the DVR.
2. Hold POWER + HOME + VOLUME UP during boot.
3. Use volume keys to select “Wipe/Factory Reset”.
4. Confirm with HOME button.

All reset methods erase recordings, network settings, and configurations.

Default Login After Reset:
– Username: admin
– Password: 4321

Post-Reset Setup Checklist

After any factory reset, follow these steps to restore and secure your system.

Reconfigure Network & Update Firmware

Assign a static IP or enable DHCP.
Reconnect to your network.
Visit the manufacturer’s site and update firmware to close security gaps.

Set a Strong New Password

Use a password that:
– Is at least 8 characters long
– Includes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
– Avoids common strings like 12345, admin, or password
– Is unique and stored securely (use a password manager)

Re-add Cameras & Re-link Mobile Apps

Manually add cameras using Custom Authentication.
Remove old device entries from apps and re-add with new credentials.
Test live view and remote access.

Security Best Practices

Protect your system beyond just changing the password.

Change default credentials immediately after setup.
Use strong, unique passwords—avoid dictionary words.
Enable 2FA if supported (e.g., Hik-Connect email verification).
Limit user accounts and assign view-only permissions where possible.
Set up recovery options (email, GUID, security questions) before you lose access.
Monitor login attempts for suspicious activity.

Troubleshoot Common Issues

Grayed-out password fields? → Switch to Custom Authentication.
No reset email? → Check spam, verify email, wait 10 minutes.
App fails after password change? → Remove and re-add the device.
Device “Offline” in app? → Check internet, restart router, verify DDNS.
SADP not detecting device? → Disable firewall, ensure same network.

Final Note

Knowing how to change password on security camera systems is essential for maintaining privacy and preventing unauthorized access. Whether you’re updating credentials proactively or recovering from a lockout, this guide provides reliable, step-by-step methods for Hikvision, Dahua, Samsung, and Swann devices.

Always set up recovery options in advance, use strong passwords, and update firmware regularly. If standard methods fail, professional tools like SADP or Hik-Partner Pro can help—but prevention is better than recovery.

Take action today: log into your system, change weak passwords, and secure your surveillance network before it’s too late.

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