How to: Configure Port Forwarding on a Hikvision RecorderUpdated 9 months ago

In this guide we’ll go through the steps you need to take to allow remote internet viewing on your Hikvision recorder. Ensure you follow each step carefully and keep a note of various IP addresses etc as you follow the guide.

The mobile app you will need to download is called iVMS-4500 on iPhone and Android.

Step 1: Setting Up on Your LAN (Internal Network)

Begin by connecting your DVR to a monitor or TV. At this point, you will also need to have connected a network (Ethernet) cable between the DVR and your internet router.

1. Log in to your DVR as the admin (default password is 12345).
2. Open the Main Menu, click the Configuration button, Network and then General.
3. Tick the box which says DHCP.
4. Click the Apply button in the bottom right of the screen, now close the menu.
5. Wait for 30 seconds, bring up the Main Menu, click the Maintenance button and then the Network Tab and take note of the IP Address. It will likely look similar to: “192.168.***.***” we will refer to this as IP Address 1.
   
6. Take note of the DefaultGateway. It will look similar to: “192.168.***.***”. We will refer to this as the IP Address 2.
   
7. Open Internet Explorer and enter IP Address 1 into the address bar. You may need to add your DVR as a Trusted Site in Internet Explorer. To do this:
   – Press the Alt key on your keyboard.
   – Click Tools -> Compatibility view settings.
   – Add the address to this list
   – Re-type IP Address 1 into the address bar of Internet Explorer.
8. Login to your DVR with your username (default is admin) and password (default is 12345).
9. Once you have logged in you will be presented screen which will allow to bring up the live camera view

Step 2: Setting Up External Network Access

1. Visit canyouseeme.org which will give your current external IP Address. Please take note of this. We will refer to this as the IP Address 3.
2. Open a new tab in Internet Explorer and type in your Router’s IP Address, which is IP Address 2 from step 6 in the first section of this guide.
3. This will bring you to your router’s configuration. Because of the many different makes and models of routers and hubs, the following part of the setup guide will vary for each, however, the principles are still the same.*
4. Forward the following ports to your DVR’s IP Address (IP Address 1): 80, 554, 8000.
5. Once you have opened these ports, you should be able to go to any computer in the world, open Internet Explorer, type in your external address (IP Address 3 from step 1 in this section) and access the DVR. Please note: you will have to allow the plug-ins to be installed.

* Go to PortForward.com, which has a comprehensive list of guides on how to forward ports for almost every router and hub ever manufactured. Simply select your router from the list and then click the Click here to skip this advertisement… link in the top right-hand corner of the next page. Then click the Default Guide link provided. 

Configuring Static IP or Dynamic DNS

The last step in configuring your DVR involves finding a way around the fact that your external IP address (IP Address 3 from Section 2, Step 1 of this guide) changes on a  regular basis – think of it as writing a letter to someone who moves house every week! There are 2 ways of doing this, using either a Static IP address or a Dynamic DNS address.

The easiest method is using a static IP address, but this can be expensive and not all internet service providers can facilitate it. To do this, call your ISP and ask them to arrange it for you (it’s not something you can easily do). Most ISPs will charge for this service, but once set up your external IP address (IP Address 3) will never change.

To use a dynamic DNS service takes a little more setting up but is usually cheaper. The DVR is compatible with several DDNS providers, but we recommend Dyn.com (not affiliated with SpyCameraCCTV). Unfortunately, we cannot provide a step-by-step setting up guide for registering with these services.

Need Help with Setting Up?

If you are stuck and need extra help, in most cases our technical team can configure your DVR web access for £60, we break this down into a £15 initial charge and then £45 yearly direct debit.

The yearly subscription provides you with ongoing support on your remote connection, along with 2 complete re-setups should you get a new internet router. We also provide a DDNS address that we will set you up with. Our technicians will log onto your computer remotely and configure it for you, all you have to do is go to our website, click a link and run some software. It couldn’t be easier! Please note that this is a chargeable service and web access assistance is not covered by your warranty.

Need more help?

If you need help with anything else please check out our other guides or get in contact.