How to Add IP Cameras to a Hikvision NVR Like a Pro

Step 1: Gather What You Need

Before you begin the process, make sure you have the following:

• • A Hikvision NVR (with enough channels for your cameras)
  • Compatible Hikvision or ONVIF-compliant IP cameras
  • Network cables (Cat5e or Cat6 recommended)
  • A monitor, mouse, and possibly a PC or laptop
  • Access to your router/network switch if the NVR doesn’t have PoE ports

Step 2: Power and Connect the Devices

If You’re Using a PoE NVR:

• • Simply plug the IP cameras directly into the PoE ports on the back of the NVR using Ethernet cables. They’ll receive both power and data through a single cable.

If You’re Using a Non-PoE NVR:

• • Plug each IP camera into a power source and connect it to your network switch or router via Ethernet.
  • Connect the NVR to the same switch/router so everything is on the same network.

Step 3: Access the NVR Interface

Use a monitor and mouse connected to the NVR or log in remotely through your PC using the NVR’s IP address. You’ll be prompted for the admin username and password.

Go to:

Menu > Camera > Camera Management

You’ll see a list of channels and devices currently connected.

Step 4: Add IP Cameras Automatically (Plug & Play)

If your IP cameras are Hikvision brand and connected via the PoE ports, they should appear automatically under the “Online Devices” list.

Just select the camera and click “Add.”

Pro Tip: Make sure the camera’s IP address doesn’t conflict with other devices. If needed, change the IP using SADP Tool or through the NVR menu.

Step 5: Add IP Cameras Manually

For cameras on the same LAN but not directly connected to the NVR PoE ports, do the following:

• Click “Manual Add”
• Enter:
• • IP address of the camera
  • Protocol (choose Hikvision or ONVIF)
  • Management port (default is 8000)
  • Username and password of the camera
• Click “OK”

If everything’s correct, the camera status will change to “Online.”

Step 6: Activate the IP Camera (if needed)

Unactivated Hikvision cameras must be activated before use. Use the SADP Tool on your PC or activate via NVR interface by setting a strong password.

Make sure:

• • Camera firmware is up to date
  • Passwords are saved safely

Step 7: Fine-Tune Camera Settings

After cameras are added, customize their settings:

• • Resolution & bitrate: Adjust based on your network bandwidth and storage.
  • Motion detection: Enable and define detection zones.
  • Schedule recording: Set continuous, motion-based, or event-based recording.
  • Overlay settings: Add camera name, date, and time stamps to each feed.

Go to:

Menu > Record > Schedule

Step 8: Check Live View and Playback

Once everything is configured:

• • Go to Live View to make sure all feeds are active.
  • Test Playback to ensure recordings are being saved correctly.

If you use the Hik-Connect app, scan the NVR’s QR code and add it to your account for remote access.