How to Reset DVR Password: Step-by-Step Guide by Brand (2026)

Knowing how to reset DVR password credentials is essential when you inherit a used recorder, forget your login, or lock yourself out after too many attempts. Forgot the password on your DVR or NVR? You are not alone. It happens to half of all surveillance owners within the first 3 years. The good news: most systems have a documented recovery path, and with the right information on hand you can reset admin access in 10 to 30 minutes without wiping footage. This 2026 guide covers the full reset workflow by brand (Hikvision, Dahua, Lorex, Reolink, Swann, Amcrest, Q-See, and generic H.264 Chinese DVRs), plus what to do when the official methods fail.

Before You Reset DVR Password: Gather This Info

  • Brand and model number. On the back label or the boot splash screen.
  • Serial number or MAC address. Needed for vendor-issued recovery codes.
  • Purchase email or receipt. Most brands require proof of ownership.
  • Current system date. Some methods use the date as a seed for the reset code.
  • Physical access to the DVR. Almost every reset requires pressing a button or plugging in a USB drive.

Write all five down before you call support or open a ticket. Skipping this step is the #1 reason resets get stuck.

Default Passwords by Brand (Try First)

If the DVR has never been set up or was recently factory-reset, a default password may work. Try these before attempting recovery: If the default credentials fail, proceed to the brand-specific steps below to reset DVR password access.

BrandDefault usernameDefault password
Hikvision (pre-2015)admin12345
Hikvision (2015+)admin(set on first boot)
Dahuaadminadmin or (set on first boot)
Lorexadmin000000 or 00000000
Reolinkadmin(blank) or (set on first boot)
Swannadmin12345 or blank
Amcrestadminadmin
Q-Seeadmin(blank) or 123456
Generic Chinese (Xmeye)admin(blank) or 123456

Note: Since 2015, most brands force a new password at first boot. If you inherited a used DVR or bought second-hand, defaults will not work.

Method 1: Reset DVR Password on Hikvision

Hikvision uses the SADP tool or iVMS-4200 to generate an encrypted reset file.

  1. Download SADP tool from hikvision.com support page.
  2. Plug your PC into the same LAN as the DVR.
  3. Launch SADP. The DVR appears in the device list.
  4. Click “Forgot Password.” SADP shows a QR code and a serial code string.
  5. Email the code string with your MAC address and date to Hikvision support (overseas-support@hikvision.com) or use the self-service portal at hik-recovery.com.
  6. Support replies with an XML recovery file (usually within 24 hours).
  7. Import the XML in SADP. Enter a new password twice. Done.

For 2018+ Hikvision firmware, you can also answer three security questions you set at first boot, or use a pre-exported GUID key. If you never set questions or saved a key, the XML method is the only path.

Method 2: Reset DVR Password on Dahua

Dahua offers two paths: email reset (if configured) or QR code via ConfigTool.

  1. At the login screen, click “Forgot Password.”
  2. The DVR displays a QR code and a short serial code.
  3. Open the DMSS or gDMSS app on your phone.
  4. Go to Me > Tool Manager > Device Password Reset.
  5. Scan the QR code on the DVR screen.
  6. The app sends a reset email to the address registered to the device.
  7. Click the link in the email; it contains a time-sensitive code.
  8. Enter the code on the DVR. Set a new password.

If no email was registered, use Dahua ConfigTool on a PC (same LAN as DVR). Select the DVR, click Reset, and email the generated string to Dahua support at overseas.support@dahuatech.com with your order number. Email-based recovery offers the most convenient path to reset DVR password without physical access.

Method 3: Reset DVR Password on Lorex

  1. At the login screen, click the “Forgot Password” link.
  2. Answer one of the 3 security questions set at first boot.
  3. If you can answer one, the DVR prompts you to set a new password.
  4. If you cannot answer, click “Contact Support” to generate a serial code.
  5. Open a ticket at lorextechnology.com/support with your model, serial code, and order number.
  6. Lorex emails a date-stamped reset code usually within 48 hours.
  7. Enter the code at the DVR. Set a new password.

Lorex phone support (1-888-425-6739) can also walk you through the reset if you prefer voice.

Method 4: Reset DVR Password on Reolink

  1. At the DVR login screen, click the reset icon.
  2. If email was registered at first boot, enter your email; Reolink sends a 6-digit code.
  3. Enter the code on the DVR. Set a new password.
  4. If no email was registered, press and hold the physical Reset button on the back of the NVR for 10 seconds.
  5. The NVR reboots and returns to factory defaults (username: admin, no password).
  6. Log in and set a new password on first boot.

The hardware reset on Reolink does NOT erase recordings on the hard drive. Cameras will need to be re-bound in the app, but footage is preserved. This approach can reliably reset DVR password settings for your model.

Method 5: Reset DVR Password on Swann

  1. Power off the DVR.
  2. Hold the Select (or Enter) button on the DVR front panel while powering it on.
  3. Keep holding for 30 to 60 seconds until you hear a beep or see the splash screen.
  4. The DVR boots with default credentials (admin / blank or admin / 12345).
  5. Log in and set a new password.

If the button-hold method does not work, contact Swann support at swann.com/support with the DVR serial. They will issue a date-of-manufacture-based master password valid for 24 hours. A physical reset is the last resort to reset DVR password when software methods fail.

Method 6: Reset DVR Password on Amcrest

  1. At the login screen, click “Forgot Password.”
  2. Scan the QR code with the Amcrest View Pro app (Me > Tool Manager > Device Password Reset).
  3. The app sends a reset code to your registered email.
  4. Enter the code at the DVR. Set a new password.

Amcrest support (1-713-893-8956) can also issue a reset if the email path fails. Amcrest uses the Dahua protocol, so the Dahua ConfigTool also works on Amcrest DVRs. Email-based recovery offers the most convenient path to reset DVR password without physical access.

Method 7: Generic Chinese DVR (Xmeye, H.264 Network DVR)

Off-brand DVRs sold on Amazon and AliExpress often run Xmeye firmware. The password recovery uses a date-based master code that is widely documented.

  1. At the login screen, check the DVR system date (usually shown bottom-right).
  2. Use an Xmeye master password generator (many are free online) by plugging in today’s date.
  3. The tool outputs a 6-digit code valid for that date only.
  4. Enter admin as username and the 6-digit code as password. It logs in.
  5. Inside Settings, change the admin password to one you will remember.

This date-based backdoor is a known security flaw on cheap DVRs. If your DVR accepts it, change the password immediately and disable UPnP/remote access until you replace the unit. This approach can reliably reset DVR password settings for your model.

Method 8: Hardware Reset Button (Last Resort)

Most DVRs have a pinhole or recessed button on the back or bottom panel. Using it wipes all settings but usually preserves hard drive footage.

  1. Power off the DVR.
  2. Unplug the hard drive SATA cable (optional, for extra safety against accidental wipe).
  3. Insert a paperclip into the Reset pinhole.
  4. While holding the paperclip down, power the DVR on.
  5. Keep holding for 20 to 60 seconds. You should see a beep or a “Reset Complete” message.
  6. Release and let the DVR boot.
  7. Reconnect the hard drive if you unplugged it.
  8. Log in with the brand’s default credentials (see the table above).
  9. Re-enter your network, time, and camera settings.

Hardware reset erases the admin password, user accounts, motion zones, and schedules. Footage on the hard drive is usually safe, but some DVRs ask to format the drive on first boot. Pick “Skip” or “Do not format” when prompted. Follow the steps above to reset DVR password settings on your specific model.

What If None of These Work?

  • Firmware update. Download the latest firmware from the vendor. Flashing new firmware often resets credentials to factory defaults.
  • Serial console (advanced). Some DVRs have a UART header on the motherboard. A USB-to-TTL adapter and Putty on COM port give root access. Use only if comfortable with soldering iron and terminal commands.
  • Firmware extraction. For embedded Linux DVRs, tools like binwalk can extract the root filesystem from the firmware file; the admin hash is in /etc/passwd. Crack with hashcat. This is expert-level and may void warranty.
  • Replace the unit. If the DVR is over 5 years old, the time to recover may exceed the cost of a new 4K system. See our best DVR buyer guide.

How to Avoid This Next Time

  • Write the password in a password manager. Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass. Never rely on memory.
  • Register an email at first boot. Every modern DVR offers this. It cuts recovery time from days to minutes.
  • Save the GUID key file. Hikvision, Dahua, and Lorex export a GUID file on first setup. Keep it on a USB stick labeled “DVR Recovery.”
  • Set and remember security questions. Store the answers in the password manager too.
  • Take a photo of the back label. Serial, MAC, and model are required for every support call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the DVR delete my recordings?

Software resets (email code, XML file, security questions) do not touch the hard drive. Hardware resets usually preserve footage but sometimes prompt to reformat; pick “Skip” on the format prompt. Firmware flashes rarely wipe footage but make a backup of critical clips first. Email-based recovery offers the most convenient path to reset DVR password without physical access.

How long does the reset take?

5 to 10 minutes for software (email code) or hardware (pinhole) resets. 1 to 3 days if you need a vendor-issued XML recovery file via email support. Email-based recovery offers the most convenient path to reset DVR password without physical access.

Is there a universal master password for DVRs?

No. Every brand uses its own reset system. Cheap Xmeye DVRs have a date-based backdoor that some call a “master password,” but it is a security flaw, not an official feature. Follow the steps above to reset DVR password settings on your specific model.

Can I reset the DVR remotely?

Yes for software resets via the vendor app (Reolink, Dahua, Amcrest, Hikvision) if email was registered. No for hardware resets; those require physical access. For remote access setup, see our remote DVR access guide. Email-based recovery offers the most convenient path to reset DVR password without physical access.

What is the default Hikvision password?

Hikvision pre-2015: admin / 12345. Hikvision 2015 and later: forces a custom password at first boot. No universal default.

Can I recover footage from a locked DVR?

Yes. Pull the hard drive and connect it to a PC via a SATA-to-USB adapter. Footage is in proprietary format but vendor playback tools (DMSS Playback, Hik-Connect Playback, Reolink Player) read the raw disk. Advanced users can extract MP4 clips using Video Recovery Pro or DataNumen.

Bottom Line

DVR password recovery is a solved problem as long as you have the serial number, a registered email, or physical access. Try default passwords first, then use the vendor’s in-app reset, then fall back to hardware reset. Keep a password manager entry, the GUID key, and a photo of the back label so you never do this the hard way again. For a full buyer refresh, see the best DVR for home security list and the DVR setup guide to rebuild your system cleanly after a reset. If the default credentials fail, proceed to the brand-specific steps below to reset DVR password access.

Preventing Future DVR Password Lockouts

Once you successfully reset DVR password access, take steps to avoid a repeat lockout. Write the new credentials in a password manager and store a physical backup in a secure location. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommends using unique passwords of 12 characters or more for networked devices. The Security Industry Association (SIA) also advises changing default credentials immediately after installation. Enable email-based password recovery on models that support it, and consider enabling two-factor authentication if your recorder firmware offers the feature.

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