No live view in the browser
Logged in to your Hikvision recorder but the picture will not load? Here is how to get live view working in a modern browser.
Logged in but no picture?
You can reach the recorder’s login page and sign in, but live view is black, shows a spinning icon or keeps asking you to install a plug-in. This is a browser compatibility problem, not a fault with your cameras.
Internet Explorer has been retired. On newer Hikvision firmware, live view usually plays without any plug-in in Chrome, Firefox and Safari, and in Edge on newer firmware. Plug-in-free live view supports H.264 and H.265 streams. Older recorders still expect the Hikvision web plug-in.
Our quick tips video on fixing no live view on a Hikvision NVR or DVR.
Get live view working again
Try these in order. Each step builds on the one before.
Update your browser and clear the cache
Use an up-to-date Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge. Clear the browser cache, or open a private window, then log in again. Old cached files from a previous firmware version often stop live view loading.
Install the plug-in if the page asks for it
If live view shows a message to download a plug-in, click it to download Hikvision’s web components from the recorder. Close all browser windows before running the installer, then open the browser again and log back in. Allow the plug-in if the browser asks.
Black picture? Switch to the sub-stream
Plug-in-free live view can fail or show a black picture when the stream is above about 3MP. If you can log in but the picture is black, switch live view to the sub-stream (lower resolution) in the live view toolbar or settings. The main stream will still record at full quality.
Older recorders: use Edge in Internet Explorer mode
Some older recorders only show live view through the old Internet Explorer plug-in. In Microsoft Edge, turn on Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode (Settings > Default browser), restart Edge, then open the recorder’s address and choose Reload in Internet Explorer mode. You may also need to add the recorder’s IP address to trusted sites in Internet Options.
Check the recorder’s firmware
Newer firmware brings plug-in-free viewing in modern browsers. Firmware must be the exact match for your model, and the wrong file can stop a recorder working. If you are not confident, ask your installer or contact us.
Use the PC software instead
Hikvision’s free iVMS-4200 software for Windows and Mac is often a more reliable way to watch and play back footage on a computer than any web browser. Add the recorder by IP address on your home network, or through your Hik-Connect account.
Related guides
Forgotten Hikvision password
The official ways to reset a Hikvision NVR or camera password: Hik-Connect, GUID file, security questions and SADP.
Hik-Connect says device offline
Changed router or broadband? How to get your NVR back online in Hik-Connect, step by step.
SADP can’t find my camera or NVR
Why SADP shows an empty list, and how to get it to see your Hikvision devices.
Line crossing and intrusion false alarms
Set up Hikvision smart events properly and stop the constant false alerts.
Is Hikvision CCTV secure?
The real risks behind the headlines, and how to set a system up safely.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we are asked most often about this.
The app and the browser use different players. The browser depends on your recorder’s firmware and, on older units, a plug-in. The cameras themselves are working fine.
Newer firmware usually supports plug-in-free live view in Safari and Chrome on a Mac. Older recorders that need the Windows plug-in will not show live view on a Mac. Use iVMS-4200 for Mac instead.
We do not recommend it. Use the Hik-Connect app for remote viewing and keep the recorder’s web page on your local network only.
Yes. We can update firmware safely and set up viewing on your PC. Call-outs from £175+VAT. Call or WhatsApp 01375 886299.
Still stuck? Talk to us
Our family-run team installs and supports Hikvision CCTV across Essex, Thurrock and East London. Call or WhatsApp us on 01375 886299, or send an enquiry. Remote support for existing customers is free. Need an engineer on site? Call-outs from £175+VAT.