View your cameras on your phone
Set up the Hik-Connect app so you can watch your Hikvision cameras from anywhere, and share access safely with the family.
Watch your cameras from anywhere
The free Hik-Connect app lets you watch live and recorded footage from your Hikvision recorder on your phone, without any port forwarding on your router. It replaced the older iVMS-4500 app.
The key is to add the recorder to your Hik-Connect account by serial number or QR code. Adding it by IP address only works while you are at home.
Our full Hikvision setup video. The Hik-Connect section shows the app being set up.
Set up Hik-Connect on your phone
Allow around 15 minutes. You will need access to the recorder’s menu.
Install the app and create an account
Download Hik-Connect from the App Store or Google Play and register with your email address or mobile number. Use your own account, not your installer’s. Whoever owns the account controls who else can see the cameras.
Turn on Hik-Connect on the recorder
In the recorder’s web page go to Configuration > Network > Advanced Settings > Platform Access (on the recorder’s own screen it may be under Network > Platform Access or Hik-Connect). Enable it, set a verification code and save. Wait for the status to show Online. If it stays offline, follow our device offline guide.
Add the recorder by QR code or serial number
In the app tap + and choose Scan QR Code. Scan the QR code on the Platform Access screen or on the label on the recorder. You can also enter the serial number by hand. Enter the verification code when asked. Do not add it as a local or IP device, which only works on your home network.
Test it away from your Wi-Fi
Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone and open a camera on mobile data. If it plays at home but not on 4G or 5G, delete the device from the app and add it again by QR code or serial number.
Share access with the family
Rather than sharing your login, use the app’s Share option to invite family members to their own Hik-Connect accounts. You can choose which cameras and features they get, and remove them at any time.
Choose the right picture quality
Remote viewing depends on your home broadband’s upload speed, not the download speed. If the picture stutters, switch the live view to a lower quality (sub-stream) in the app. If your upload speed is low, several cameras in HD at once will struggle.
Keep your system secure. Never post your device serial number, QR codes, verification code or reset files on social media or forums. Anyone holding them may be able to take control of your cameras.
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.
No. Hik-Connect connects through Hikvision’s cloud service, so there is no need for port forwarding.
The recorder is still linked to someone else’s Hik-Connect account, often the installer or a previous owner. Ask them to delete it from their account or hand it over. Otherwise contact Hikvision support with proof of ownership.
Hik-Connect is designed for checking in, not for 24/7 viewing. For a permanent monitor, use the recorder’s own HDMI output or Hikvision’s iVMS-4200 software on a PC.
Yes. We can set up the app and your family’s access on site. 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.