Connecting your Hikvision CCTV system to your phone allows you to monitor your property remotely from anywhere with an internet connection. The primary method for achieving this is by utilizing Hikvision's official mobile application, Hik-Connect.
Understanding Hik-Connect: Your Gateway to Remote Viewing
Hik-Connect is a cloud-based service and mobile application developed by Hikvision that simplifies remote access to your surveillance devices. It eliminates the need for complex network configurations like port forwarding, relying instead on a peer-to-peer (P2P) connection through the Hik-Connect cloud platform. This allows for straightforward setup and secure access to live views, playback, and push notifications directly on your smartphone or tablet.
Step-by-Step Guide: Connecting Your Hikvision System
To establish a connection between your Hikvision CCTV system and your phone, follow these detailed steps:
1. Pre-requisites for Connection
Before you begin, ensure you have the following in place:
- Internet Connection: Your Hikvision DVR/NVR/IP camera must be connected to a stable internet source. Your phone also needs an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
- Hikvision Device Online: Verify that your Hikvision recording device (DVR/NVR) or IP camera is powered on and connected to your network.
- Hik-Connect Service Enabled: The Hik-Connect (or Cloud P2P) service must be enabled on your Hikvision DVR/NVR or IP camera. You can usually find this setting in the network configuration menu of your device's interface (accessed via a monitor connected to the DVR/NVR or through its web interface).
- Hik-Connect App: Download the official Hik-Connect app from your device's app store.
- For Android users, search on the Google Play Store.
- For iOS users, search on the Apple App Store.
2. Prepare Your Hikvision Device (DVR/NVR/IP Camera)
Access your DVR/NVR's local interface or web interface:
- Navigate to Network Settings: Go to "Configuration" > "Network" > "Advanced Settings."
- Enable Platform Access: Look for "Platform Access" or "Hik-Connect." Check the "Enable" box.
- Set Verification Code: You will be prompted to create a "Verification Code." This is a crucial password for adding your device to the app, so choose a strong, easy-to-remember code.
- Confirm Status: After enabling and saving, the status should show "Online," indicating your device is successfully connected to the Hik-Connect cloud service.
3. Download and Register for the Hik-Connect App
- Install the App: Download and install the Hik-Connect app on your smartphone from the respective app store.
- Create an Account: Open the app and tap "Register" to create a new Hik-Connect account. You can register using your email address or mobile phone number. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the registration and account verification.
- Login: Once registered, log in to your newly created Hik-Connect account.
4. Add Your Device to Hik-Connect App
This is where you link your physical CCTV system to your mobile app:
- Tap the "+" Icon: On the main screen of the Hik-Connect app, tap the "+" (plus) icon, usually located in the top-right corner, to "Add Device."
- Scan QR Code: The app will prompt you to scan the QR code. You can find this QR code in a few places:
- On the label of your DVR/NVR unit.
- On the packaging box of your device.
- In the "Platform Access" or "Hik-Connect" section of your DVR/NVR's local interface.
- Alternatively, you can manually enter the device's serial number.
- Add to Account: Once the QR code is scanned or the serial number is entered, the app will detect your device. Tap "Add" or "Next."
- Enter Verification Code: The app will ask for the "Verification Code" that you set in Step 2. Enter this code to authenticate the device.
- Finish Adding: After successfully entering the verification code, the machine will be added to your account. Click finish to complete the process.
5. Start Live View and Remote Monitoring
Once the device is added:
- Tap on a Camera: You will see a list of your added devices and their associated cameras. You can then tap on a camera to start our live view.
- Enjoy Live View: You will see the live view for the camera immediately.
From here, you can also:
- View Playback: Access recorded footage from specific cameras.
- Receive Push Notifications: Get instant alerts on your phone for detected motion, alarm events, or other configured triggers.
- Control PTZ Cameras: If you have pan-tilt-zoom cameras, you can control their movement directly from the app.
Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Device Offline in App | No internet connection for DVR/NVR | Check network cables, router, and internet service. Reboot the DVR/NVR and router. |
| Incorrect Verification Code | Misremembered or mistyped code | Re-enter the correct verification code. If forgotten, you might need to reset it on the DVR/NVR. |
| QR Code Scan Failure | Poor lighting, damaged code, or outdated app | Ensure good lighting. Clean the QR code. Update the Hik-Connect app. Manually enter serial number. |
| Cannot Add Device (Device has been added by another account) | Device is already linked to a different Hik-Connect account | The original account holder needs to unbind the device, or you may need to reset the device to factory defaults (which will delete recordings). |
| No Live View / Buffering | Insufficient internet bandwidth (upload/download) | Lower the streaming quality in the app settings. Check your internet speed. |
Enhancing Your Remote Monitoring Experience
- Optimize Stream Quality: In the Hik-Connect app settings, you can adjust the live view quality (Basic, Smooth, HD) to match your internet bandwidth. "Smooth" is often best for remote viewing with limited bandwidth.
- Set Up Notifications: Configure intelligent event detection on your DVR/NVR (e.g., motion detection, line crossing) and enable push notifications in the Hik-Connect app settings to receive real-time alerts.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your DVR/NVR firmware and the Hik-Connect mobile app to ensure optimal performance, security, and access to new features.
