Searching the internet for public DNS servers will be the best way to find one. For example, these addresses are public DNS servers: 8.8.8.8 or 4.2.2.2 or 75.75.75.75.When using the Hik-Connect P2P service on the iVMS4500 app, the Cloud P2P option must be used.Hik-Connect P2P service requires an account. Method 1: Enable Hik-Connect via web browser. If it's still offline, go to Network settings and set the preferred and alternate DNS to 8.8.8.8.
This article is a guide for users to show them how to enable Hik-Connect service in Hikvision devices. You need to enable this service in order to view your cameras remotely via P2P and to use the push down notifications feature.
By default the Hik-Connect function is disabled. You can enable it via web browser, directly through the recorder or from the phone app. We recommend to enable it by accessing your recorder via web browser or by doing the settings directly on the recorder.
Method 1: Enable Hik-Connect via web browser.
a) Login the device via we browser.
b) Go to Configuration > Network > Platform Access and enable Hik-Connect service by checking the Enable checkbox.
b) Go to Configuration > Network > Platform Access and enable Hik-Connect service by checking the Enable checkbox.
c) You need to create a verification code (for example ABCDEF). Enter a new verification code, accept the terms of service and click ok to save the settings. Click Apply on the next windows.
Create your verification code.
The status should change to ONLINE. If it’s still offline, go to Network settings and set the preferred and alternate DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 respectively.
Method 2: Enable Hik-Connect directly through the recorder’s interface (for DVRs/NVRs).
a) Login in you recorder, go to Main Menu then go to Configuration > Network > Platform Access.
b) Enable the Hik-Connect service by placing a check in the Enable checkbox.
b) Enable the Hik-Connect service by placing a check in the Enable checkbox.
Check the Enable box.
c) Set a verification code for your recorder (for example ABCDEF), accept the terms of service. Click ok to save the settings. On the next window hit Apply.
Create a verification code.
Wait 2-3 minutes for the status to change to ONLINE. If it’s still offline, on the Network settings of your recorder set the preferred and alternate DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
Hik Connect is an easy to setup platform giving Hikvision customers a free web P2P/DDNS service and app allowing you to access your Hikvision cameras on the go. The app can be thought of as 2 apps in one:The 'Hik Connect' (p2p) part allows you to access your camera(s) without the need for port forwarding and just the scan of a QR code pretty much, now for both live viewing and playback. This also functions as a free DDNS service.
The 'Devices' part proves full iVMS (previous app) like functionality, where you can add a 'Hik Connect' device from the other section (using it as a DDNS service), or using a fixed IP address or 3rd party DDNS service. Port forwarding is required.
(Existing iVMS & HiDDNS users, things will function as normal on that platform until you upgrade to the latest NVR/DVR firmware which no longer supports HiDDNS in favour of Hik-Connect - new users MUST use Hik-Connect)
To setup Hik-Connect:
1) Ensure your NVR/DVR/Stand Alone Camera is plugged into your router and that you have platform access enabled under 'advanced network settings' in the config (which it should be as default or when going through the wizard) - on the latest firmware you may also have to set the verification code. It should display the status as online - if not try restarting your device and ensure the preferred DNS has something entered, your router's IP address should work.
2) Download the Hik-Connect app to your mobile device from the app store and create an account using either your email address or mobile number (click on the Hik-Connect button if you don't see this)
3) You can now click on the plus icon in the top right corner to load the QR code scanner. Here you scan the QR code from the sticker on the base/back/side of the device which will also require the verification code on the same sticker. Alternatively you can scan the QR code from within the recorders menu system (platform access) where it has the verification code also. (You may find you have to set your own custom verification code on the latest firmware.)
Having trouble scanning the code or doing this over the web interface? Unfortunately only the verification code is view able if accessing over the web interface - but if you click the pencil icon at the top right (which you can do if having trouble scanning the QR code with the 9 digit serial on the sticker) you can enter a 9 digit serial number - which forms part of the larger serial number which you see as follows under system information 4) You should now be able to view the camera(s) without the need for further port forwarding (live view only). If you are happy with this and wish to share access to other phones/tablets you must login with the same account on those devices.
--- Optional advanced setup, to use the 'Devices' section, for remote PC/Mac viewing and for providing access to additional user accounts (requiring port forwarding) ---
5) Should you wish to regain iVMS like functionality in the'Devices' section of the Hik Connect App or view via iVMS/Firefox Browsers remotely, you will have to manually forward ports 80, 8000 and 554 to the Ip address of your device (unless you can get uPNP working to do it for you) on your router. This varies from router to router but you can use the guides on this site if you are stuck on the process: https://portforward.com/router.htm - and you can use this tester to verify you have them open correctly before proceeding at http://canyouseeme.org/
6) Back to the Hik-Connect App if you hit the 'Device' icon at the bottom of the screen you enter a different section of the App, which is completely separate to the Hik-Connect part and alike the outgoing iVMS app. You can click the plus icon at the top of the screen and go to manual adding.
7) Set the device name under Alias and leave the Register mode as-is (Hik-Connect Domain). Tap 'Device Domain' below and you should see a device ID to choose from (Check under Other Devices if trying to add a device shared by another user). Then enter the device username and password before hitting the save icon at the top right to hopefully see the camera number update and the option to 'Start Live View' at the bottom!
--- Sharing access to other users --
8) The simplest way to allow access to other mobile phone/tablet users in your family for example is to use the same login on the different devices, which is the only way to do it without port forwarding. Should you wish to share device access to another user account you will have to login to https://www.hik-connect.com and use the share function to enable them to add it at step 5 (meaning port forwarding is required) - they cannot add it from within the basic Hik-Connect section unfortunately.
--- Viewing over a Mac/PC --
9) You can access using The latest iVMS Software (or Firefox if you can install the plugin) by going to https://www.hik-connect.com/xxxxxxxxx where the x's will have to be replaced by your Hik-Connect domain, which as default is the 9 digit serial number. Or of course if you have a static IP address (usually only an option for businesses) or are using a 3rd party DDNS service, you use that. But port forwarding is required (Step 5).
Feel free to leave any comments below or if you get stuck...