Anyone else finding hik-connect useless?

Security Camera Brands Hikvision
1

Hey everyone,

I’ve been using Hikvision for over five years now. Installed one setup in my office with wireless cameras – no issues there, everything works smoothly.

But I set up another system using POE, and I’m having problems with playback on Hik-Connect. Ever since the app update, I can’t access recordings when I’m away. It’s really frustrating not being able to connect to my system remotely.

Anyone know of another app that works better with Hikvision? Or maybe there’s a workaround for this?

2
  1. What model is your recorder?
  2. What firmware version?
  3. What happens when you try to view playback?
  4. Any specific error?
  5. Does it happen on both WiFi and mobile data?
  6. Does it happen even when you’re on the same network?
  7. How did you add the recorder to Hik-Connect?
3

@Franklin
NVR: HWN-4104MH(B), Firmware: V3.4.108 build 191014, Encoding: V5.0 build 190410

Cams: DS-2CD2023G0-I, Firmware: V5.5.53 build 180622, Encoding: V7.3 build 180622

DS-2CD2155FWD-I, Firmware: V5.6.2 build 190701, Encoding: V7.3 build 190626

Re 3 - Shows ‘No footage available’ error.

Re 4 - Same error.

Re 5 - Happens on both WiFi and cellular.

Re 6 - Yes.

Re 7 - No, but it used to work fine before the update.

4

@Franklin
> How did you add the recorder to Hik-Connect?

I just added it again in the app, and now playback is working. It doesn’t work when I try each camera individually, but works fine from the NVR. Thanks for asking – wouldn’t have thought to try re-adding it.

5

@Emily
Yeah, the recordings are saved on the NVR. If you add just the camera, there’s no storage for playback.

6

Franklin said:
@Emily
Yeah, the recordings are saved on the NVR. If you add just the camera, there’s no storage for playback.

Wish I’d figured that out sooner!

7

@Emily
Since the cameras don’t have storage, they won’t show playback unless you put an SD card in each – but that kinda defeats the purpose of using an NVR. This isn’t really a Hik-Connect issue; it’s just understanding how the system works. Honestly, this is why these setups probably shouldn’t be sold as DIY.

8

@Perry
Now it’s giving me a ‘connection timeout’ error. Not sure what’s going on.

9

Playback was broken on Hik-Connect after an iPhone update. They fixed it pretty quickly, and there have been two more updates since then. Try the latest version.

10

WatchfulWendy said:
Playback was broken on Hik-Connect after an iPhone update. They fixed it pretty quickly, and there have been two more updates since then. Try the latest version.

Just tried it. No improvement.

11

Playback should work fine on the app. Make sure recording is turned on in your NVR settings, and that you’ve selected the hours you want it to record. Also, check if your HDD is corrupted – I had to replace mine on one NVR once. Try accessing playback through the web interface or directly from the recorder.

Hikvision isn’t perfect, but it’s usually pretty simple to set up. My company has around 15 systems, no real issues. And they do have support you can reach out to: support@hikvision.com

12

Works perfectly on my Android.

13

You didn’t give any details about your setup.

14

Hannah said:
You didn’t give any details about your setup.

Good point. My bad.

15

The Hik interface isn’t great, but I can get playback on the app just fine on both iPhone and Android. Web playback is another story though. What error are you getting?

16

Kevin said:
The Hik interface isn’t great, but I can get playback on the app just fine on both iPhone and Android. Web playback is another story though. What error are you getting?

I’m just getting a ‘no footage available’ error.

17

Playback is faster if you access it through the remote IP.

18

Theo said:
Playback is faster if you access it through the remote IP.

Hadn’t noticed that.

19

Are you connecting to the NVR directly through its IP address or via Hik cloud? It makes a difference for troubleshooting.

20

Hik-Connect has been a headache. I switched to Dahua and haven’t had any issues since. Installed hundreds of their systems, and they just work. I still have older Hikvision setups out there that are a pain to maintain.

So yeah, you’re not wrong, Hik-Connect is frustrating.