5 Easy Steps: How to View Hik Connect Remotely

In today’s technologically advanced world, remote access to surveillance systems has become increasingly important for security and monitoring purposes. Hik Connect, a leading provider of security solutions, offers a comprehensive platform that empowers users to view their surveillance footage remotely from anywhere with an internet connection. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking peace of mind or a business owner ensuring the safety of your premises, this guide will provide you with a step-by-step walkthrough on how to seamlessly view your Hik Connect cameras remotely.

First and foremost, you will need to create a Hik Connect account. This can be done through the Hik Connect mobile app or the web portal. Once your account is created, you will need to add your devices to the account. This can be done by scanning the QR code on your device or by manually inputting the device’s serial number. Once your devices are added, you will be able to view their live footage remotely.

To view your Hik Connect cameras remotely, you can use the Hik Connect mobile app or the web portal. The mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices. The web portal can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection. Both the mobile app and the web portal offer a range of features that allow you to customize your viewing experience. You can choose to view live footage, playback recorded footage, or receive alerts when motion is detected.

Accessing Hik Connect App Remotely

Accessing the Hik Connect app remotely allows you to monitor your Hikvision cameras and devices from anywhere with an internet connection. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started:

1. Setting Up Remote Access

Download and Install the Hik Connect App: Download the Hik Connect app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and install it on your smartphone or tablet.
Create an Account: Launch the app and create an account. Use a strong password for security.
Add Your Devices: Scan the QR code on your Hikvision devices or enter the device serial number to add them to your account.
Set Up Remote Access: Go to “Account Settings” and enable “Remote Access.” This will allow you to access your devices remotely from the internet.

Note: Ensure that your Hikvision devices have firmware version 3.0 or later to support remote access.

Configuring Remote Viewing Settings

1. Enabling Remote Access

* Open the Hik-Connect app on your mobile device.
* Tap the “Settings” icon in the bottom-right corner.
* Select “Device Management” and choose your device.
* Enable “Remote Viewing.”

2. Setting Up Port Forwarding

* On your router, navigate to the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server” section.
* Create a new rule with the following settings:
* Protocol: TCP
* External Port: 8000
* Internal IP Address: IP address of your device
* Internal Port: 8000

3. Configuring Hik-Connect Cloud Service

To remotely access your device from outside your local network, you need to configure the Hik-Connect Cloud Service.

1. Create a Hik-Connect Account:
* Go to the Hik-Connect website and click “Sign Up.”
* Fill out the registration form and create an account.
2. Bind Your Device to Your Account:
* Open the Hik-Connect app on your mobile device and log in with your newly created account.
* Tap the “Add Device” button and scan the QR code on your device.
* Enter the verification code sent to your email address.
3. Enable Cloud Recording (Optional):
* If you want to save recordings remotely, you need to subscribe to the Cloud Recording service.
* In the Hik-Connect Cloud Service settings, click “Cloud Recording” and select a plan.
4. Accessing Your Device Remotely:
* Once you have configured the Hik-Connect Cloud Service, you can access your device from anywhere with an internet connection.
* Go to the Hik-Connect website or open the Hik-Connect app and log in with your account.
* Select your device from the list and start viewing the live feed.

Downloading and Installing Client Software

To view Hik Connect remotely, you first need to download and install the client software on your computer or mobile device. The software is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

To download the software, visit the Hikvision website and select the appropriate version for your operating system. Once the download is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.

Once the software is installed, you can launch it and sign in using your Hik Connect account. You can then add your devices to the software and begin viewing them remotely.

Windows

To download the client software for Windows, visit the Hikvision website and select the “Windows” tab. Then, click on the “Download” button and select the appropriate version of the software for your operating system.

Once the download is complete, double-click on the installer file to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Mac

To download the client software for Mac, visit the Hikvision website and select the “Mac” tab. Then, click on the “Download” button and select the appropriate version of the software for your operating system.

Once the download is complete, double-click on the installer file to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

iOS

To download the client software for iOS, visit the Apple App Store and search for “Hik Connect”. Then, tap on the “Get” button to download and install the app.

Android

To download the client software for Android, visit the Google Play Store and search for “Hik Connect”. Then, tap on the “Install” button to download and install the app.

Initiating Remote Viewing via Client Software

Remote viewing through Hik Connect requires the use of client software. Follow these steps to set up remote viewing:

Install the Hik Connect Client: Download and install the Hik Connect client software for your operating system (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android).
Create an Account: Register for an Hik Connect account if you don’t already have one.
Add Devices: Use the Hik Connect App or Web Interface to add your Hikvision devices to your account.
Configure Remote Settings: Within the Hik Connect App or Web Interface, navigate to the "Cloud" section and enable remote access for your devices.
View Remotely:

Live Viewing: Open the Hik Connect App or Web Interface and select the "Live View" tab. You can choose from a list of your added devices to view live footage.
Playbacks: Navigate to the "Playbacks" tab to view recorded footage. You can filter playbacks by date, time, and event type.
PTZ Control: If your camera supports PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom), you can control its movement remotely using the control panel in the Hik Connect App or Web Interface.
Device Management: Remotely manage your Hikvision devices, including changing settings, updating firmware, and viewing device information.
Alarm Notifications: Receive push notifications or email alerts when alarms are triggered on your connected devices.

Using Cloud P2P for Seamless Remote Access

Cloud P2P (Peer-to-Peer) is a convenient feature offered by Hikvision’s cloud platform that enables you to access your Hik Connect devices remotely without the need for complex port forwarding or network setup.

To use Cloud P2P, follow these steps:

1. Enable Cloud P2P on Your Device

Open the Hik Connect app on your mobile device and log in. Select the device you want to enable Cloud P2P for and navigate to the “Settings” tab. Under “Network,” select “Cloud P2P” and enable the toggle.

2. Authorize Cloud P2P Access

Once Cloud P2P is enabled on your device, you’ll need to authorize access from the Hik Connect app. Click on “Authorize Access” within the Cloud P2P settings and enter a verification code that will be sent to your registered email or phone number.

3. Access Your Device Remotely

With Cloud P2P enabled, you can now access your device remotely through the Hik Connect app. Open the app, select the device you want to view, and click on the “Live View” button.

4. Manage Cloud P2P Devices

To manage your Cloud P2P devices, navigate to the “Cloud P2P” tab within the Hik Connect app’s “Settings” menu. Here, you can view the status of your devices, edit their names, and remove them from the list.

5. Troubleshooting Cloud P2P Connectivity

If you’re experiencing issues connecting to your devices via Cloud P2P, check the following:

Ensure that the device is connected to a stable internet connection.
Verify that Cloud P2P is enabled and authorized in the Hik Connect app.
Check if the device’s firmware is up to date.

6. Benefits of Using Cloud P2P

Benefit	Description
Effortless Setup	No need for complex port forwarding or network configuration.
Secure Access	Connection is encrypted and protected by Hikvision’s advanced security measures.
Remote Control	Allows you to view live footage, control PTZ cameras, and trigger alarms from anywhere with an internet connection.
Multi-Device Support	Connect and manage multiple devices simultaneously from a single app.
Cost-Effective	Eliminates the need for additional hardware or software costs associated with traditional remote access methods.

Enabling External Network Access

To access your Hik Connect devices remotely, you must first enable external network access.

Open the Hik Connect app on your mobile device.
Tap on the “Settings” icon.
Select “External Network Access.”
Toggle the “Enable” switch to the “On” position.
Tap on the “Save” button.

Advanced Settings for External Network Access

After enabling external network access, you can configure the following advanced settings to fine-tune your remote access:

Setting	Description
HTTP Port	Specify the port used for HTTP access. The default port is 80.
HTTPS Port	Specify the port used for HTTPS access. The default port is 443.
RTSP Port	Specify the port used for RTSP access. The default port is 554.
UDP Port	Specify the port used for UDP access. The default port is 2005.
TCP Port	Specify the port used for TCP access. The default port is 37777.

Troubleshooting Remote Viewing Issues

Unable to connect to the device

Check if the device is online and connected to the Internet. Ensure the correct device IP address or domain name is used. Verify that port 8000 is open on the device’s firewall.

Lag or buffering during live viewing

Optimize the network conditions by ensuring a strong and stable Internet connection. Adjust video quality settings to a lower resolution or frame rate. Limit the number of devices accessing the stream simultaneously.

Connection timeout error

Check the device’s network settings and ensure it has a stable Internet connection. Verify that the device’s time and date settings are correct. Reboot the device and the router.

Device offline

Ensure that the device is powered on and connected to the Internet. Check if the device’s IP address has changed. Reboot the device and the router.

Invalid login credentials

Verify that the correct username and password are entered. Reset the device’s password using the Hik-Connect app or web portal.

HTTP error 404

Check if the device’s IP address or domain name is correct. Ensure that the device is online and accessible from the external network.

HTTP error 500

Contact Hikvision technical support for assistance. This error may indicate an issue with the device’s firmware or network configuration.

Unable to add devices in Hik-Connect

Confirm that the Hikvision device supports remote access. Check if the device’s IP address is correct and accessible from the external network. Verify that the device’s firewall is not blocking incoming connections.

Optimizing Network Performance for Smooth Viewing

To ensure a seamless remote viewing experience with Hik-Connect, optimizing your network performance is crucial. Here are some tips to enhance connectivity:

1. Ensure a Stable Internet Connection

A reliable internet connection is the foundation for remote viewing. Check if your router has a strong signal and is connected to a stable broadband service.

2. Use LAN Connection if Possible

If feasible, connect your devices to the router via LAN cables for a more stable and faster connection than Wi-Fi.

3. Reduce Network Congestion

Minimize other network activities that consume bandwidth, such as streaming videos or downloading large files, during remote viewing.

4. Update Router Firmware

Regularly update the firmware of your router to ensure optimal performance and security.

5. Check Firewall Settings

Confirm that your firewall is not blocking connections from the Hik-Connect app.

6. Adjust Bandwidth Allocation

If possible, prioritize bandwidth allocation for the Hik-Connect app to ensure it has sufficient resources for smooth streaming.

7. Use QoS Settings

Enable Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router if available. This feature gives higher priority to video streaming traffic, resulting in improved viewing quality.

8. Consider VPN Optimization

If you use a VPN for remote access, ensure it is configured correctly and not causing network latency.

9. Network Performance Optimization Table

Parameter	Recommendation
Internet Speed	Minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps for 720p video streaming
Ping	Below 150 ms for a responsive viewing experience
Jitter	Less than 10% for stable video transmission

Using Strong Passwords

Create complex passwords that are difficult to guess or crack. They should include a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication

Add an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, when logging in remotely.

Limiting Access Privileges

Only grant access to the Hik-Connect app to authorized personnel. Create user accounts with specific roles and permissions to control the level of access.

Regularly Updating the Firmware

Install firmware updates as they become available. These updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities and improve the overall security of the system.

Using a VPN

Establish a secure connection between your remote device and the Hik-Connect server by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This encrypts all data transmitted over the network, protecting it from eavesdropping.

Monitoring Login Activity

Enable login logs to keep track of user access. This allows you to identify any suspicious activity and take appropriate action.

Restricting IP Addresses

Limit remote access to specific IP addresses or ranges. This prevents unauthorized access from unknown or untrusted sources.

Using SSL/TLS Encryption

Configure the Hik-Connect server to use SSL/TLS encryption. This encrypts the data transmitted between the server and client devices, ensuring confidentiality and integrity.

Implementing Firewall Rules

Configure firewall rules to block unauthorized access to the Hik-Connect server from outside networks. This adds an additional layer of protection against external threats.

Regular Security Audits

Conduct periodic security audits to identify any vulnerabilities or weaknesses in the remote access setup. This allows you to address issues promptly and maintain a secure environment.

How To View Hik Connect Remotely

Hik Connect is a mobile application that allows you to view live footage from your Hikvision cameras remotely. To view Hik Connect remotely, you will need to first create an account and add your cameras to the app. Once you have done this, you can follow these steps to view your cameras remotely:

Open the Hik Connect app on your mobile device.
Enter your username and password to log in.
Select the camera you want to view from the list of devices.
Tap the play button to start viewing the live footage.

You can also use the Hik Connect app to control your cameras remotely. For example, you can pan, tilt, and zoom the cameras, and you can also record video and take snapshots. To learn more about how to use the Hik Connect app, please refer to the user manual.