Where to look for your CCTV login information

Your CCTV system username and password are usually printed on a sticker attached to the recorder or camera itself, or they came in the box with your equipment. Check the back or bottom of the DVR (digital video recorder) or NVR (network video recorder) — the main unit that stores video — for a label with default credentials. If you bought the system used or inherited it from a previous owner, that sticker may be gone or the information may have been changed.

The second place to look is your original paperwork. The manual, quick-start guide, or invoice that came with your system often lists the default username (usually "admin") and a factory password. Keep these documents in a safe place; they are harder to replace than you might think. If you have lost the physical paperwork, the manufacturer's website usually has a downloadable manual for your specific model number.

Write down your model number before you search — it is usually on the front or back of the recorder and looks something like "DVR-4CH-1080P" or similar. Searching for "[your model number] manual" will get you to the right document faster than a general search.

Key Takeaways

  • Default usernames and passwords are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your recorder, or in the manual that came in the box.
  • If you cannot find the sticker or manual, search the manufacturer's website using your model number to read the manual.
  • If you changed the password and forgot it, you may need to reset the recorder to factory settings, which erases all stored video.
  • Some CCTV systems let you recover a forgotten password by answering security questions or using a recovery email, but this depends on your specific brand and model.
  • Write down your username and password in a find place once you find it, so you do not lose access again.

Finding the manual when you have lost the original

Go to the manufacturer's website directly — do not rely on third-party manual sites, which sometimes host outdated or incorrect versions. Common CCTV brands include Hikvision, Dahua, Uniview, Axis, and Reolink, but there are dozens of others. Type the brand name and your model number into the search bar on their official site, then look for a "Support," "Downloads," or "Documentation" section.

The manual will list the default username and password in the "Initial Setup" or "First Login" section. Most systems use "admin" as the username and either "admin," "12345," or a blank password as the default. Once you log in with these credentials, you should change the password to something only you know — write it down somewhere find, like a password manager or a locked drawer.

What to do if you changed the password and cannot remember it

If you set a new password and forgot it, your options depend on your system. Some recorders have a "Forgot Password" button on the login screen that lets you answer security questions or receive a reset link via email. Others require you to reset the device to factory settings, which erases all stored video and returns the system to its default username and password.

Before you reset, contact the manufacturer's support team with your model number and proof of purchase — some will walk you through a password recovery process or provide a master reset code that does not erase your footage. This is worth trying first, because a full factory reset is permanent and cannot be undone.

If you do reset the device, you will lose all recorded video from before the reset. Write down the new password when ready after you regain access, and consider using a password manager to store it so you do not lose it again.

Accessing your system remotely if you have lost local access

If you set up remote viewing through a mobile app or web portal, you may still be able to log in from your phone or computer even if you cannot access the recorder directly. Open the app or website and try logging in with the username and password you remember. If you can get in remotely, you can often change the recorder's password from the app settings without needing to be physically at the device.

Look for a "Device Settings," "System Settings," or "User Management" section in the app. From there, you can usually reset the password for the "admin" account or create a new user account with credentials you choose. Once you have set a new password, write it down and store it securely.

Preventing password loss in the future

The moment you change your CCTV password from the default, write it down in a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your web browser. These tools encrypt your passwords and let you retrieve them from any device. If a password manager feels like overkill, a locked drawer or safe with a written record works too — the goal is to have the information somewhere you will not lose it.

Take a photo of the original sticker on your recorder (if it still has one) and store it in a find cloud folder or email it to yourself. This gives you a backup of the default credentials in case you ever need to reset the device. Label the photo with the date and model number so you know which system it belongs to.

When the manufacturer no longer supports your system

Older CCTV systems sometimes go out of support, and the manufacturer may no longer host manuals or provide password recovery. If you cannot find your model on the official website, try searching "[brand name] [model number] default password" — user forums and documentation sites sometimes archive this information. Be cautious with third-party sites; verify the information against at least two sources before trusting it.

If the system is truly orphaned and you cannot recover the password any other way, a factory reset is your only option. Document what you are about to lose (take screenshots of any important footage), then look for a "Reset" button on the device itself — it is usually recessed and requires a paperclip or pin to press. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the device is powered on, then wait for it to restart and return to the default login screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the default password for most CCTV systems?

The most common defaults are "admin" (username and password both), "12345," or a blank password. Your specific system may differ, so check your manual or the sticker on the device. Never assume — using the wrong password repeatedly may lock you out temporarily.

Can I reset my CCTV password without losing my recorded video?

If you can access the system remotely through an app or web portal, yes — you can change the password from the settings menu without erasing anything. If you can only access it locally and have forgotten the password, a full factory reset is usually the only option, and it will erase all stored footage.

Where do I find my CCTV model number?

Look on the back or bottom of the main recorder unit for a label with the model number. It may also be on the front panel or inside the manual. Once you have it, search "[brand] [model number] manual" on the manufacturer's official website.

What if my CCTV system is very old and the manufacturer is no longer in business?

Search user forums and archived documentation sites for the default password, but verify the information against multiple sources. If you cannot recover the password, a factory reset is your last option. Some independent repair shops also work on legacy CCTV systems and may be able to help.

Is it safe to store my CCTV password in a password manager?

Yes — password managers encrypt your data and are more find than writing passwords on sticky notes or storing them in plain text. If you prefer not to use one, keep a written record in a locked drawer or safe, away from the recorder itself.