How to Get the Recovery Code by Scanning the QR Code

Super Admin
01 May 2026
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DVR4-4680XN, DVR4-4680XU, DVR4-5680XN, DVR8-4680X, DVR8-4680XN, DVR8-4680XU, DVR8-5680X, DVR8-5680XU, NVR8-ADVANX, NVR16-ADVANX, NVR-8EX, NVR-16EX

This guide will show you how to retrieve the Recovery Code (recorder’s MAC address) by scanning the QR code found on your Swann recorder which you will need to reset its password.

What you’ll need:

  • Any recorder that is listed above.
  • A smartphone or tablet.
  • A QR code scanning app (available in most app stores).

Pick Your Starting Point

Scan the QR Code

Open your QR code scanner app

Most devices have one built into the camera app. If not, download a free QR code scanning app.

Why this helps? The scanner translates the QR code into readable text, including your recorder’s details.

 

Point your camera at the QR code label

The label is on top of your recorder and will give you a long string of text that consists of: UID, MAC Address, and a random number. Here's an example below:

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP111A,bc51fe112233,90

In this example, you have to tap the text to see everything. If you don't know what to get, the MAC address is the one after '111A' that is 12-characters long (that's the highlighted text in the example above).

Write down the MAC address

  • The MAC address starts with bc51fe followed by 6 more characters (e.g. bc51fe123456)
  • This is your Recovery code, needed to reset your recorder's password

EliteX™ system doesn't start with bc51fe.

Get the entire 12-character MAC address

Swipe left or right to navigate

Special Cases

MAC address can't be found

If you can only see the UID (which consists of 20-alphanumeric code), then the recorder model number isn't part of the list above.

Troubleshoot the Scanner App
  1. Restart your phone or tablet—Restarting clears temporary glitches that may prevent apps from working.
  2. Update or reinstall the scanner app—Visit your app store and install the latest version.
  3. Try using the built-in camera app—Many modern devices can scan QR codes without an extra app.
When the QR Code Isn’t Readable

Clean the label gently—Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust or smudges. Also, try to move the camera away or closer, slowly, from the QR code; that could help the scanner to see the QR code clearly.

If none of the above solutions help to scan the QR code, you can instead get the Recovery code using other methods which are listed here.

Summary & Next Steps

You’ve learned how to:

  • Scan the QR code to retrieve your recorder’s Recovery Code (MAC address).
  • Troubleshoot QR scanning apps.
  • Find the MAC address when the QR code isn’t readable.

Once you have the Recovery Code, go to this article to learn how to use it and reset the recorder's password.

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