How to Reset the Password of Your Recorder
Please avoid using simple passwords like "admin" or "1234"; these common patterns are the first things hackers test, and using them leaves your personal data and account access vulnerable to instant automated theft.
Forgot your Swann recorder password? No problem—resetting it starts by getting your recovery code (usually the MAC address). This guide helps you find the right reset instructions based on your recorder model.
Step 1: Find Your Model Number
Before anything else, you'll need your recorder’s model number.
Not sure where to find it? → View our guide
Once you have your model number, enter it below:
Samples:
- ❌ SWDVK-165580
- ❌ SWDVR-165580
- ❌ DVR-165580
- ❌ DVR16-5580H
- ✅ DVR16-5580
Step 2: Get Your Recovery Code
Applies to the listed products
NVR-8EX, NNVR-16EX
If you can still stream your cameras using Swann Security app, you can
get
the recorder's password by tapping
then then tap to reveal
the password.
See detailed instructions here
Otherwise, follow these steps:
From the login page of your recorder, click Forgot Password
Once it asks you "Choose an option to recover or reset your recorder password", select Recorder MAC Address
Using your phone's camera, take a picture of the recorder's QR code and upload it to this tool to get the Recovery Code.
Step 3: Enter Your Recovery Code
Here's how to enter Swann Security Recorder's Recovery Code:
Enter the MAC Address following this format with colons (e.g.
12:ab:34:cd:56:ef) then click
To select the colon (:), click the button at the bottom-left to see the special characters, then look for the colon.
Then, enter a new admin password, and click
Step 2: Get Your Recovery Code
Applies to the listed products
DVR4-4480G, DVR4-4480V, DVR4-4580G, DVR4-4580V, DVR4-4680, DVR4-4685, DVR4-4780V, DVR4-4980V, DVR4-5580, DVR4-5580G, DVR4-5680, DVR8-4480G, DVR8-4480V, DVR8-4580G, DVR8-4580V, DVR8-4680, DVR8-4680A, DVR8-4685, DVR8-4780V, DVR8-4980, DVR8-5580, DVR8-5580A, DVR8-5580G, DVR8-5580RU, DVR8-5680, DVR8-5680A, DVR8-5680RU, DVR8-5880RU, DVR16-4580G, DVR16-4580V, DVR16-4680, DVR16-4680A, DVR16-4680RU, DVR16-4880RU, DVR16-4980, DVR16-5580, DVR16-5580G, DVR16-5580G2, DVR16-5580RU, NVR8-8580, NVR8-8780, NVR16-8580, NVR16-8780
If you can still stream your cameras using Swann Security app, you can get the recorder's password by tapping then then tap to reveal the password.
See detailed instructions here
Otherwise, choose an article to know how to get your Swann Security recorder's Recovery Code:
- SIMPLE: Get the recovery code using an Android device
- MODERATE: Get the recovery code using a PC or Mac
Step 3: Enter Your Recovery Code
Here's how to enter Swann Security Recorder's Recovery Code:
Enter the MAC Address following this format (e.g. BC:51:FE:11:22:33) then click
Not sure how to get here? → Visit this article
Step 2: Get Recovery Code or Factory Reset
Applies to the listed products
DVR4-4480RN, DVR4-4580RN, DVR4-4680RN, DVR4-4685RN, DVR4-5580RN, DVR4-5680RN, DVR8-4480RN, DVR8-4580RN, DVR8-4680RN, DVR8-4685RN, DVR8-4880RN, DVR8-5580RN, DVR8-5680RN, DVR16-4580RN, DVR16-4680RN, NVR8-8580RN, NVR8-8780RN, NVR16-8580RN, NVR16-8780RN, NVW-650, NVW-800, NVW-MR4K
If you can still stream your cameras using Swann Security app, you can get the recorder's password by tapping then then tap to reveal the password.
See detailed instructions here
Otherwise, you can either:
- Factory reset via reset button (enter you recorder's model in the other article) to reset all settings—including its password; or
- Get and enter the Recovery Code to only reset its password—choose an article below, then proceed to Step 3:
Step 3: Enter Your Recovery Code
Here's how to enter Swann Security Recorder's Recovery Code:
Enter the MAC Address following this format (e.g. BC:51:FE:11:22:33) then click
Not sure how to get here? → Visit this article
Step 2: Get Your Recovery Code
Applies to the listed products
DVR4-4680XN, DVR4-4680XU, DVR4-5680XN, DVR8-4680X, DVR8-4680XN, DVR8-4680XU, DVR8-5680X, DVR8-5680XU, NVR8-ADVANX, NVR16-ADVANX
If you can still stream your cameras using Swann Security app, you can
get
the recorder's password by tapping
then then tap to reveal
the password.
See detailed instructions here
Otherwise, use the QR Code Reader below, and follow its instructions to get your Recovery Code.
If you want other options, choose an article to know how to get your Swann Security recorder's Recovery Code:
- MODERATE:Get the recovery code using an Android device
- CHALLENGING:Get the recovery code using a PC or Mac
Step 3: Enter Your Recovery Code
Here's how to enter Swann Security Recorder's Recovery Code:
Enter the MAC Address following this format (e.g.
BC:51:FE:11:22:33) then click
Not sure how to get here? → Visit this article
Step 2: Get Your Recovery Code
Applies to the listed products
DVR4-4680XU, DVR8-4680XU
If you can still stream your cameras using Swann Security app, you can get the recorder's password by tapping then then tap to reveal the password.
See detailed instructions here
Otherwise, choose an article to know how to get your Swann Security recorder's Recovery Code:
- SIMPLE: Scan the QR code sticker on top of the recorder
- MODERATE: Get the recovery code using an Android device
- CHALLENGING: Get the recovery code using a PC or Mac
Getting "No Email function can be enabled. Please verify the Email Address and check D/NVR has network connectivity before enabling this function." when clicking ?
Follow these steps instead
Step 3: Enter Your Recovery Code
Here's how to enter Swann Security Recorder's Recovery Code:
Enter the MAC Address following this format (e.g. BC:51:FE:11:22:33) then click
Not sure how to get here? → Visit this article
No option to enter Recovery Code
CAUTION! Only proceed if you are getting this error message after clicking
No Email function can be enabled. Please verify the Email Address and check D/NVR has network connectivity before enabling this function
Click the Image to Enlarge
Download and Prepare the Firmware
This also only applies to:
- DVR4-4680XU with firmware version V1.0.10 and older
- DVR8-4680XU with firmware version V1.0.8 and older
Download the correct firmware file for your recorder model:
Steps to follow:
- Extract (unzip) the downloaded file on your computer.
- Copy the extracted firmware files directly to the root directory of your USB flash drive.
Why this helps? Recorders can only detect firmware files if they are extracted and placed correctly on the USB drive.
Insert the USB Flash Drive into the Recorder
- Plug the USB flash drive into the USB port on the recorder.
- Confirm a USB mouse and monitor are still connected.
Why this helps? The recorder uses the USB port to automatically detect and install firmware during startup.
Reboot the Recorder
- Unplug the recorder’s power adapter.
- Wait 10–15 seconds.
- Plug the power adapter back in.
Why this helps? Rebooting forces the recorder to check for firmware files on startup.
Wait for the Firmware Upgrade to Complete
The recorder will automatically begin flashing the firmware.
- Do not remove the USB drive or power during this process.
- Wait until you see the message:
“Upgrade is successful.”
Once it is fully booted, try to click the again and check if you'll have additional option where you can enter its Recovery Code.
If the Firmware Update Doesn’t Start
Try the following before repeating the process:
- Use a different USB flash drive (8–32GB recommended)
- Reformat the USB drive to FAT32
- Ensure firmware files are not inside a folder
- Confirm the firmware matches your exact recorder model
Once flashing the firmware is complete, you can now do Step 2 and Step 3 to reset its password.
Step 2: Get Your Password or Factory Reset
Applies to NVW-MR4KSTN Base Station
If you can still stream your cameras using Swann Security app, you can get the recorder's password by tapping then then tap to reveal the password.
See detailed instructions here
Otherwise, you need to factory reset the Base Station (using its reset button), then re-do the first time setup.
Step 2: Get Your Recovery Code
Applies to the listed products
DVR4-1590, DVR8-1590, DVR4-1600, DVR8-1600, DVR4-4480, DVR8-4480, DVR4-4575, DVR8-4575, DVR16-4575, DVR4-4580, DVR8-4580, DVR4-4780, DVR8-4780, DVR4-4980, DVR8-4980, NVR-7450
Here are useful articles to gain your HomeSave View recorder's Recovery Code:
- Get the recovery code using an Android device
- Simplest Tool for Windows PC: HomeSafe Config Tool
- Get the recovery code using HomeSafe View on a PC or Mac
Step 3: Enter Your Recovery Code
Here's how to enter Swann HomeSafe View's Recovery Code:
- Get to the login screen on the recorder.
- Click on
- Enter the
MAC addressthat you took and replace " - " with " : ".
It should look like this -BC:51:FE:11:22:33 - Click on once done.
- You then need to set your new password. Please follow your Wizard Quick Start Guide
Step 2: Get Your Recovery Code
Applies to the listed products
DVR16-1000, DVR4-1250, DVR8-1250, DVR4-1260, DVR8-1260, DVR4-1425, DVR8-1425, DVR9-1425, DVR12-1425, DVR16-1425, DVR8-1450, DVR4-1580, DVR8-1580, DVR4-2555, DVR8-2555, DVR8-2900, DVR4-3000, DVR8-3000, DVR16-3000, DVR8-3200, DVR16-3200, DVR4-3250, DVR8-3250, DVR16-3250, DVR8-3260, DVR4-3425, DVR8-3425, DVR16-3425, DVR4-3450, DVR8-3450, DVR4-4000, DVR8-4000, DVR16-4000, DVR4-4100, DVR8-4100, DVR4-4150, DVR4-4200, DVR8-4200, DVR9-4200, DVR16-4200, DVR4-4400, DVR8-4400, DVR16-4400, DVR4-4550, DVR8-4550, DVR16-4550, DVR4-4600, DVR8-4600, DVR4-4750, DVR8-4750, DVR8-5000, HDR6-8000, HDR6-8100, HDR4-8200, NVR4-7072, NVR8-7072, NVR4-7082, NVR8-7082, NVR4-7085, NVR8-7085, NVR4-7285, NVR8-7285, NVR4-7300, NVR8-7300, NVR16-7300, NVR4-7400, NVR8-7400, NVR16-7400, NVW-1080H, NVW-460, NVW-480, NVW-490
Here are useful articles to gain your SwannView Link recorder's Recovery Code:
- Recorder showed a random code
- SwannView Link is already installed on a PC or Mac
- Get the MAC Address using an Android device
Step 3: Enter Your Recovery Code
Here's how to enter SwannView Link Recorder's Recovery Code:
- Get to the login screen on the recorder.
- Click on
- Enter the
MAC addressthat you took and remove the colons " : ".
It should look like this -BC51FE112233 - Click on once done.
- You then need to complete the Wizard Setup
NOTE: If clicking the Forgot Password shows a random code, you need to use a generated code that will be entered in the Super Password field. Follow this article instead.
Step 2: Get Your Recovery Code
Applies to the listed products
DVR4-1500, DVR8-1500, DVR16-1500, DVR4-1525, DVR8-1525, DVR4-1550, DVR8-1550, DVR16-1550, DVR8-1575, DVR24-4300, DVR4-4350, DVR8-4350, DVR4-4500, DVR8-4500, DVR16-4500, DVR8-4900, DVR8-8050, DVR8-8075, HDR8-8050, HDR8-8200, NVR4-7000, NVR8-7090, NVR16-7090, NVR8-7095, NVR16-7095, NVR4-7200, NVR8-7200, NVR16-7200, NVR16-7250, NVR8-7500, NVR8-8000, NVR16-7500, NVR16-8000
Here are useful articles to gain your SwannView Plus recorder's Recovery Code:
- Get the MAC Address using an Android device
- SwannView Plus (Windows) or iVMS (Mac) is already installed
- Simplest Tool for Windows PC: SADP Tool
- Using MAC Address as recovery code doesn't work
Step 3: Enter Your Recovery Code
Here's how to enter SwannView Plus Recorder's Recovery Code:
- Get to the login screen on the recorder.
- In its Password field, enter the
MAC addressthat you took and remove " - ".
It should look like this -bc51fe112233 - Click on once done.
- You then need to complete the Wizard Setup
NOTE: If that doesn't work, you need to use a computer to reset it using a generated code. Follow this article instead.
Step 2: Password Reset Guide
Applies to the listed products
DVR-1200, DVR-41300, DVR-1350, DVR-1400, DVR-2550, DVR-2600, WMT-HOMEDVR4, WMT-SECUBOX4, DVR-04b, DVR-08b, DVR8-4X50
Follow the instructions in this article: How to reset the password of a SwannView recorder?
Still Need Help?
If you're unable to reset your password using the resources above, we recommend the following:
- Double-check your model number and try all relevant guides listed.
- Ensure your recorder is connected to the router if you're retrieving the MAC address.
If you're still having trouble, contact Swann Support for further assistance
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