How to Download CCTV Footage from a Hikvision NVR or DVR

If you’re using a Hikvision system and need to export recorded CCTV footage, there are two common and reliable methods:

Downloading footage directly from a screen connected to the NVR or DVR

Downloading footage remotely using the Hik-Connect mobile app

This guide walks you through both options step by step.

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Method 1: Download Footage Using a Screen Connected to the NVR or DVR

This is the most straightforward method and is ideal when you have physical access to the recorder.

What You’ll Need

A monitor or TV connected to the NVR/DVR (via HDMI or VGA)

A mouse connected to the recorder

A USB memory stick (FAT32 formatted is recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Log in to the NVR/DVR

Use the admin username and password.

Insert the USB memory stick

Plug it into one of the USB ports on the recorder.

Open Playback

Right-click on the screen and select Playback from the menu.

Select the Camera and Time Period

Choose the camera channel you need

Select the date and drag the timeline to the required time

Mark the Start and End of the Clip

Click the Start Clipping (scissors icon)

Play or move to the end time

Click Stop Clipping

Export the Footage

Click Export or Backup

Select the USB device

Choose the file format (MP4 is recommended for easy playback)

Safely Remove the USB
Once complete, remove the USB stick and test the footage on a PC.

Helpful Tip

If the exported video doesn’t play, install VLC Media Player or Hikvision’s VSPlayer on your computer.

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Method 2: Download Footage Using the Hik-Connect App

This method is perfect if you need footage quickly and don’t have access to the recorder.

What You’ll Need

The Hik-Connect app installed on your phone or tablet

Your NVR/DVR already added to Hik-Connect

A stable internet connection

Step-by-Step Instructions

Open the Hik-Connect App

Log in to your account.

Select Your Device

Tap on the NVR or DVR from your device list.

Go to Playback

Choose Remote Playback or Playback.

Choose Camera and Time

Select the camera channel

Pick the date and scroll to the required time

Download the Clip

Tap the Download icon

Set the start and end times

Confirm the download

Access the Saved Video

The clip will be saved directly to your phone’s gallery or within the app’s file manager.

Limitations to Be Aware Of

Clip length is usually limited (often a few minutes per download)

Quality may be reduced compared to a USB export

Large downloads depend heavily on internet speed

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Which Method Should You Use?

Situation	Best Method
Evidence for police or insurance	Screen + USB export
Quick clip while away from site	Hik-Connect app
Long recordings	Screen + USB export
No physical access	Hik-Connect app

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Final Thoughts

Both methods are effective, but if you need full-quality footage for official use, exporting directly from the NVR or DVR using a USB stick is always the best option. The Hik-Connect app is ideal for quick access and convenience, especially when you’re off-site.

If you regularly download footage, it’s worth keeping a USB stick handy and making sure your Hik-Connect app is fully set up before you need it.