Initialize an NVR from the Local Interface

This guide explains how to initialize an NVR directly from the recorder using an HDMI monitor and USB mouse. Initialization creates the admin password and applies the required first-time setup before the recorder can be used.

Most startup wizard settings can be left at their default values unless the site requires a specific network, time, remote access, or recording configuration.

For setup from a computer using ConfigTool or a web browser, see Initialize an NVR from a Computer.
 

Table of contents

1. Before you begin
2. Start the initialization wizard
3. Configure region, time, and update settings
4. Create the admin password
5. Set password protection
6. Configure the unlock pattern
7. Configure network settings
8. Configure P2P
9. Configure recording schedule
10. Configure storage
11. Add cameras
12. Finish setup
13. Notes

Before you begin

You will need:

• An HDMI monitor connected to the NVR
• A USB mouse connected to the NVR

Start the initialization wizard

When the NVR is powered on for the first time, the startup wizard will appear on the local display. The startup wizard will not appear if the system has already been initialized.

Configure region, time, and update settings

On the Device Initialization screen:

1. Select the correct Region.
2. Select the correct Language.
3. Select the correct Video Standard.
   • Use NTSC for the United States. This is the default setting and the only available option for the United States.
4. Select the correct Time Zone.
5. Confirm the System Time is correct.
6. Enable or disable DST as needed.
   • Not all locations observe daylight saving time. The system is already set to the correct DST parameters, so you only need to enable it if needed.
7. Leave Online Update checked.
8. Click Next.

The system defaults are typically correct, but the region, time zone, and system time should be reviewed before continuing.

Create the admin password

On the Password Setting screen:

1. Enter a new password in the Password field.
2. Re-enter the same password in the Confirm Password field.
3. Click Next.

The password must meet the requirements shown on the screen. Store this password in a secure location.

Set password protection

On the Password Protection screen:

1. Enable Security Question to allow local password recovery.
2. Select three security questions.
3. Enter an answer for each question.
4. Click OK or Next.

Security questions are optional but recommended because they are the easiest method to recover a lost password. We also offer a form that can be completed to receive a temporary admin bypass code. More information can be found here.

Configure the unlock pattern

Create an unlock pattern for quick local login. This is optional and not required.

1. Draw the unlock pattern.
2. Draw the same pattern again to confirm it.
3. Continue to the next screen.

The unlock pattern is used for local access from the recorder interface. Keep the admin password stored separately, even if an unlock pattern is configured. The pattern is not usable over the network.

Configure network settings

The startup wizard displays the recorder’s network settings.

For most installations, leave the network settings at their default values unless the recorder requires a specific static IP address.

If the site requires a static IP address:

1. Disable DHCP.
2. Enter the correct IP Address.
3. Enter the correct Subnet Mask.
4. Enter the correct Default Gateway.
5. Enter the correct DNS Address.
6. Click Next.

Do not change the network settings unless the correct network configuration is known. Incorrect network settings can prevent remote access or cause cameras to fall offline.

Configure P2P

Leave P2P enabled if planning to use remote access with our mobile or desktop apps.

1. Confirm the P2P Status says Online.
   • You may need to finish the startup wizard, then navigate to Basic Setup > Network > P2P for the status to update.
2. Click Next.

P2P can be disabled if remote access is not needed or if you plan to use another remote connection method. P2P settings can also be changed later from the network settings menu.

Note: The QR code and serial number are partially obfuscated in the above screenshot.

Configure recording schedule

The startup wizard will then display recording schedule settings. 

For most systems, leave the default recording schedule unchanged during initialization. Recording schedules can be adjusted later after cameras and storage are configured.

Click Next to continue.

Configure storage

The startup wizard displays disk or storage settings.

Hard drives should automatically start recording as long as they were in a raw state before being installed into the recorder. This will be the case for all systems we sell directly and aftermarket hard drives out of the box. Refurbished drives may still have partitions on them that need to be formatted.

Formatting a hard drive erases all data on that drive. Do not format a drive unless you are sure the existing footage or data is no longer needed.

Click Next to continue.

Add cameras

The startup wizard provides an option to add cameras.

IC Realtime cameras connected directly to the built-in PoE will automatically add and initialize. The NVR initializes the cameras by applying its own admin password to the cameras.

Third-party or ONVIF devices must be added over the network or be supported by an NVR with bridge mode.

Most modern recorders also offer a plug and play option near the top that can be toggled to scan the network for IC Realtime cameras, initialize the cameras, and enroll them into the system. You will not have control of the camera order with this feature enabled.

Click Skip or Next to continue if you don't wish to add cameras at this time.

Finish setup

After the startup wizard is complete, the recorder will continue to the live view or login screen.

Log in with the admin username and the password created during initialization. The NVR is now initialized and ready for additional configuration.

Notes

• User interface layouts may vary depending on firmware version or model. Some menus, labels, or button locations may appear different, especially on legacy systems, but the overall process and behavior remain similar.
• Most startup wizard settings can be left at their default values unless the site requires a specific configuration.
• The admin password should be stored in a secure location.
• Network settings should only be changed when the correct IP information is available.
• P2P can be enabled during initialization or configured later.
• Recording schedules, camera registration, and storage settings can be adjusted after initialization.