Hikvision
Hikvision RTSP URL and free recording software
Hikvision cameras stream at rtsp://CameraIP:554/Streaming/Channels/101. Use this address to record them in Litmus NVR, a free NVR for Windows, Mac and Linux, or choose ONVIF to find them automatically.
Hikvision RTSP URL
| Hikvision | |
|---|---|
| Main stream | rtsp://CameraIP:554/Streaming/Channels/101 |
| Sub stream | rtsp://CameraIP:554/Streaming/Channels/102 |
| NVR channel | /Streaming/Channels/201: the leading digits are the channel, the last two the stream (01 main, 02 sub) |
| Username | admin, with the password set when the camera was activated |
| Find the IP | SADP |
From Hikvision’s official support page “How do I get my RTSP stream?”, checked September 2026.
If it does not connect
- If RTSP authentication is set to SHA256 only, switch back to an option that includes MD5. Hikvision notes that options without MD5 may not work with third-party software.
- Check that the computer running Litmus and the camera are on the same network (router).
- Sign in to the camera’s web page or app to confirm the username and password.
- If you changed the camera’s RTSP port from 554, replace 554 in the address with that number.
- To test the address, open it in VLC media player under Media > Open Network Stream. In VLC, put the account in the address: rtsp://username:password@CameraIP:554/...
Record Hikvision cameras in Litmus NVR
- Download the installer from the download page and run it. Litmus starts when installation finishes.
- Open Litmus in a browser on any device on the same network and create a local account. No Litmus account is needed on your network.
- Add your cameras. Litmus finds cameras on the same network. Select a camera under Found cameras, enter its username and password, and click Check connection to see a picture from the camera. If your camera is not listed, click Add manually and enter its IP address and manufacturer.
- To watch from anywhere, connect your Litmus account and use the phone app or app.litmusnvr.com.
Questions
Is there Hikvision NVR software for Mac?
Litmus NVR runs on macOS 14.4 or later on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs and records Hikvision cameras over RTSP or ONVIF.
Can I record cameras from different brands together?
Yes. Litmus NVR connects any camera that supports RTSP or ONVIF, so you can mix brands on one computer and search them together.
Is Litmus NVR really free?
Yes. Every feature is free with no camera limit. Live View over a direct connection is unlimited.