If you intend to access your Dahua device via the web browser, it’s necessary to install the plugin and enable ActiveX controls. This plugin allows the browser to fully access the Dahua IP camera, DVR, or NVR.
These instructions are valid for Internet Explorer only, the other browsers such as Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari don’t support the ActiveX controls which means you can’t access your system. If you type the IP address of the device on the browser, the login screen will show but it will say “failed” or “error” once you enter your credentials.
For users of Windows 10, it’s important to make sure that you’re using Internet Explorer (and not Microsoft Edge). Although both these browsers are made by Microsoft, they’re different. The plugin works on Internet Explorer only, doesn’t get installed on Microsoft Edge (they block the controls).
Internet Explorer is the blue E with the gold ring around it. If you can’t find it, simply type “Internet Explorer” on the Window’s search bar.
Configure Dahua plugin and ActiveX for Internet Explorer
As we mentioned earlier, make sure to run Internet Explorer (and not Microsoft Edge).
Step 1. Once you run Internet Explorer, click the Settings button and then select Internet Options. This is the gear icon in the top right corner.
Step 2. On the Internet Options window, select the Security tab. Click on the green check that says “Trusted sites”, then click on Sites.
Now you should add the full IP address of the recorder (DVR, NVR) or IP camera including the http:// before the hostname DDNS or IP address.
Additionally, make sure the small tick box labeled “Require server verification (https) for all sites in this zone” is NOT checked. Close the pop-up window and select Custom Level on the previous page.
Step 3. In the security, settings window scroll down until you see ActiveX controls and plug-ins. Disable ActiveX filtering, set Download signed ActiveX controls to prompt, and set Download unsigned ActiveX controls to prompt (same as shown on the image below). Click OK to close the pop-up. Make sure to click Apply and OK on the Internet options pop-up.
Step 4. In this step, type the full IP address for your IP camera or recorder (for example http://192.168.1.108 or http://hostname.dyns.com) in the address (URL) bar at the top of the browser. When prompted, install the plug-ins in order that they appear. Once installed, refresh the page and log in using your username and password. If the plugin doesn’t work, check the next section.
Fix: Dahua Plugin Failed to Install
Sometimes the plugin is installed but you still get prompted to install the plugin. Or it looks like it went through, but when you log in it says “no plugin installed”. If that’s the case, it means the plugin wasn’t installed properly.
Most of the time this issue is caused by having multiple plugins installed on the computer. Each Dahua camera, NVR, DVR requires a specific plugin and when you have all of them installed, you may stumble upon a so-called “plugin conflict”.
To fix this issue you need to delete the plugins manually. This will allow for a fresh and proper install. To avoid any permission issues when deleting the plugins, ensure the Internet Explorer is completely closed.
We need to find the plugin folder and have it deleted. Usually, web plugins are located in the (C:) drive under program files and program files(x86) on 64 bit systems.
Open My Computer or “This PC” and double click on the (C:) drive. First, navigate to C:\Program Files and look for webrec or Webplugin.exe. If either folder is located here, delete it. Look for the same two folders in C:\Program Files (x86) and delete either of them if located there.
Once the plugin folders are deleted, go again through steps 1 to 3, then reinstall the plugins or install them the first time. Try to login again and check if you can see the live pictures or even playback.
Note: this guide works for Dahua and their OEMs sold under these brands: Activecam, Advidia, Amcrest, Ameta, Ascendent, Backstreet Surveillance, BV Security, CCTV Security Pros, CCTV Star, CP Plus (Orange Line), Dax Networks, eLine, ENS (formerly Eastern CCTV and SavvyTech), Expose, Lorex, GSS, Honeywell, IC Realtime, Ikegami, Impath Networks, Inaxsys, IndigoVision, Infinity CCTV, Innekt, Intelbras, KBVision, Lumixen, Maxron, Montavue, Oco, Optiview, Rhodium, RVI, Saxco, Security Camera King (Elite), Space Technology, Speco, ToughDog, Tyco Holis, Tyco Illustra Essentials, Unisight, VIP Vision, Watchnet, Winic, Zuum.
