A few users have reported that after they update the firmware on a Dahua NVR or DVR the serial number goes to 000000000000000 (all zeros) and they can no longer use the P2P function to see their cameras on the phone.
This issue is not very common and unfortunately when it happens it cannot be reversed. It occurs on Dahua equipment, including their OEM line which are sold under local brands.
The serial number being all zeros (SN 000000000000000) is caused by a few factors and it’s recognized by Dahua engineers. There are two main reasons that cause this issue:
- You did update the wrong firmware on the NVR or DVR. Usually if you try to update using the wrong firmware on a Dahua recorder, the process will not go through and nothing will happen to the recorder. However in a few and rares cases the file goes through and the machine may be get bricked or show the serial number all zeros.
- There was a power disconnection during the update process. Again, usually no problem will happen to the recorder, just a reboot and it should be fine. But a few reports claim that the serial number was all zeros after the reboot.
- The machine was too old and it was recently hacked via the internet. Does’t occur too often, but we’ve seen a few cases where the serial number goes all zeros.
How to fix the all zeros serial number issue (Dahua)
Unfortunately there’s no fix for this issue. Even if you hard reset the recorder, do a factory reset or re-flash the firmware the serial number will still be comprised and show all zeros 000000000000000. When the serial number is all zeros you can no longer view your cameras remotely using the P2P, the app is going to scan the QR code but nothing will happen. Even if for some reason you noted the serial number before it was erased, it still won’t work, the firmware update has broken the P2P connection.
The recorder will continue to function normally, live view, recording, playback, backing up, all the features will work properly. Only the P2P feature won’t work. You can get around this problem, by using the external IP address (or a DDNS account) and port forwarding the http/tcp ports in you router. Then add the IP address or the DDNS of the Dahua NVR/NVR on the phone app, enter the username/password and you should see the cameras again.
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.
