This type of error shows on Hikvision IP cameras or NVRs when you try to playback the footage via the Hik-Connect app.
Randomly you may get an error message that reads: Video playing failed. Error Code: (260015). The feed buffers to high percentage levels such as 75% or 90% and then it ends up with a black screen displaying the error message.
Sometimes this error shows up on live view as well. You just open up the live mode to see the cameras, and some of them may show up fine, while the others fail and display error code 260015.
In some cases, you may see a different message that reads: “Failed to search the video”, or “(Error Code 245416)”.
A confusing aspect is that the cameras show up correctly when you view them directly through the NVR, web browser, or computer-based software. It just fails on the Hik-Connect phone app. Below we will show you a few ways to fix this error.
How to fix Hikvision error code 260015?
The issue is mainly caused by the Hikvision servers reaching their limit. Basically, they can’t handle all the traffic on their servers, hence the live view (or the playback) fails to load up. This is especially the case when you have multiple cameras on your system set to a high resolution.
There are things you can do to fix the issue, either change the video encode or downgrade the resolution.
It has been reported that this error is fixed by changing the Video Encoding from H265+ to H265 (and sometimes vice versa).
So, go to the video settings of your NVR (or standalone camera) and switch the video encoding mode. (Note: This method won’t work switching to H264).
Another way is to lower the resolution. The picture quality will be lower, but you won’t get the error code 260015. So, if your cameras are 4MP, set them to 2MP, or just downgrade half of them and test out the live mode via the Hik-Connect app.
Additionally, you may try to lower the bitrate. If it’s 8Mbps, lower it 4Mbps and see if it gets fixed. We’d recommend lowering the bitrate first, and then if it doesn’t work, lower the resolution.
Lastly, you may lower the frame rate as well, but don’t go lower than 15 FPS otherwise the picture will get choppy.
Update the firmware
Hikvision support team has declared that this error is linked to buggy firmware on the device which has been fixed since.
You need to update the camera or the NVR to the latest firmware version. Contact Hikvison or your seller dealer and upgrade all your devices to the latest software release.
It has been reported that the firmware update fixes this error on ColorVu and Hi product lines (and other OEMs that are sold under third-party brands).
Remove the system from the Hik-Connect app
You can try this tip as well. Open up the Hik-Connect app settings and remove the device (NVR, DVR, standalone camera). Then reboot the NVR and wait until it comes back. Go to the Platform Access settings and ensure that it shows up online.
Next, re-add the system back to Hik-Connect and see if the issue is fixed. Additionally, make sure the app and the phone as well are up to date.
Check the internet connection
Sometimes the live video fails because there are issues with the internet connection, especially if the download speed is way too low.
Check the WiFi internet and make sure it’s strong enough. Open up some random pages to test it out or do a speed test. Additionally, if you’re using your phone’s internet, check the stability and the strength bars on the screen.
If you’re using WiFi cameras, make sure that all of them are connected to the same WiFi. It has been reported that certain issues appear when some of the cameras are connected to the 2.4GHz band and others to the 5GHz band. Lastly, you may reboot the router for a fresh start.
Reset the camera
Another solution is to reset the camera that doesn’t load up. You can reset it manually by pressing the reset button on the camera (for 15 seconds) and then setting it up again.
Or you can perform a factory reset by accessing the camera via the web browser. Once done, re-add the camera to the system and the error should disappear.
Hikvision Failed to play the video: Error codes
Error code 43: the buffer is too small to store data from device.
Error code 91: failed to get sub stream (device support main and sub stream while when
connected to hik-connect, there is no sub stream). Solution: change to HD to get main stream or
check to connect sub stream in.
Error code 240005: there is not enough memory for APP. Try to clear the memory for running
APP or reboot device. Collect mobile phone model and version type.
Error code 245410: connection number is up to maximum. You can suggest the customer to
reboot the device. Only one channel playback is supported by one device. So if the customer
selects 4 cameras of one DVR or NVR, only the first channel can succeed in playback and the other
screens will display maximum connections.
Error code 245500: internal error in VTDU server
Error code 260015: change to HD mode, set as H264 or H265, I frame as 50 or 25, use single
mode.
