How to fix Hikvision iVMS-4500 connection failed

You’re trying to view your cameras remotely via Hikvision iVMS-4500 app and suddenly you get the error message “Connection failed” on your screen.

In this article we will focus on the various problems that might lead to the iVMS-4500 connection failed issues and how you can fix such issues.

• If the connection failed issue is showing on Hik-Connect app, consult this article: Hik-Connect connection failed error.

What causes the “connection failed” error on the iVMS-4500 app?

Most of the time this issue is caused either by an incorrect network configuration of the device, incorrect port forwarding, or a very poor network condition. But as you can imagine, sometimes the connectivity issues are complicated.

What really matters is that most of the time it will be a network issue. It can be either the way the iVMS-4500 connects to the network, or it can be a variety of other problems related to the network itself.

How to solve iVMS-4500 connection failed error

Below we have listed the common reasons why you may get the “connection failed” on your iVMS-4500 app. Consult each entry and try to follow the instructions.

1. The app settings are incorrect

Double-check the settings of your security system just to make sure everything is correct. Click the navigation tab (top left) and select the ‘Devices’ option.

Select the correct device (you probably only have one listed). Edit the device information, by clicking on the ‘pencil icon’ (top right) – double-check the IP address (or DDNS), and make sure the username/password is typed correctly. Once you’ve done this – check if you can see the cameras live on your app.

2. You have internet connectivity issues on your phone

This is quite common, your internet on the phone doesn’t work and you’re trying to view your cameras remotely.

Make sure your phone has coverage and internet service, or check the WiFi connection. You could turn off and on your cellular or WiFi service and try again if you can see your cameras.

3. Your external IP has changed

In case you’re using the external IP (and not DDNS), if your external IP has changed then you won’t be able to see your cameras on your old IP address. Most internet providers provide a dynamic IP to their clients (not static).

From the location where the CCTV system is installed, connect to your WiFi and go to google and type “what’s my IP address”, then compare the IP address (9-digit number) shown over there to the IP address on your configuration settings (on iVMS-4500 app). On the picture shown above, check the Address line.

4. Port forwarding issue

Make sure the port forwarding is done correctly and the ports are open. You can open the ports manually on your router or use the UPnP feature on your recorder (it will open up the ports automatically).

In most cases, the main connection failed issue will occur when the server port is inactive (the port is closed).

That’s why you will be able to change to other ports. We recommend changing the HTTP port to 82 (or something else) or changing the server port to 8001, etc.

5. Network cable (internet cable) is unplugged

This is a classic ‘check if your system is plugged in’ solution to the problem – check whether one of the cables into the DVR/N or into the router has come out. An additional check – if you’ve checked everything else – is that the Ethernet cable plug has been terminated correctly.

6. Update the iVMS-4500 app

A few times the “connection failed” on the Hikvision iVMS-4500 app is caused by using an old version of the app. Make sure that you have the latest version of the app on your iPhone or Android phone.

7. Update the firmware on your recorder/camera

The “connection failed” issue may be caused by a firmware issue. A few firmware in the past had problems with the UPnP feature, causing the ports to become inactive by themselves. Make sure your recorder is up-to-date.