Many users want to view their Hikvision cameras or access the DVR/NVR using Mozilla Firefox. What plugin to install on Firefox? How to see a Hikvision camera or NVR using Firefox?
The new version of Mozilla Firefox doesn’t allow the installation of ActiveX plugins anymore, so you can’t see the cameras using this browser. However, there are a few tricks you need to do in order to fix this issue.
In this step-by-step guide, we will show how to access a Hikvision device (IP camera, NVR, DVR) using Mozilla Firefox browser.
You’ll be able to see the live feed, playback, modify the settings, etc. Read the instructions below. If you use Google Chrome, check the guide in this link.
How to access a Hikvision device on Firefox?
The current version of Firefox does not support the ActiveX plugin. Which, in return, the camera feeds will not play if you try bringing them up.
In order to view the Hikvision cameras or NVR/DVR using Firefox, you need to install the Firefox ESR version. ESR stands for “Extended Support Release”, which means that even though a newer version of Firefox may be out, the ESR version will still support the plugins for an extended period of time. In other words, the ActiveX plugin is supported by Firefox ESR.
Step 1. Download and install the Firefox ESR version. Note: This will overwrite your existing version of Mozilla Firefox if you had it installed previously. However, it will keep all of your Configurations, Favorites, and Settings.
- Click here to download the Windows version of Firefox ESR.
- Click here to download the Mac version of Firefox ESR.
Open the file once downloaded and follow the Setup Wizard that comes up when you open the file. Once the setup is complete, click “Finish”. The program will then run automatically.
Step 2. Type your NVR’s IP address into the address bar. For our example, since we are connected to the same network, we will use our NVR’s local IP address: http://192.168.1.100:82 (where 82 is the http port, by default it’s 80).
Step 3. Install the ActiveX plugin when prompted.
Step 4. Re-enter the username and password. Check if you can see the live view.
Basically, that’s all. If that doesn’t work, you can try another browser such as Internet Explorer (the legacy version) or by using the IE Tab on Google Chrome. Install the plugin when prompted, reboot the browser, and log in to the camera.
If you still do not see the cameras, try these suggestions as well:
- Ensure the NVR, DVR, or cameras are updated to the latest firmware version.
- Reboot the browser and go again through the steps.
- Run the web browser as Administrator.
- Call Hikvision USA support team for further assistance.
Next, you may try to use the Hikvision camera management software, which is called iVMS-400. This is an application that gets installed on your computer and then you can add your Hikvision camera system (such as a standalone IP camera, NVR, or DVR).
It will show up all the cameras on live view, you can playback, adjust the settings, managed the users, and perform all the necessary actions. This guide shows the instructions on how to set up the iVMS-4200 on a computer.
I followed your instructions and when I logged into my HIK NVR, I do not get the prompt to allow ActiveX controls and plugins. The page is still showing “No plug-in detected.” Is there something else to do to cause Firefox to install the plug-in?
Are you using the regular Firefox or the EST version? You need to use Firefox ESR.
In the past in virtualbox i used windows 10 pro and windows 7 pro. It working in IE and in firefox. Then i think it was after a upgrade of virtualbox i am not able anymore to get live view going.
Ik tested in virtualbox with windows 10 and in windows 7 with IE11 with firefox 88 and with firefox 78.10.1esr 32bit but nothing works. I can configure my camera’s and NVR but no live view whatever i do.
I don’t want to install those plugins on my normal bare metal systems i only want to use an install hikvisions plugins in a virtual machine but that doesn’t seem to work anymore.
Followed your instructions, installed the ESR version and downloaded the plugin and ran it and everything is now working and able to view, LiveView and playbacks. Thanks for this !! Two thumbs up !!
It would appear that it is impossible to view any Hikvision devices using a browser on an Android phone.
It doesn’t work on Android because the browser uses a plugin addon to access the devices. If using a phone, you can view and playback the cameras using the respective app.
Someone on another board recommended Avant browser. Small, light weight…can be a no install app.
Just to the right of the URL window is an IE selection to make the browser IE compatible…this is not sticky so can be turned on when needed.
Really works!
As of 10/27/23