In some cases you may get the “channels exceeded limit” error when trying to playback the videos on the Hikvision NVR (locally) or even through the Hik-Connect app.
This error may show up on all channels, or some of them.
The full message reads “Number of streaming channels exceeded limit. Please stop playing other channels of the device & try again”.
According to Hikvison’s manual of error messages, this code indicates that the recorder, for various reasons, cannot handle all the cameras when trying to playback them.
In other words, the NVR receives too much data that its hardware cannot possibly process.
Usually, you’re either trying to playback way too many cameras at the same time, or the cameras are set to high specs (such as high bitrate, resolution, and frame rate).
In some cases, the installer has used an under-spec recorder for the system that shouldn’t have been used in the first place.
However, in some cases, the issue is purely technical and can be fixed by taking some actions or adjusting some settings on the NVR.
In this article, we will show you how to fix the error “channels exceeded limit” in a few simple steps.
How to Fix Error Message “Number of streaming channels exceeded limit”
The first thing you should do is to update the firmware on the NVR to the latest firmware.
It has been reported that most of the time this type of issue *the channels exceeded the limit” is caused by a problem with the software on the recorder. It can easily be fixed by simply updating the unit to the latest version.
The tricky part is to update the correct firmware and that depends on the NVR’s model and family.
In some NVR models, all you have to do is go to Settings on the NVR (using a mouse and local monitor), find the Version tab and you should see an Update button. Click it and wait until you get the message “firmware updated successfully”.
In some other models, you need to find out the model of the NVR (it’s usually located on the sticker underneath the unit or the Settings), go to the Hikvision website, and search for that NVR model.
Download it on your computer, place it on a USB stick, plug it into the recorder, and follow the on-screen prompts.
If you’re not sure about the firmware file, or the NVR model, it’s recommended to call up Hikvision for support, the installer, or the dealer/store where you purchased the equipment.
Most of the time nothing will happen if you update the wrong firmware, but in some models, you may brick the unit accidentally.
If updating the firmware didn’t fix the problem, try the following suggestions one by one:
If you’re using a standalone camera (such as the doorbell, nanny cam, etc), you may need to format the storage card or replace it with a better one. It has been reported that cheap micro SD cards are limited in their bandwidth and may cause this error to show up on the Hik-Connect.
Keep in mind that if you format the SD card, you’ll lose all the footage. If you purchase a new card, make sure to get one from a reputable manufacturer (don’t buy from Chinese no-name companies), and spec-wise it should be type 10.
Reboot the WiFi in your location and try again. Sometimes the WiFi router does not respond to the network requests or is experiencing a glitch that may cause the app to show that kind of error.
If you’re getting this error on the phone only, try to close some of the apps, or tabs, and re-try again. Also, make sure the app (Hik-Connect) is updated to the latest version.
Modify the video parameters settings. This is the scenario where your NVR actually cannot handle the data and the cameras. In other words, it’s possible the NVR is being pushed too hard. Trying some frame rates/turning off some services.
Go to the Settings of the NVR, and enter the Video Parameters section. There, you have to check the parameters for each camera.
For example, you can lower the bit rate, lower the frame rate (from 30 FPS to 20 FPS), lower the resolution, etc.
If you have too many cameras, set to the max parameters, then it’s possible your NVR cannot handle all the traffic. So, lower these settings, and try again to see if there’s any difference.
If you don’t want to compromise on the image quality, then it’s recommended to update the NVR to a unit that is designed to support your IP cameras at top parameters.
Lastly, if a company did install the system, then you may need to call them for support. If you installed it yourself, Hikvision USA may provide support to end users in certain circumstances.
