If you have a Dahua security camera system (DVR, NVR or single IP camera) that shows the message invalid username or password or account locked, there are a few ways to fix this issue.
The invalid username or password error occurs for a few different reasons. When you set up your NVR and cameras for the first time, the NVR will share its password with all of the cameras that are connected to it. So the NVR and the cameras will have the same password.
If, somehow, you forget the password of the NVR and log in using an unlock pattern then perform a factory reset of the NVR via the local interface, this reset will not change the cameras’ password (just the NVR’s).
So when the NVR reboots and you enter a new password the NVR will then attempt to log into the cameras that are connected to it using this new password which will be incorrect for the cameras. Hence, the message “invalid password or username”.
Another way that you can get this error is if you have multiple NVRs and attempt to move an IP camera from one NVR to another NVR.
In some other cases, when you do a “forgot password” function, the NVR should change the camera passwords as well. However, in rare occasions, some or all of the cameras may not receive the new password information and will still have the old password.
How to fix invalid password or username issue
To fix the invalid username or password, your options are limited. If you know what the old password is then the fix is quite simple. Go to the Main Menu on the NVR and select Camera in the lower left. Then click on Registration from the menu on the left side.
Here, you will see a list of the cameras that are on your NVR. Any cameras with errors and no pictures will have a red dot under status.
Click on the pencil icon (edit function) next to the camera. You will then get a small window that allows you to modify the password that the NVR is using to attempt to log in to the IP camera.
Change this password to the previous password or the password that you believe that camera is using. Click connect, apply and OK.
If this is the correct password then you should see the camera image appear in a minute. Keep in mind that once there have been 3 failed login attempts the camera will lock the account and you will get a message that says account locked.
To continue attempting to log in to the camera you will need to unplug the camera or remove the power source from the camera, with 20 seconds and then plug it back in. This will reset the account so you can continue to attempt to log into it.
The other way to fix this issue is by performing a reset on the camera. If you have a PoE switch or a way to power the camera separately from the NVR then you can connect the camera or switch to your router. Connect a laptop to the same router. Find the IP address of the camera by using the Dahua Config tool.
Enter the IP address of the camera into your web browser. You will then be presented with the login screen. Click on Forgot password and follow the instructions to reset the password. Note that if an email address was not entered during setup then this function may not work on the camera.
Another way is to manually reset the camera. This is done by disassembling the camera and pressing the small reset button on the motherboard of the camera and holding it for 30 seconds. The camera will need to remain powered when performing the reset. Read this article about resetting Dahua IP cameras.
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.
