In this guide we will show how to update the firmware on Dahua DVRs or NVRs (the procedure is the same). Dahua is a worldwide manufacturer that sells their equipment via third party brands (such as Q-See). If you have a recorder with the same interface (blue style) as shown below then you most likely have a Dahua recorder and you can use this guide to update the firmware.
Be warned, updating the firmware incorrectly or using the wrong firmware on the DVR can permanently damage the chip-set on the DVR and make it unusable. Please verify that the firmware you got is meant for your DVR’s model. Make sure you have received the right firmware from the manufacturer/reseller/dealer.
Firmware updates are released to resolve performance issues and/or to add features. Any update could fail and cause problems if the steps are not followed correctly, or if the update is not required. If you are not experiencing an issue that the firmware update was written to resolve, or you do not need the feature that is added by the update, please do not run the update.
Step 1. To make things safer, we recommend to format the USB drive before starting. Put the firmware on the USB stick and plug it at the back (or front) usb port.
Step 2. A window will appear notifying you that a USB flash drive was detected. Click System Upgrade.
Step 3. On the next window click Upgrade.
Step 4. Select the firmware file from the USB content.
Step 5. Click Start to begin the update procedure.
Step 6. The progress bar will appear. Wait until it’s done.
When the update is done, your system will reboot, and may take a few minutes to load while upgrading. You’re all done.
