Because this process is frustrating, Google Search is flooded with "Dahua Password Generators" and "Dahua Serial Number Calculators."
These are almost universally malware or scams.
If you download a .exe claiming to reset your Dahua password via serial number for free:
Only use the official ConfigTool and official support channels.
Before you start, you will need three things:
If you are currently locked out of your Dahua NVR or camera, stop randomly guessing passwords. You will lock the device permanently.
Follow this checklist:
The "Dahua password reset by serial number" is not a magic hack—it is a secure protocol designed to protect your data. While it is inconvenient when you forget your login, understanding this process saves you from replacing expensive hardware.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes and for resetting devices you legally own. Do not attempt to bypass security on devices you do not have permission to access.
To reset a Dahua password using the serial number, you must obtain a temporary security code from Dahua support. This process typically applies to recorders (NVR/DVR) and cameras where other recovery options (like email or QR codes) are unavailable. Password Reset Procedure via Serial Number
Locate Device Information: Find the full device serial number and the current date/time displayed on the device's screen (OSD). The serial number is usually on a sticker on the back or bottom of the hardware.
Contact Support: Email the serial number and the current device date to the official Dahua Support Team at Support.USA@Dahuatech.com (or your regional equivalent) to request a reset code.
Enter Security Code: Once you receive the code, right-click on the device interface and select Main Menu. Enter the provided security code into the Admin Account password field to unlock the system. Set New Password: Navigate to System > Account (or Settings > Account). Select Modify for the 'admin' user. Check the Modify Password box. dahua password reset by serial number
Use the support-provided code as the "Old Password" and then enter your new desired password twice. Alternative Reset Methods
If the serial number method is not feasible, consider these alternatives:
QR Code Reset: If you previously configured a recovery email, click "Forgot Password" on the login screen to generate a QR code. Scan this with the DMSS mobile app to receive a reset code via email.
Physical Reset Button: Many Dahua IP cameras have a physical reset button located near the Ethernet port or under a waterproof cover. Press and hold it for 5-10 seconds while the device is powered on to factory reset the password.
Default Credentials: For older models, try the default username admin with the password admin or leave the password field blank.
Unlocking Your Security: Dahua Password Reset by Serial Number
Forgetting the admin password to your Dahua NVR, DVR, or IP camera can feel like being locked out of your own home. While modern systems often use QR codes, many older or specific models still rely on the Serial Number (S/N) method to regain access. When to Use the Serial Number Method
This method is typically a "last resort" or used for older firmware versions (pre-4.0) that do not support the automated QR code/DMSS app reset. Step-by-Step Guide: Resetting via Serial Number
Follow these steps to generate a temporary password or reset code through official Dahua channels:
Locate Your Serial Number: Check the physical sticker on the back or bottom of your recorder/camera. You can also find it via the Dahua Config Tool if the device is reachable on your network.
Note the Device Date: Power on your device and look at the On-Screen Display (OSD). The exact system date (Year, Month, Day) is often required alongside the S/N to generate a valid code.
Contact Technical Support: Email your full serial number and the current system date to official support. For North American users, the address is typically Support.USA@Dahuatech.com. Because this process is frustrating, Google Search is
Tip: Include your model number and a photo of the S/N sticker to speed up the process.
Enter the Reset Code: Once you receive the temporary code (usually within 24–48 hours), go to the login screen on your device. Enter the code in the password field.
If successful, you will be prompted to create a new, secure password immediately. Alternative Reset Methods
If the serial number method isn't working for your specific model, consider these faster alternatives:
QR Code & DMSS App: The most common method for modern Dahua devices. Use the DMSS app to scan the "Forgot Password" QR code on your monitor to receive a security code via email.
Dahua Config Tool (XML Reset): For IP cameras, use the Config Tool to export an XML file, email it to support, and import the result file they send back.
Physical Reset Button: Many IP cameras and some NVRs have a physical button inside the housing. Pressing and holding this while powering on the device will factory reset the unit.
Security Questions: If you set these up during initial configuration, you can reset the password instantly by answering them on the login screen. Quick Reference Table
To reset a Dahua password using a serial number, you can use one of several methods depending on your device's firmware and whether you have access to technical support or specialized tools. Direct Password Reset via Technical Support
The most common way to use a serial number for a reset is by requesting a temporary code from support. Locate the Serial Number: Find the on the sticker at the back or underside of your recorder.
Note the Date: Check the date displayed on the recorder's login screen (OSD). It must match exactly for the code to work.
Contact Support: Email your serial number and the system date to your regional support, such as Dahua Support USA at support.USA@Dahuatech.com. If you download a
Enter Temporary Code: Once you receive the code, enter it in the password field on the login screen to gain access and immediately set a new permanent password. QR Code Method (DMSS App)
Modern Dahua devices display a QR code containing the serial number for a faster self-service reset.
If your device says "Amcrest" or "Lorex," the password reset process changes slightly:
The serial number (S/N) is a unique alphanumeric identifier for each Dahua device. It is tied to the device’s internal security chip and firmware. When you request a password reset, Dahua’s servers or support tools generate a temporary reset code or security code that is cryptographically linked to that specific serial number and the device’s current timestamp.
Key point: Without the correct serial number, you cannot generate a valid reset key for newer Dahua devices (post-2018 firmware).
Dahua provides a free utility called ConfigTool (for Windows) and a mobile app called DMSS (formerly gDMSS/iDMSS) for password resets.
Using ConfigTool (PC):
Using DMSS App (Mobile):
Go to the official Dahua Technology website (dahuasecurity.com) > Support > Tools. Download the latest version of ConfigTool (usually a .zip file). Install the software on your Windows computer.
When trying the Dahua password reset by serial number, you may encounter these errors:
| Error Code | Meaning | Solution | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 0x01 | Invalid Serial Number | You typed the SN wrong. Copy/paste directly. | | 0x05 | Timeout | The reset code expired. Codes last roughly 10 minutes. Generate a new file and get a new code. | | 0x08 | Firmware Mismatch | Your firmware is too old for the new algorithm. Try downgrading ConfigTool or updating the device firmware via TFTP (advanced). | | 0x12 | Security Lock | You attempted wrong passwords 10+ times. Reboot the device and wait 30 minutes before trying the SN reset again. |