Hikvision Dash Cam Offline? How to Get Your Fleet Camera Reporting
Charles Alexis
Hikvision makes a range of vehicle cameras and mobile video recorders used in fleets. When one shows offline, the fix usually comes down to power, connectivity or platform settings.
Start with the basics
Check when the camera was last online and where the vehicle was. If it dropped out in a car park with no signal, it may come back by itself when the vehicle moves.
If it has been offline for days, work through the steps below.
Step 1: power
Fleet cameras are usually hardwired, with a permanent live, an ignition feed and an earth.
- Check the camera’s indicator lights. No lights means no power.
- Check fuses and the earth point. A poor earth is a common cause. See our guide to hardwire kits not working.
- Check the ignition wire. Many units only connect when they see ignition on.
- Check the vehicle battery. A low battery can trigger the camera’s voltage protection and shut it down.
Step 2: the SIM and mobile data
- Make sure the SIM is seated correctly.
- Check the SIM is active and has data left.
- Check the APN is set correctly for your SIM provider.
- Check the SIM does not have a PIN enabled.
Our guide to 4G dash cam SIM cards not working covers each of these in detail.
Step 3: platform settings
The camera needs to know where to send data: the server address, port and device ID. If the camera has been reset or its configuration changed, these may be wrong.
Check them against the details from whoever runs your platform. Changing platforms is a common cause. The camera keeps trying to report to the old one.
Step 4: storage
Many fleet recorders use an SD card or hard drive. A failed storage device can cause the unit to restart repeatedly or stop working properly, which can show as offline. Check for storage errors and replace if needed.
Step 5: firmware
Old firmware can cause connection and stability problems. Check with your supplier for updates. Do not cut power during an update.
Step 6: signal
Metal vehicle bodies reduce signal. If the camera uses an external 4G antenna, check it is connected and not damaged. A loose antenna cable is easy to miss.
Online but no video?
If the camera shows online but live view or playback does not load, it is usually a data or bandwidth issue. See our guide to live dash cam footage not loading.
Using Hikvision cameras with Traknova
Traknova works with Hikvision vehicle cameras, so you can bring them onto the same platform as your trackers, immobilisers and other devices. Offline cameras flag as alerts so you know straight away.
See our Hikvision integration and connected dash cameras pages.
Summary
Power, SIM, platform settings, storage, firmware, signal. Work through them in that order and most offline Hikvision cameras are found quickly.