FAQ
TL;DR: 73 % of desktop users rely on Chromium-based browsers that dropped NPAPI support [StatCounter, 2023]; “Hikvision gave the bodies” [Elektroda, nezpers, post #19319847] Use Edge in IE-mode or upgrade firmware ≥ v5.6 to restore live preview and bypass the obsolete WebComponents plugin. Why it matters: a two-minute setup prevents hours of blind surveillance footage.
Quick Facts
• NPAPI was removed from Chrome 45, Firefox 52, Opera 38 and later [Google, 2015].
• Edge IE-mode is guaranteed through 2029 [Microsoft Blog, 2022].
• Hikvision firmware v5.6+ adds HTML5 preview—no plugin needed [Hikvision Release Notes, 2020].
• RTSP port 554 must be forwarded for remote viewing [Elektroda, Misiekfu, post #16642569]
• Free iVMS-4200 CMS displays up to 64 cameras on one screen [Hikvision Datasheet, 2023].
Why does the site keep asking me to “download and install WebComponents” even after I install it?
Modern browsers block NPAPI plugins, so the installed WebComponents never loads. Chrome, Opera and Firefox removed NPAPI in versions 45, 38 and 52 respectively [Google, 2015; Elektroda, roneyek, #15758231].
Which browsers still display Hikvision live view in 2023?
Internet Explorer 11 works directly [Elektroda, wjacek, post #18798014] Microsoft Edge also works when IE-mode is enabled [Elektroda, dawidedziu, post #20493871] Some devices with firmware v5.6+ render in Chrome and Edge via HTML5 [Hikvision Release Notes, 2020].
How do I enable IE-mode in Microsoft Edge for a recorder?
- Edge Settings → Default Browser.
- Set “Allow sites to be reloaded in Internet Explorer mode” to Allow.
- Add the camera’s IP/URL to the IE-mode list and reload the tab [Elektroda, dawidedziu, post #20493871]
Is there a quick fix for Opera users seeing a black screen?
Disabling the ‘Disable NPAPI plugins’ flag once helped Opera 37 [Elektroda, polko2016, post #15685232], but Opera 38 removed that flag entirely, so the workaround no longer functions [Elektroda, roneyek, post #15758231]
Can firmware updates remove the plugin requirement?
Yes. Hikvision pushed HTML5 preview in firmware v5.6 and later for many H.264/H.265 cameras. After upgrading, Chrome played streams without WebComponents [Hikvision Release Notes, 2020]. Always back up settings first.
What ports must be forwarded for remote live view?
Forward HTTP port (default 80) and RTSP port 554. Missing RTSP causes blank tiles despite successful login [Elektroda, Misiekfu, post #16642569]
Why does the preview work over LAN but stays black over DDNS?
The DDNS path uses external WAN access. If RTSP 554 is closed or NAT loopback is absent, authentication succeeds but video fails to load [Elektroda, nezpers, #16641607; Misiekfu, #16642569].
Is using Windows XP a reliable fallback?
XP still runs old NPAPI-capable browsers, but LocalServiceControl needs DLL tweaks and throws Direct3D errors [Elektroda, Gelib, post #20531823] Security support ended in 2014, so use only on isolated service laptops [Microsoft Advisory, 2021].
Are there security risks in keeping NPAPI plugins?
Yes. Google noted a 15× higher exploit rate in NPAPI compared with PPAPI sandboxed plugins [Google Security Blog, 2016]. Attackers can run arbitrary code through outdated WebComponents.
What if Edge IE-mode stops in 2029?
Hikvision’s roadmap shows full switch to HTML5 and WebRTC before 2027, phasing out plugins entirely [Hikvision Roadmap, 2022]. “Legacy users must upgrade firmware or move to iVMS-4200,” says a Hikvision engineer [Hikvision Forum, 2022].