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How to Set Up Motion Detection on Hikvision

Set up motion detection on your Hikvision camera or NVR — draw detection areas, set sensit

Motion detection alerts you the moment something moves in view — and with AcuSense you can make those alerts genuinely useful. Here is how to set up motion detection on a Hikvision camera or NVR and cut out false alarms. (Want cameras that get this right out of the box? ARC IP Networks is an authorised Hikvision reseller in Australia.)

Set up motion detection step by step

  1. Open the device’s web interface or NVR menu and go to Configuration → Event → Basic Event → Motion Detection.
  2. Enable motion detection and select the camera.
  3. Draw the detection area on the grid — cover the zones that matter and leave out busy roads or trees.
  4. Set the sensitivity so it catches people but not minor movement.
  5. Set the arming schedule for the days and times you want it active.
  6. Choose the linkage actions — push notification to Hik-Connect, start recording, sound an audible warning or trigger an alarm output.

Cut false alarms with AcuSense

Ordinary motion detection reacts to everything. On an AcuSense camera, enable human and vehicle detection (under Smart Event) so trees, rain and pets are ignored and you are only alerted to people and vehicles. Learn more in our AcuSense guide.

Get the alerts on your phone

To receive motion alerts on your mobile, add the device to Hik-Connect — see our Hik-Connect setup guide.

Tips for reliable detection

  • Avoid aiming at busy roads or moving foliage.
  • Use AcuSense models where false alarms are a problem.
  • Combine motion recording with continuous recording on critical cameras.

Related Hikvision guides

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Frequently asked questions

How do I set up motion detection on a Hikvision camera?

In the device’s web interface or NVR menu, go to Configuration → Event → Basic Event → Motion Detection, enable it, draw the detection area on the grid, set the sensitivity and arming schedule, and choose the linkage actions such as app notifications or recording.

Why does my Hikvision camera give false motion alerts?

Standard motion detection reacts to any movement, including trees, rain, shadows and pets. Switching on AcuSense human and vehicle detection filters those out so you are only alerted to people and vehicles.

How do I get motion alerts on my phone?

Enable motion or AcuSense events on the device and add it to the Hik-Connect app. Notifications are then pushed to your phone when an event is detected.

Can I record only when there is motion?

Yes. You can set the recording schedule to event or motion recording, which saves storage by only recording when something is detected.

Can I schedule when motion detection is active?

Yes. The arming schedule lets you choose the days and times motion detection runs — for example overnight only.

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