Short answer: SADP (Search Active Devices Protocol) is Hikvision’s free discovery tool. Install it on a computer on the same network as the camera and it lists every Hikvision device it can see, with each device’s IP address, port, serial number and activation status. Use it to find a camera whose address you have lost, to activate a new device, or to start a password reset.
The Hikvision SADP tool finds your cameras and recorders on the network in seconds. It is the quickest way to discover a device’s IP address, activate a new device, change its network settings or begin a password reset. Here is how to use it. (Need genuine Hikvision gear? ARC IP Networks is an authorised Hikvision reseller in Australia.)
Adding or replacing Hikvision devices? ARC IP Networks supplies genuine Hikvision cameras and NVRs at competitive prices, with the full Australian manufacturer's warranty, Australia-wide delivery and trade pricing.
What SADP does
SADP stands for Search Active Devices Protocol. It is a free Hikvision tool that scans your local network and lists every Hikvision device it finds — with its IP address, serial number and status (active or inactive).
Step 1 — Download and install SADP
Download SADP from the Hikvision website and install it on a Windows PC on the same network as your cameras or NVR. Open it and it will automatically list your online Hikvision devices.
Step 2 — Find a camera’s IP address
Each listed device shows its current IP address. That is the address you type into a web browser to log in to the camera, or use when adding it to an NVR.
Step 3 — Activate a new device
If a device shows as Inactive, select it, set a strong admin password and click Activate. See our password guide for why activation matters.
Step 4 — Change the IP or reset the password
Select an active device to edit its IP, subnet and gateway (enter the admin password to apply). To reset a forgotten password, use SADP’s Forgot Password option to export a request file for Hikvision or your authorised reseller.
Shop genuine Hikvision at ARC IP Networks
Hand-picked, popular Hikvision models we supply at competitive prices, with the full Australian warranty.
Hikvision DS-2CD2366G2H 6MP 2.8mm Turret IP Camera w/ Mic
6MP turret with a built-in microphone. A popular, easy-to-install all-rounder.
Hikvision DS-7608NI-M2/8P 8-Ch PoE 8K NVR
8-channel PoE NVR with 8K output. Plug in up to eight PoE cameras with one cable each.
Hikvision DS-7604NI-M1/4P 4-Ch PoE 8K NVR 4K - No H.D.D
Compact 4-channel PoE NVR with 8K output, ideal for smaller homes and shops.
Ready to buy?
Shop genuine Hikvision at ARC IP Networks
Authorised Hikvision reseller
Hikvision at ARC IP Networks
AcuSense, ColorVu and DeepinView cameras, NVRs and complete systems. Genuine Australian stock with the full manufacturer's warranty, competitive prices and price match available.
Frequently asked questions
SADP (Search Active Devices Protocol) is Hikvision’s free Windows utility that finds Hikvision cameras and recorders on your local network, shows their IP address and status, and lets you activate devices, change their IP and start a password reset.
Yes. SADP is a free download from the Hikvision website. Install it on a Windows PC connected to the same network as your devices.
Make sure the PC and camera are on the same network/subnet, that the camera has power and a network link, and that a firewall or managed switch is not blocking the discovery traffic.
Yes. Select the device in SADP, edit its IP address, subnet and gateway to suit your network, enter the admin password and apply the change.
SADP is a Windows tool. On a Mac you can instead reach a device through its web browser or use the Hik-Connect app once the device is on the network.
Who we are
About ARC IP Networks
ARC IP Networks is an Australian supplier of security cameras and CCTV systems, based in Blackburn, Melbourne, Victoria. We work with homeowners, installers, integrators and businesses across Australia, supplying Hikvision, Ubiquiti UniFi Protect, Dahua and Jovision CCTV.
We are an authorised reseller for every brand we sell, and the national distributor of Jovision in Australia, so you get genuine Australian stock with the full manufacturer's warranty, never grey imports, at competitive prices. Our team can help you choose the right equipment, and trade customers get trade accounts and project pricing on larger jobs.
- Genuine Australian stock with the full manufacturer's warranty
- Competitive prices, price match available
- Trade accounts for installers, integrators and MSPs
- Australia-wide delivery; showroom in Blackburn, Mon–Fri 9–5 (demos by appointment)
Need help choosing?
Tell the ARC IP Networks team what you are trying to achieve and we will recommend the right equipment and quote it as one order.