How to Get the Recovery Code Using PC or Mac
DVR4-4480G, DVR4-4480RN, DVR4-4480V, DVR4-4580G, DVR4-4580RN, DVR4-4580V, DVR4-4680, DVR4-4680RN, DVR4-4685, DVR4-4685RN, DVR4-4780V, DVR4-4980V, DVR4-5580, DVR4-5580G, DVR4-5580RN, DVR4-5680, DVR4-5680RN, DVR8-4480G, DVR8-4480RN, DVR8-4480V, DVR8-4580G, DVR8-4580RN, DVR8-4580V, DVR8-4680, DVR8-4680A, DVR8-4680RN, DVR8-4685, DVR8-4685RN, DVR8-4780V, DVR8-4880RN, DVR8-4980, DVR8-5580, DVR8-5580A, DVR8-5580G, DVR8-5580RN, DVR8-5580RU, DVR8-5680, DVR8-5680A, DVR8-5680RN, DVR8-5680RU, DVR8-5880RU, DVR16-4580G, DVR16-4580RN, DVR16-4580V, DVR16-4680, DVR16-4680A, DVR16-4680RN, DVR16-4680RU, DVR16-4880RU, DVR16-4980, DVR16-5580, DVR16-5580G, DVR16-5580G2, DVR16-5580RU, NVR8-8580, NVR8-8580RN, NVR8-8780, NVR8-8780RN, NVR16-8580, NVR16-8580RN, NVR16-8780, NVR16-8780RN, NVW-650, NVW-800, NVW-MR4K
Tags: password recovery, password reset, Swann recorder, admin password reset, recovery code, Swann Security software, PC, Mac, network connection, MAC address, Swann DVR, Swann NVR, password reset guide, Swann Security app, password reset instructions, Swann recorder troubleshooting, Swann support, Swann Security account, password reset process, Swann device management, Swann Security for PC, Swann Security for Mac
This guide helps you reset the recorder’s password (not Swann Security account) by getting first its MAC Address via the Swann Security software on PC or Mac.
Before you begin:
- Grab a mouse and monitor and connect it to the recorder
- Connect the recorder to the router using an Ethernet cable
- Install Swann Security for PC or Mac (follow steps 1 and 2)
- Connect your PC or Mac to the same router
Choose Your Situation
What are you struggling with? Pick the issue below to jump straight to the relevant steps:
Get the Recovery Code
Follow these instructions to get the recovery code, then visit this article to know how to reset the recorder's password.
Swipe left or right to navigate
Recorder Not Visible in Software
Confirm network connection
View larger
- Ensure both recorder and computer are on the same router/subnet.
- Check if the Ethernet cable is plugged in.
- If the computer is connected via Wi-Fi, try connecting it to the router hardwired using Ethernet cable.
Refresh device list
- Reboot your router first, then your recorder, and try again.
Temporarily disable firewalls
- Windows Defender/macOS firewall or antivirus may block discovery—Turn them off temporarily, refresh device list, then re-enable.
Summary & Next Steps
- Found MAC → Reset recovery → Created new password
- Network issues resolved? → Recorder now visible
If none of the sections fix the problem:
- Try on a different computer for MAC address retrieval.
- Try other methods of getting the MAC Address or resetting the password.