Hik Connect Facial Recognition Not Working? Fix Guide

Hikvision Facial Recognition Not Working? A Troubleshooting Guide

Facial recognition is a powerful AI feature in modern Hikvision security systems, offering enhanced security and smarter event searching. However, when it fails to detect faces or provide accurate matches, it can be frustrating. Getting this feature to work reliably requires careful setup and optimisation.

This guide is designed to help you troubleshoot and resolve common issues with Hikvision's facial recognition technology. We'll cover everything from initial camera setup and environmental factors to the specific software configurations required for accurate performance through the Hik-Connect platform.

## Fundamental Requirements for Accurate Facial Recognition

Before diving into software settings, it's critical to understand that the system's performance is highly dependent on the quality of the video it receives.

Ensure these physical conditions are met:

• Use the Right Camera: Facial recognition is an advanced function. You must be using a Hikvision camera that explicitly supports this feature (e.g., specific models from the AcuSense or DeepinView series). A standard camera will not work.
• Optimal Camera Placement: The camera should be positioned to capture a clear, frontal view of a person's face. The ideal installation height is typically around 2.5 to 3.5 metres, angled slightly downwards. Avoid sharp angles where you only see the top of a head or a side profile.
• Sufficient Lighting: The face must be well and evenly lit. Strong backlighting (e.g., a camera pointing at a doorway to the bright outdoors) will create silhouettes and prevent detection. Infrared (IR) at night can work, but good, consistent visible light is always superior.
• Clear Image: Ensure the camera lens is clean and the image is in sharp focus.

Configuring and Troubleshooting Facial Recognition in Your NVR/DVR

Most of the configuration is done directly on your Network Video Recorder (NVR) or Digital Video Recorder (DVR).

### 1. Enable the VCA / Smart Event

The system needs to be told to analyse the video stream for faces.

1. Log in to your NVR/DVR's local interface.
2. Navigate to 'System Configuration' > 'VCA' or 'Event' > 'Smart Event'.
3. Select the correct camera channel from the dropdown list.
4. Find and select the 'Face Capture' or 'Facial Detection' function.
5. Check the 'Enable' box.
6. Draw the Detection Area: You will see the camera's view. Draw a box covering the specific area where you expect to capture faces (e.g., a doorway). This prevents the system from wasting resources analysing irrelevant parts of the scene.
7. Save your settings.

### 2. Manage Your Face Library / Database

For the system to recognise specific people, you must build a database of faces.

• Access the Face Library: Navigate to the 'Face Library' or 'Face Picture Database' management section.
• Create Libraries: You can create different libraries (e.g., 'Staff', 'Family', 'Banned List').
• Add Pictures:
  • When adding pictures, use high-quality, clear, front-facing photos.
  • Avoid pictures with hats, sunglasses, or shadows covering the face.
  • Use multiple photos of the same person in different lighting conditions if possible.
  • The clearer the library image, the higher the chance of a successful match.

### 3. Configure Face Comparison and Alarms

Once you have a library, you need to tell the system what to do when it finds a match.

1. Go to the 'Face Comparison' or 'Facial Recognition Alarm' section.
2. Select the same camera channel.
3. Enable the comparison alarm.
4. Select the Face Library you want to compare against. You can often set different rules for different libraries.
5. Configure Linkage Actions: This is crucial. You need to tell the system what to do on a successful match.
   • 'Notify Surveillance Centre': This is essential for getting push notifications to your Hik-Connect app.
   • 'Trigger Recording': Ensure this is selected so the event is recorded.
   • 'Buzzer': The NVR will beep on a match.

### 4. Fine-Tuning and Testing

• Adjust Sensitivity/Similarity: In the comparison settings, you may see a 'Similarity' or 'Threshold' slider. This determines how closely a captured face must match a library picture to trigger an alarm. If you get too many false matches, increase this value. If you are missing matches, decrease it slightly.
• Check Hik-Connect App Notifications: Ensure you have enabled notifications for VCA or 'Smart Events' within the Hik-Connect app's notification settings. Without this, you won't receive alerts on your phone.

By ensuring your physical camera setup is optimal and by methodically configuring the detection, library, and comparison alarm settings, you can transform your Hikvision system into a powerful and accurate facial recognition tool.