Hikvision Microphone Not Working? Sound Troubleshooting

No Sound From Your Hikvision Camera? Here's How to Fix It

Hikvision cameras are known for their high-quality video, but audio is a crucial component of comprehensive security monitoring. Whether you're experiencing no sound at all, poor quality audio, or issues with recordings, the problem can usually be traced back to a setting in the camera's configuration. Many users are surprised to learn that for privacy reasons, the microphone on most Hikvision cameras is disabled by default.

This guide will provide you with a clear, step-by-step process to enable and configure your camera's microphone, troubleshoot common audio problems, and ensure your recordings capture both video and sound.

Pre-Troubleshooting: Does Your Camera Have a Microphone?

Before you begin, it's essential to confirm your camera model actually has a built-in microphone. Many Hikvision dome and bullet cameras do, but not all. The model number often provides a clue: models with an "-S" in the name typically include a built-in mic (e.g., DS-2CD2143G0-IS). Always double-check the official data sheet for your specific model to be certain.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling Hikvision Audio

You will need to access your camera's web interface by typing its IP address into a web browser (like Chrome or Firefox) and logging in.

### Step 1: Enable the Audio Stream

This is the most common step that is missed. You need to tell the camera to capture and stream audio.

1. Navigate to Configuration > Video & Audio.
2. Select the Audio tab.
3. For Audio Input, select MicIn.
4. You can adjust the Input Volume here. A good starting point is around 80.
5. Click Save.
6. Now, select the Video tab.
7. For the Stream Type you are using (e.g., Main Stream), find the Video & Audio dropdown menu. Change it from "Video" to Video&Audio.
8. Crucially, you must do this for both the Main Stream and Sub Stream if you want audio on both.
9. Click Save.

After these steps, you should now be able to hear audio on your live view through a web browser or the Hik-Connect app.

Troubleshooting: No Audio on Recordings

If you can hear live audio but your recorded playback is silent, you need to enable audio in the recording schedule.

### Step 1: Enable 'Record Audio' in Schedule Settings

1. In the web interface, navigate to Configuration > Storage > Schedule Settings.
2. Select the Record Schedule tab.
3. Click on Advanced (next to the day-of-the-week selection).
4. A pop-up window will appear. Tick the checkbox for 'Record Audio'.
5. Click OK.
6. Now, drag your mouse across the timetable for the days you want to apply this setting to.
7. Click Save.

The camera will now include the audio track in all new recordings. Note that this will not add audio to previously recorded footage.

Solving Poor Audio Quality (Humming, Buzzing, or Low Volume)

• Low Volume: As mentioned in Step 1, the easiest way to fix quiet audio is to go to Configuration > Video & Audio > Audio and increase the Input Volume slider.
• Humming or Buzzing: This usually indicates electrical interference.
  • Ensure you are using a high-quality, properly grounded power supply.
  • If using an external microphone, keep the audio cable away from power cables.
  • Test the camera with a different power adapter to see if the noise disappears.

By methodically checking these settings, you can resolve almost any audio issue with your Hikvision system and ensure you are capturing the full picture.