Hikvision Camera Pink Purple Tint? 6 Fixes That Actually Work

Understanding the Pink or Purple Tint on Hikvision Camera Footage

If your Hikvision camera is displaying a pink or purple tint in its footage, this is often a sign of an issue with the IR cut filter, sensor calibration, or configuration settings. This problem can occur in both day and night modes, but is most commonly associated with the transition between these modes. The tint may be more pronounced in low-light conditions or when the camera is operating in night vision mode. While software misconfigurations are a common cause, hardware issues such as a faulty IR cut filter or sensor degradation can also be to blame. The good news is that many of these issues can be resolved with a few targeted steps, including using Hikvision’s built-in diagnostic tools, recalibrating settings, or resetting the camera to factory defaults.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Before diving into more in-depth troubleshooting, try these quick fixes that address the most common causes of a pink or purple tint in under 30 seconds:

• Power cycle the camera: Unplug the camera from its power source or turn off the power supply at the junction box for 30 seconds, then reconnect it. This can sometimes resolve temporary glitches or software conflicts.
• Restart the Hik-Connect app: Close the app completely and reopen it. This ensures the app is running smoothly and has the latest data from the camera.
• Check the LED status: Look for any unusual patterns in the camera’s LED indicators, such as constant blinking or a solid red light, which may indicate a hardware or connectivity issue.
• Verify power cable/battery: Ensure the power cable is securely connected or that the battery is fully charged (if using a battery-powered model like the DS-2CD2347G2-LSU/SL). A weak power supply can lead to unstable performance.
• Check app login: Ensure you are logged into the Hik-Connect app with the correct account and that the camera is properly paired. A failed login or pairing can sometimes result in distorted video.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Check Your Camera’s IR Cut Filter and Day/Night Mode Settings

The IR cut filter is responsible for switching between colour and black-and-white modes in low-light conditions. If the filter is stuck or not functioning properly, the camera may display a pink or purple tint. To check this:

1. Open the Hik-Connect app and navigate to the Device Settings for your camera.
2. Look for an option related to Day/Night Mode or IR Cut Filter. If available, toggle the mode manually to see if the tint disappears.
3. If the camera is in Auto mode, try switching to Manual and setting it to Day or Night to observe changes in the video feed.
4. If the tint persists, use the Video Quality Diagnosis tool in the app to run a sensor health check. This tool can identify issues with the IR cut filter or sensor calibration.

Adjust H.265+ Smart Codec Settings

Hikvision cameras default to using the H.265+ Smart Codec, which significantly reduces bandwidth usage but may not be supported by all NVRs or third-party software. If your recording system or viewing app is incompatible, this can lead to colour distortion or other video quality issues. To adjust this:

1. Access the camera’s web interface via a browser by entering the camera’s IP address (found in the Hik-Connect app).
2. Navigate to Video Settings > Codec and change the setting from H.265+ Smart Codec to H.264.
3. Save the changes and restart the camera to ensure the new settings take effect.
4. Verify that your NVR or viewing software supports H.264 before proceeding. If not, consider upgrading your system or using a compatible app.

Configure Dual-Stream Settings for Optimal Performance

Hikvision cameras support dual-stream settings, where the main stream is used for recording and the sub-stream for live viewing. Mismatched configurations between the two streams can lead to unexpected issues, including colour distortion. To adjust this:

1. Access the camera’s web interface via a browser.
2. Navigate to Video Settings > Stream Configuration.
3. Ensure that the main stream is set to a high-quality format (e.g. 1080p) and the sub-stream is configured for lower bandwidth (e.g. 720p or 480p).
4. Save the changes and restart the camera to apply them.
5. Test the live view and recording simultaneously to confirm that the tint issue has been resolved.

Reset the Camera Using Factory Reset Options

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, a factory reset may be necessary to restore the camera to its default settings and eliminate any configuration errors. The process varies slightly depending on the model:

• For DS-2CD2087G2-LU: Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds while the camera is powering on or rebooting. The LED should flash to confirm the reset.
• For DS-2CD2143G2-IU: Hold the reset button for 10 seconds during startup or reboot. The camera will restart with factory defaults.
• For DS-2CD2347G2-LSU/SL: Hold the reset button until the LED flashes. This model may require a brief delay after resetting to ensure the settings are applied correctly.

After resetting, re-pair the camera via the Hik-Connect app and reconfigure the settings as needed. This step can eliminate software-related issues that may be causing the tint.

Use the Video Quality Diagnosis Tool for Sensor Health Checks

Hikvision’s Video Quality Diagnosis tool is a powerful resource for identifying hardware or software issues that may be affecting your camera’s performance. To use it:

1. Open the Hik-Connect app and navigate to the Device Status Monitor tool.
2. Look for the Video Quality Diagnosis option and run the test. This will check for issues with the camera’s sensor, lens, and IR cut filter.
3. Review the results and follow any on-screen instructions to resolve identified problems. If the tool detects a hardware issue, such as a faulty sensor or stuck filter, contact Hikvision support for further assistance.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Issues

Factory Reset and Re-Pairing Procedures

If the tint issue persists after basic troubleshooting, a full factory reset may be necessary. This process is similar to the steps outlined earlier but should be followed carefully to avoid losing any critical settings:

1. Locate the reset button on the camera’s housing or on the back panel (depending on the model).
2. Press and hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds until the LED flashes or the camera restarts.
3. Once the camera has reset, re-pair it via the Hik-Connect app by following the on-screen instructions.
4. Reconfigure all settings, including network, video quality, and night vision modes, to match your previous configuration.

Technical Diagnostics and Manufacturer Support

If the issue still persists after a factory reset, it may be time to contact Hikvision support for further assistance. To prepare for this:

1. Use the Hik-Connect app’s Device Status Monitor tool to collect diagnostic logs, including sensor health, network status, and firmware version.
2. Export these logs and send them to Hikvision support via the official website: https://www.hikvision.com/en/support/.
3. Provide a detailed description of the issue, including the model number, firmware version, and any steps you’ve already taken to resolve the problem.

Hikvision support can use this information to determine whether the issue is hardware-related (e.g. a faulty sensor or IR cut filter) or software-related (e.g. a misconfigured setting or outdated firmware). In cases of hardware failure, the support team may recommend replacing the camera or sending it for repair.

Root Causes of the Pink or Purple Tint

The pink or purple tint on Hikvision camera footage is most commonly caused by one of the following:

• Stuck or faulty IR cut filter: This filter switches between colour and black-and-white modes in low-light conditions. If it becomes stuck or misaligned, the camera may display a tinted image.
• Sensor calibration issues: Over time, the camera’s sensor may become misaligned or degraded, leading to colour distortion in the video feed.
• Configuration errors: Incorrect settings for day/night mode, dual-stream configurations, or H.265+ Smart Codec can lead to unexpected video quality issues.
• Hardware degradation: Prolonged use, exposure to extreme temperatures, or high humidity can cause the camera’s sensor or lens to degrade, resulting in a tinted image.

In the UK, environmental factors such as high humidity (which rarely drops below 70%) and dense construction materials (such as solid brick walls) can exacerbate these issues by affecting the camera’s performance and longevity.

Prevention and Long-Term Care

To prevent the pink or purple tint from recurring, follow these best practices:

• Regularly update firmware: Use the Hik-Connect app to ensure your camera’s firmware is up to date. New updates often include fixes for sensor calibration issues and compatibility improvements.
• Avoid extreme environmental conditions: Install the camera in a location with stable temperatures and low humidity. Avoid placing it near heat sources, direct sunlight, or areas prone to condensation.
• Use high-quality power supplies: Ensure the camera is powered with a stable, reliable power source. For PoE models like the DS-2CD2087G2-LU, use a certified PoE switch to avoid power fluctuations.
• Monitor sensor health: Use the Hik-Connect app’s Video Quality Diagnosis tool regularly to check for early signs of sensor degradation or IR cut filter issues.

Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this—the frustration of cameras that depend on Wi-Fi to function. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via ethernet.

When to Consider Replacement

If the tint issue persists despite all troubleshooting efforts, it may be time to consider replacing the camera. Signs that replacement is necessary include:

• Persistent hardware failures: If the camera’s sensor or IR cut filter is confirmed to be faulty, replacement may be the only solution.
• End-of-life firmware support: If the camera’s firmware is no longer updated by Hikvision, it may be more vulnerable to software-related issues.
• Outdated hardware: Older models may lack the latest sensor technologies or calibration features, making them more prone to issues like tinting.

Under the UK’s Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have up to 6 years to claim a faulty product. If your camera is under warranty, contact Hikvision support for a replacement or repair. For non-warranty cases, consider professional installation or replacement options to ensure continued performance.

Conclusion

A pink or purple tint on your Hikvision camera can be frustrating, but with the right steps, it is often possible to resolve the issue. From quick fixes like power cycling and restarting the app to more in-depth troubleshooting with dual-stream settings, H.265+ codec adjustments, and factory resets, there are multiple avenues to explore. If all else fails, Hikvision’s support team and diagnostic tools can help determine whether the issue is software or hardware-related. By following these steps and taking preventive measures, you can ensure your camera continues to provide clear, accurate footage for years to come.