Convert Hikvision video to MP4

Hikvision recorders often save clips as .mp4 files that aren't really MP4, so they won't open or play without sound. This turns them into real MP4 files that play on any phone or computer, in your browser: nothing is uploaded and the picture stays exactly the same.

Drop Hikvision .mp4 files here to make them play anywhereChoose Hikvision .mp4 files to make them play anywhere

Choose files

Your files stay on this device. Nothing is uploaded.

Rename by the date and time in the file name192.168.1.64_01_20231105142233123.mp4 becomes 192.168.1.64_2023-11-05_14-22-33_CH01.mp4

How to convert Hikvision video to MP4

Add your exports
Drag one or more files exported from a Hikvision or HiLook recorder, iVMS-4200, Hik-Connect or EZVIZ onto the blue screen on this page, or choose them from your computer.
Wait a few seconds
Each file is rewrapped into a real MP4 on your device. The video is copied, not re-encoded, so even long recordings take seconds.
Download the MP4
Play the result right on the page, then download it. The MP4 plays in Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android and messaging apps.

Hikvision to MP4: details

Input: Hikvision, HiLook and EZVIZ exports: .mp4 files that are really MPEG program streams (they start with IMKH), and real MP4 files with G.711 audio
Output: .mp4 with the original H.264 or H.265 video
Quality: Unchanged; the video stream is copied, not re-encoded
Audio: G.711 (A-law or µ-law) is converted to AAC so MP4 players can play it; if that fails, the video is kept without sound
Recording time: Read from the export's file name (the recorder's clock, assumed to be your time zone) and saved as the MP4's creation date; the recorder's IP or camera name stays in the new name
Location: Left out of the MP4; the recording date is kept
Encrypted files: Not supported; turn off video encryption in the EZVIZ or Hik-Connect app before exporting
Upload: None; files are processed in your browser
Several files: Yes, add as many as you like
Price: Free

Hikvision to MP4: questions

Why won't my Hikvision .mp4 file play?

Many Hikvision and HiLook recorders export clips as MPEG program streams with a 40-byte Hikvision header (it starts with IMKH), but name them .mp4. Players expect a real MP4, so they refuse the file or play it with the wrong timing. Converting rewraps the same video into a real MP4.

Why does my Hikvision video have no sound?

Hikvision cameras usually record audio as G.711, a telephone codec that MP4 players don't support. This tool converts that audio to AAC, which every player handles. The video itself is copied untouched.

Are my recordings uploaded anywhere?

No. The converter downloads once to your browser and then runs on your device. Your files are read locally and the MP4 is created locally, so the footage never leaves your computer or phone.

Does converting lower the quality?

No. The video stream is copied into the MP4 without re-encoding, so every frame stays identical to the recording. Only the G.711 audio is re-encoded, because MP4 players can't play it.

The MP4 plays without picture. What can I do?

Your recorder probably saved the video as H.265 (HEVC or H.265+). The MP4 still contains it, but some players need HEVC support. It plays on macOS and iPhone, in Chrome and Edge on most recent computers, and on Windows after installing the HEVC Video Extensions. VLC plays it everywhere.

Can I convert EZVIZ recordings?

Yes, as long as they aren't encrypted. With video encryption on, the footage is scrambled with your camera's verification code and only the EZVIZ app can play it. Turn encryption off in the app before you record or export.

Do I need VSPlayer or iVMS-4200?

No. Hikvision's VSPlayer and iVMS-4200 play these files on Windows, but this works on any device with a browser, including Mac, iPhone and Android, and gives you a normal MP4 you can share.

Can I convert several files at once?

Yes. Drop or choose as many files as you like; they are converted one after another and each gets its own download button.

Next steps

Video trimmerCut the part you need out of a video or CCTV recording, without re-encoding it.
Video to MP3Take the sound out of any video, CCTV too, as MP3.

Guides

Hikvision MP4 won't play or has no soundWhy Hikvision, HiLook and EZVIZ .mp4 exports won't open, play without sound or show no picture, and how to fix each one without re-encoding.
How to make a video small enough to sendWhatsApp, Discord and email size limits for videos, and three ways to fit under them - cut it, send it as a document or link, or shrink it.
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