Support

How to Share Hik-Connect Access with Another User

This guide explains the clean way to share Hik-Connect access without giving everyone the owner login or creating avoidable device-binding problems.

User Handover

Hikvision network video recorder
Many Hikvision support jobs still come back to the recorder, the cloud binding path, and the way the system was handed over rather than the camera body alone.

Summary

Use this page when another family member, staff member or manager needs access to a Hikvision system in Hik-Connect without taking over the owner account.

Applies to

  • Hikvision systems using Hik-Connect
  • Owners handing systems over to staff or family
  • Installers finishing final app sharing

Difficulty and time

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Estimated time: 10 to 20 minutes

What you will need

  • Owner account access
  • Second user phone or email
  • Working device already bound to the owner account

What this guide covers

  • Owner account versus shared user
  • How to share access properly
  • Permission choices that make handover cleaner
  • Common mistakes when a second user tries to add the same recorder

Shared access is one of the most common handover issues on modern CCTV apps. People often do the hard work of getting the device online and then undo it by giving every user the owner password.

This page shows the cleaner path: one owner account, controlled sharing to other users, and a quick permissions test so each person gets the access they actually need.

Before you start

Make sure the device is already visible and working in the owner account before you try to share it.

  • Check that the owner account is the correct long-term account.
  • Confirm the second user has their own app account where required.
  • Know what permissions the second user actually needs.
  • If the device is not online yet, fix that first.
Important

Do not hand out the owner login as a shortcut

It creates confusion later around password recovery, ownership disputes and device removal.

A shared-user path is usually easier to support and easier to clean up when staff or tenants change.

What usually causes this

  • The second user tried to add the device directly instead of receiving a share.
  • The owner account was never documented properly at handover.
  • Permissions were too limited for what the second user expected to do.
  • Everyone was placed on one login, making later support harder.

Step 1: Confirm who holds the owner account

The owner account should normally be the person or business responsible for the site. That account is the cleanest place to control sharing, recovery and future handover.

  • Check the owner email or mobile number.
  • Confirm the device is already visible to that account.
  • Avoid sharing the owner password unless there is a very deliberate reason.
  • Record the ownership details for the job file.

Step 2: Use the app sharing function, not a second direct bind

Most cloud platforms are designed so the owner adds the device once and then shares it. The most common mistake is when a second user tries to add the same recorder as though they are the owner.

  • Open the device settings inside the owner account.
  • Find the share or permission path in the app.
  • Send access to the other user through the supported workflow.
  • If prompted, choose only the permissions the user needs.

Step 3: Choose permissions carefully

Not every user needs playback, configuration access or alarm settings. Start with the minimum that lets them do the job properly.

  • Decide whether the user needs live view only or playback as well.
  • Check whether they need local notifications or event access.
  • Avoid giving admin rights to casual or short-term users.
  • Review permissions again when staffing changes.

Step 4: Test the shared user account

Do not assume the share worked just because the invitation was sent. Log in on the second phone and confirm what the user can actually see.

  • Open live view on the second user account.
  • Check playback if that permission was granted.
  • Test away from the site Wi-Fi if remote use matters.
  • Confirm the second user did not accidentally create or use the wrong account.
Worked example

Two managers need access to one warehouse recorder

Situation: The warehouse owner wanted both managers to view cameras after hours, but did not want either one controlling the whole device account.

Solution used: The recorder stayed on the owner account and both managers were added as shared users with live view and playback rights only.

Why this was chosen: That kept ownership stable while still giving the team the access they needed.

Installation notes: One manager initially tried to add the recorder directly, which failed because the device was already bound.

Common mistakes

  • Giving everyone the owner password.
  • Trying to add the same device directly under a second account.
  • Forgetting to test permissions from the second user side.
  • Leaving shared access active after staff or tenants change.
  • Granting playback or configuration rights where live view would have been enough.

Troubleshooting table

Symptom What to check What to do next
Second user cannot see the device Share not sent, wrong account, permissions not accepted Confirm the invitation path and the exact user account used on the second phone.
Second user tries to add recorder directly Device already bound to owner account Use the share function instead of rebinding the device.
Second user sees live view but no playback Playback permission not granted Review the share permissions from the owner account.
Owner forgot which login controls the site Account records missing Check the owner account details before making further changes.

When to contact support

Contact SecurityWholesalers support when the device is clearly online and owned by the correct account but the supported share path still fails.

Send the order number, model, screenshots of the share screen, and a note on what the second user can or cannot see.

Related support guides

Related buying guides

Relevant product categories

Still stuck?

Need help choosing or setting up a system? Contact SecurityWholesalers support with your order number, product model and a clear description of the issue.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can two people use the same Hik-Connect login?

    They can, but it is usually a poor handover method. Separate user access is cleaner for accountability, future support and password recovery.

  • Why should I share access instead of giving out the owner login?

    Because the owner account controls the device and should stay with the site owner or responsible business contact. Sharing access is safer and easier to manage later.

  • Why can the second user not add the device directly?

    Because the recorder is usually already bound to the owner account. The second user should receive a share rather than trying to claim ownership of the same device.

  • Should every user get playback rights?

    Not always. Give playback only where it is genuinely useful. Many casual users only need live view.

  • What if staff change later?

    The owner account should remove or update shared users as part of the normal handover and offboarding process.

Further Reading
Guide Page Hikvision Support Guides Overview Overview Guide Page HiLook Support Guides Guide Page Dahua Support Guides

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