There is no native HiLook app for Mac, but you have five working routes. A native Mac viewer that supports HiLook, such as HikGrid (our app), runs on Intel and Apple silicon Macs. On an M1 or later Mac you can also install the HiLook or Hik-Connect iPad apps, or use Hikvision's free iVMS-4200 client or the recorder's web page. HiLook is Hikvision's value brand, so the Hikvision routes apply to HiLook too.
Updated October 2026.
Is there a HiLook app for Mac?
Not a Mac app. HiLook's phone app, HiLookVision, is listed on the App Store simply as HiLook, published by Hikvision Digital Technology. The listing marks it "Designed for iPad" and "Not verified for macOS". It installs on a Mac with macOS 12 or later and an M1 chip or later, at version 6.13.851 (September 2026) with 4.7 stars from about 23,000 ratings.
On the desktop side, Hikvision's HiLookVision download page offers the HiLookVision V2.7.1.51 client and the mobile app, with no Mac build listed. HiLook recorders are added to iVMS-4200 like any Hikvision device, which is why most Mac advice for HiLook ends up pointing at Hikvision software. Our HiLook vs Hikvision software guide covers how close the two brands are.
Which route works on your Mac
Check your chip under the Apple menu, then About This Mac. On an Intel Mac, only three routes are open, and only two of them play back recordings.
| Route | Apple silicon Mac (M1 or later) | Intel Mac | Live view | Playback from the recorder | Footage download | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HikGrid (our app) | Native, macOS 13 or later | Yes, macOS 13 or later | Yes | Yes, with recording search | Yes | GBP 39.95 one-time per Mac |
| HiLook iPad app | macOS 12 or later; not verified for macOS | No | Yes | Yes | Not stated on the listing | Free |
| Hik-Connect iPad app | macOS 13 or later | No | Yes; cloud route cuts at 5 minutes | Yes | Clips inside the app | Free |
| iVMS-4200 for Mac | Runs under Rosetta 2 | Native | Yes | Yes | Yes | Free |
| Recorder web page | Depends on firmware | Depends on firmware | Only on plugin-free firmware | No | No | Free |
Two dates affect this table. macOS 27, released in September 2026, runs only on Apple silicon, so Intel Macs stay on macOS 26 or earlier. And Apple says Rosetta remains a general-purpose tool only through macOS 27, which puts the Intel-only iVMS-4200 client on a clock for M-series owners.
The five routes in detail
1. HikGrid (our app)
HikGrid is a native Mac app built for Hikvision and HiLook systems, so a HiLook NVR or DVR is a first-class citizen rather than an afterthought. You get live view, playback, recording search and footage download from the recorder you already have, with custom camera layouts and several systems in one window. It runs natively on Apple silicon and on Intel Macs with macOS 13 or later.
To add a HiLook recorder:
- Find the recorder's IP address in its network settings on the recorder's own monitor, or in your router's device list.
- Add the system in HikGrid by local IP with the recorder's username and password, or by remote IP or domain if you are away from the site.
- Or sign in with your Hik-Connect account if the recorder is already bound to it.
It costs GBP 39.95 one-time per Mac, with a lifetime licence and monthly feature upgrades. It does not record and does not change recorder settings. The free trial is the quickest way to confirm it works with your recorder, and the HikGrid compatibility page lists the full requirements.
2. The HiLook iPad app on an M-series Mac
On a Mac with an M1 or later chip and macOS 12 or later, open the App Store, search for "HiLook", switch to the iPhone & iPad Apps tab, and install it. Sign in with the account you use on your phone.
Expect a touch-first window rather than a desktop layout. Apple marks the app "Not verified for macOS", so test the features you rely on before you depend on it. One June 2026 App Store review also complains that the switch from Favorites to Groups left the iPad interface oversized.
3. The Hik-Connect iPad app
Many HiLook owners use Hik-Connect instead, because HiLook recorders connect to the same Hikvision cloud. The Hik-Connect listing requires macOS 13 or later and an M1 or later. Live view over the cloud stops after five minutes by design, and our 5-minute limit guide has the ways round it.
4. iVMS-4200 for Mac
Hikvision's free client adds a HiLook recorder by IP or through a Hik-Connect login, and handles live view, playback and export. The catch is that it is an Intel-only build (Rosetta Check), so it runs under Rosetta on M-series Macs. See iVMS-4200 for Mac.
5. The recorder's web page
Type the recorder's IP address into Safari or Chrome. On plugin-free firmware you get live view; playback and download still need the Windows plugin. Hikvision's browser support table names only Hikvision-branded series, so test your HiLook model rather than assuming. If the page is blank, work through our live view decision tree.
Two routes to skip
- Android emulators. BlueStacks offers HiLookVision "on PC or Mac" by running the Android phone app inside an emulator. On an M-series Mac the iPad app already runs without one, and on an Intel Mac you are adding a second operating system for a phone app.
- "HiLookVision for Mac" downloads. Hikvision's download page lists no Mac build of HiLookVision. Some guides, such as this VXG glossary page, tell Mac users to install a DMG that is actually iVMS-4200. Get Hikvision software only from Hikvision's own pages or the App Store.
Compare: HiLookVision vs HikGrid and Hikvision's Mac software compared with HikGrid.
View your HiLook cameras natively on your Mac. HikGrid (our app) gives you live view, playback, recording search and footage download for HiLook and Hikvision systems in one native macOS window: no iVMS-4200, no emulator and no browser plugin. It runs natively on Apple silicon and Intel Macs (macOS 13 Ventura or later), connects to several systems at once, and costs £39.95 one-time per Mac with monthly feature upgrades included and no subscription.
FAQ
Is there a HiLook app for Mac?
No native one. On an M1 or later Mac with macOS 12 or later you can install the HiLook iPad app, which Apple marks as not verified for macOS. On any Mac with macOS 13 or later, HikGrid supports HiLook natively.
Does HiLookVision work on an Intel Mac?
No. The iPad app needs an M1 or later, and Hikvision lists no Mac build of the HiLookVision desktop client. On an Intel Mac, use iVMS-4200 for Mac or a native viewer such as HikGrid.
Can I use Hik-Connect with HiLook cameras?
Many HiLook owners do, because HiLook recorders use the same Hikvision cloud. Our HiLook vs Hikvision guide covers the account setup.
Does HikGrid work with HiLook NVRs and DVRs?
HikGrid is built for Hikvision and HiLook systems and connects by local IP, remote IP or domain, or a Hik-Connect account. Run the free trial with your own recorder before you buy.
Why is my HiLook recorder's page blank in Safari?
Usually its firmware still expects the browser plugin, which no current Mac can run. Try Chrome, check the firmware, and see our live view decision tree.
Sources
- Apple App Store: HiLook
- Apple App Store: Hik-Connect for End user
- Hikvision Europe: HiLookVision download page
- Hikvision USA: Browser and plugin support of Hikvision products
- Apple Developer: About the Rosetta translation environment
- MacRumors: macOS Golden Gate release date
- Rosetta Check: iVMS-4200
- BlueStacks: HiLookVision on PC or Mac
- VXG: HiLookVision app login and install
- HikGrid