To view several Hikvision NVRs on one Mac, you have four routes. You can open each recorder's web page in its own browser tab. You can add them all to iVMS-4200 for Mac, which is Intel-only, or to your Hik-Connect account in the iPad app. Or you can use HikGrid (our app), a native Mac app for viewing Hikvision and HiLook cameras that shows several systems in one window, with custom layouts, playback and footage download.
Updated November 2026.
The four ways at a glance
| Option | Several recorders together | Playback | On a Mac | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browser tabs | No, one recorder per tab | Not in plugin-free mode | Any browser | Best kept for settings |
| iVMS-4200 for Mac | Yes | Yes | Intel-only; runs through Rosetta 2 on Apple silicon | Apple says Intel apps on Rosetta won't open in macOS 28 |
| Hik-Connect (iPad app on a Mac) | Yes, every device in your account | Yes | M1 or later, macOS 13+ | Cloud live view stops after 5 minutes |
| HikGrid | Yes, several Hikvision and HiLook systems in one window | Yes, with recording search and download | Native Universal app, macOS 13+ | Hikvision and HiLook only; doesn't change settings |
HikGrid is independent and not affiliated with Hikvision, HiLook or the other products mentioned here.
Option 1: a browser tab per recorder
Every Hikvision recorder has its own web page, so you can keep one tab per site. It costs nothing, but each tab is a separate login and a separate layout. On a Mac the page runs in plugin-free mode, which Hikvision's support table lists with no playback or video download. It's good for changing settings, and poor for keeping an eye on three sites. See the best browser for Hikvision on a Mac.
Option 2: iVMS-4200 for Mac
iVMS-4200 was built for this. Hikvision's Mac datasheet lists access to devices on your network and over the internet, live view of up to 64 video windows, and playback of up to 16 channels at once (Hikvision datasheet, 2019). The catch is age. The Mac build is an Intel-only V2 line (Rosetta Check, October 2026), so on Apple silicon it depends on Rosetta, which Apple is winding down after macOS 27. See Hikvision on macOS 27.
Option 3: Hik-Connect
A Hik-Connect account can hold many recorders, and you can share devices with family or colleagues from the app (Netview). It needs no port forwarding at any site. On a Mac it runs as the iPad app, which needs an M1 chip or later and macOS 13 (App Store), and Hikvision stops cloud live view after 5 minutes by design (Hikvision support). That makes it fine for a quick check and awkward for a monitoring screen. More in Hik-Connect for Mac.
Option 4: HikGrid
HikGrid (our app) connects to several compatible Hikvision or HiLook systems in one viewer, with layouts for the cameras you use most. Each site can be added the way that suits it: local IP for the building you're in, remote IP or domain for a site with port forwarding, or Hik-Connect for a site where you'd rather not touch the router. You get live view, playback, recording search and footage download, natively on Apple silicon (M1 to M5) and Intel Macs with macOS 13 or later. It is £39.95 one-time per Mac, not priced per camera. It doesn't record, change recorder settings or support other brands. Check your recorders on HikGrid's compatibility page.
Planning a multi-site setup
- Name things on the recorders. Give each recorder and each camera channel a clear name on the recorder itself ("Office – Car park", not "Camera 03"). Most viewers pick these names up, and they make search much faster.
- Pick a connection per site. Local IP where you are. For remote sites, Hik-Connect, or a VPN or Tailscale subnet router if you want long sessions without the cloud. Behind Starlink or 4G, see remote viewing behind CGNAT.
- Tune the remote sub-streams. A grid of three remote sites adds up quickly. Keep sub-streams light: see Hikvision sub-stream settings.
- Use a viewing account. Create a lower-privilege user on each recorder for everyday viewing, and keep the admin login for setup.
- Check the clocks. Each recorder should have the right time and time zone. Otherwise searching for "yesterday at 6pm" across sites gets confusing.
Mixing Hikvision and HiLook
HiLook is Hikvision's value brand, and distributors now point HiLook owners to Hik-Connect (Megateh). So one Hik-Connect account can usually hold both. HikGrid also supports both brands in one window. See HiLook cameras on a Mac.
Every site, one native Mac window. HikGrid (our app) gives you live view, playback, recording search and footage download in one native macOS window, across several Hikvision and HiLook systems. It runs natively on Apple silicon and Intel Macs (macOS 13 Ventura or later) and costs £39.95 one-time per Mac, with new features included and no subscription.
HikGrid is an independent app. It is not made by, affiliated with or endorsed by Hikvision.
FAQ
Can I view two Hikvision NVRs at the same time on a Mac?
Yes. iVMS-4200 for Mac, the Hik-Connect iPad app and HikGrid can all hold several recorders. iVMS-4200's Mac build is Intel-only and relies on Rosetta on Apple silicon. Hik-Connect needs an M1 or later and limits cloud live view to 5 minutes. HikGrid runs natively on both.
Can one Hik-Connect account hold several NVRs?
Yes. You can add several devices to one Hik-Connect account and share devices with other people from the app.
Can I mix Hikvision and HiLook recorders?
Yes. HiLook is Hikvision's value brand, and Hik-Connect handles both. HikGrid also shows Hikvision and HiLook systems together in one window.
Does HikGrid charge per site or per camera?
No. HikGrid is £39.95 one-time per Mac, including VAT, and you can connect several compatible Hikvision or HiLook systems. It is not priced per camera.
What is the best way to watch a remote site on 4G alongside my home NVR?
Connect to the home recorder by local IP, and to the 4G site through Hik-Connect or a Tailscale subnet router, since 4G usually blocks port forwarding. Keep the remote site's sub-streams light to save data.
Sources
- Hikvision: iVMS-4200 v2.0.0 Mac datasheet (October 2019)
- Rosetta Check: iVMS-4200 (October 2026)
- App Store (US): Hik-Connect for End user
- Hikvision USA support: 5-minute Hik-Connect timeout
- Netview: Hik-Connect setup, migration and troubleshooting (2026)
- Hikvision USA support: Browser and plugin support of Hikvision products
- Megateh: Hik-Connect remote access on a HiLook NVR
- HikGrid and compatibility page