HikGrid compatibility: Mac requirements and supported systems
HikGrid runs on any Mac with macOS 13 Ventura or later, natively on Apple silicon (M1 to M5) and on Intel Macs. It connects to Hikvision and HiLook CCTV systems by local IP address, by remote IP address or domain, or through a Hik-Connect account, and gives you live view, playback, recording search and footage download from the recorder you already have. It does not need iVMS-4200, Rosetta 2, Windows or a browser plugin.
Last updated: 26 October 2026.
HikGrid compatibility at a glance
| Requirement | HikGrid |
|---|---|
| Mac chip | Universal app: runs natively on Apple silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) and on Intel Macs |
| macOS | macOS 13 Ventura or later |
| Rosetta 2 | Not needed |
| CCTV systems | Hikvision and HiLook recorders (NVRs and DVRs) |
| Other camera brands | Not supported: HikGrid is built for Hikvision and HiLook only |
| Connection routes | Local IP address, remote IP address or domain, or a Hik-Connect account |
| Several systems or sites | Yes, in one window |
| Features | Live view, playback, recording search, footage download, custom camera layouts |
| Recording | No: your recorder keeps recording |
| Recorder settings | Not changed: motion zones, firmware and user accounts stay on the recorder |
| Price | £39.95 one-time per Mac, lifetime licence, monthly feature upgrades included |
| Free trial | Yes: download the trial and test it with your own recorder |
To check your Mac, open the Apple menu and choose About This Mac. It shows the chip (Apple M-series or Intel) and the macOS version.
What you need before you connect
- The recorder's IP address. It is on the recorder's own monitor under its network settings, in your router's list of connected devices, or in Hikvision's SADP tool (see SADP on a Mac).
- A user account on the recorder with live view and playback permission. A dedicated view-only user is a sensible choice for everyday viewing.
- For remote access by IP or domain: the recorder has to be reachable from outside your network, which usually means a port forward on your router and a fixed IP address or a dynamic DNS domain.
- For the Hik-Connect route: the recorder bound to your Hik-Connect account, as it already is if you use the Hik-Connect phone app.
- Local Network permission on macOS 15 Sequoia and later. macOS asks before any app talks to devices on your network. If a recorder on your network will not connect, check System Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Local Network.
Which connection route to use
| Route | Use it when | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Local IP address | Your Mac is on the same network as the recorder | The simplest route, and the best one to test first. Nothing goes through a cloud service. |
| Remote IP address or domain | You are away from the site and the recorder is reachable from the internet | A direct connection to the recorder, with no cloud relay in between. |
| Hik-Connect account | You are away from the site and do not want to set up port forwarding | Uses Hikvision's cloud. In Hikvision's own apps, cloud live view stops after five minutes by design (why), so for long viewing sessions a direct IP route is the safer choice. |
Hikvision and HiLook on a Mac: compatibility chart (October 2026)
Every way to view a Hikvision or HiLook system on a Mac, compared by chip and by what it can do. The linked guides carry the sources and the dates each fact was checked.
| Option | Apple silicon Mac | Intel Mac | Live view | Playback and download | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HikGrid | Native (Universal app) | Yes | Yes | Yes, with recording search | macOS 13 or later; Hikvision and HiLook; £39.95 one-time per Mac |
| iVMS-4200 for Mac (V2.0.0.18) | Runs under Rosetta 2 (Intel-only build) | Native | Yes | Yes | Free; trails the Windows build (V3.14.2.4); last Mac datasheet is from 2019 |
| Hik-Connect iPad app | Native, M1 or later | No | Yes; cloud route stops at 5 minutes | Playback yes; clips stay inside the app | Free; macOS 13 or later; phone-style interface |
| HiLook iPad app | M1 or later; Apple marks it "not verified for macOS" | No | Yes | Playback yes; download not stated | Free; macOS 12 or later; no Mac build of the HiLookVision desktop client |
| Recorder web page, plugin-free | Safari or Chrome | Safari or Chrome | Up to 3MP, on new enough firmware | No: needs the Windows plugin | Free; depends on recorder firmware |
| VLC with an RTSP URL | Native | Yes | One stream per window | No | Free; RTSP must be enabled on the recorder |
| SADP for Mac | Runs under Rosetta 2 (Intel-only build) | Yes | No: discovery tool | No | No longer listed by Hikvision; SADP updates ended in April 2026 |
| VSPlayer for Mac | Runs under Rosetta 2 (Intel-only build) | Yes | No: plays exported clips | Plays exports only | VLC is often the easier player for standard MP4 exports |
| Windows 11 in Parallels | Arm Windows 11; Intel-built Windows apps run under emulation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Parallels Standard is 99.99 a year at list price, plus a Windows licence |
macOS changes that affect Hikvision on a Mac
- macOS 27 is Apple silicon only. It shipped in September 2026 and does not run on Intel Macs, so Intel Macs stay on macOS 26 Tahoe or earlier. HikGrid supports Intel Macs on every release from macOS 13 Ventura to macOS 26 Tahoe.
- Rosetta 2 has an end date. Apple says Rosetta remains a general-purpose tool through macOS 27; from macOS 28 it will only serve certain older games. Intel-only Hikvision tools, including iVMS-4200 for Mac, SADP and VSPlayer, will stop working on an M-series Mac that moves to macOS 28 unless Hikvision ships native builds. HikGrid is a Universal app, so it does not depend on Rosetta. More in Does Hikvision work on M1 to M5 Macs?
- No browser plugin for macOS. Hikvision's Mac web plugin stopped working when Safari 12 dropped NPAPI plugins in 2018, and its newer plugin is Windows-only. Recorder web pages on a Mac show live view at most, and only on new enough firmware.
Recorder models and firmware
HikGrid is built for Hikvision and HiLook recorders in general rather than a short list of models. Recorder families and firmware versions vary, so the reliable check for your own system is the free trial: add the recorder by local IP first, then test live view, playback and a download from a recent recording.
To find your model and firmware version, open the recorder's main menu on its own monitor, then Maintenance (or System Maintenance), then System Info. The web interface shows the same details under Configuration, then System, then System Settings, then Basic Information.
Customers can suggest improvements and vote on what we build next on the HikGrid Feature Wishlist.
What HikGrid does not do
- It does not record. Your NVR or DVR keeps recording to its own drives.
- It does not change recorder settings. Motion zones, firmware updates and user accounts stay on the recorder's own menu or web page.
- It does not work with other camera brands. It is built for Hikvision and HiLook only.
- It does not replace HikCentral or iVMS-4200 for installers' configuration work.
HikGrid is an independent app and is not affiliated with Hikvision. Hikvision and HiLook are trademarks of their respective owners.
Check HikGrid with your own recorder. The free trial runs natively on Apple silicon and Intel Macs (macOS 13 Ventura or later) and connects to Hikvision and HiLook systems by local IP, remote IP or domain, or Hik-Connect. A lifetime licence is £39.95 one-time per Mac, with monthly feature upgrades included and no subscription.
FAQ
Does HikGrid work on Apple silicon Macs?
Yes. HikGrid is a Universal app, so it runs natively on M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5 Macs with macOS 13 Ventura or later. It does not need Rosetta 2.
Does HikGrid work on an Intel Mac?
Yes, on macOS 13 Ventura or later. Intel Macs cannot install macOS 27, so in practice that means macOS 13 Ventura to macOS 26 Tahoe.
Which macOS versions does HikGrid support?
macOS 13 Ventura or later. That covers Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia, Tahoe and macOS 27.
Does HikGrid work with HiLook recorders?
Yes. HikGrid is built for both Hikvision and HiLook systems. Our guide to HiLook cameras on a Mac compares it with the other HiLook routes.
Can HikGrid connect through Hik-Connect?
Yes. You can sign in with the Hik-Connect account your recorder is bound to, or connect by local IP, remote IP or domain.
Can I view my cameras away from home?
Yes, by remote IP address or domain if the recorder is reachable from the internet, or through your Hik-Connect account if you do not want to set up port forwarding.
Do I need iVMS-4200, Windows or a browser plugin?
No. HikGrid is a native Mac app, so it needs none of them. See viewing Hikvision on a Mac without Parallels for how it compares with running Windows.
Does HikGrid record footage?
No. It is a viewer. Your recorder keeps recording, and HikGrid plays back and downloads what is already on it.
Can I add more than one recorder?
Yes. You can add several Hikvision and HiLook systems and view them in one window, with custom camera layouts.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. Download the trial and test it with your own recorder before you buy. The full licence is £39.95 one-time per Mac.
Sources
- Apple Developer: About the Rosetta translation environment
- Hikvision: iVMS-4200 download page
- Apple App Store: Hik-Connect for End user
- Apple App Store: HiLook
- Hikvision USA: Browser and plugin support of Hikvision products
- Rosetta Check: iVMS-4200
- Rosetta Check: VSPlayer
- MacRumors: macOS 27 release date