How to Send Hikvision Motion Recordings to a VPS

If you’re using a Hikvision NVR and would like motion events, alarm recordings or snapshots stored on a remote Virtual Private Server (VPS), there are several proven methods available.

The right option depends on whether you simply want image uploads, full event recordings, or complete off-site recording.

Method 1 – FTP Upload (Recommended)

This is the easiest and most commonly used solution. Hikvision NVRs include built-in FTP upload capability which allows motion clips or snapshots to be sent automatically to your VPS.

Step 1 – Install an FTP Server

Install VSFTPD on Ubuntu or Debian.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install vsftpd -y

Create a Dedicated User

sudo adduser hikvision_ftp

sudo mkdir -p /var/www/cctv_storage

sudo chown -R hikvision_ftp:hikvision_ftp /var/www/cctv_storage

Enable Upload Permissions

Edit /etc/vsftpd.conf and ensure the following options exist:

write_enable=YES
local_enable=YES
chroot_local_user=YES

Restart the FTP service and ensure TCP Port 21 (plus passive ports if configured) is allowed through your firewall.

Step 2 – Configure FTP on the Hikvision NVR

1. Open the NVR web interface.
2. Go to:
   Configuration → Network → Advanced Settings → FTP
3. Enter:

Use the Test button before saving the configuration.

Step 3 – Enable Motion Uploads

1. Go to Configuration → Event → Motion Detection.
2. Enable Motion Detection.
3. Draw the detection area.
4. Open the Linkage Method tab.
5. Enable Upload to FTP.
6. Configure your recording schedule as Motion or Event.
7. Set Pre-record and Post-record times to capture footage before and after motion occurs.

Method 2 – NFS Network Storage

If you’d like the VPS to behave like a remote hard drive, Hikvision supports recording directly to a network storage location.

1. Install an NFS server on your VPS.
2. Create an exported storage directory.
3. On the NVR navigate to:

Configuration
→ Storage
→ Storage Management
→ Net HDD

4. Add the VPS IP address.
5. Select the exported NFS path.
6. Format the Net HDD from the Hikvision interface.
7. Select Motion or Alarm recording.

Method 3 – ISUP / ISAPI Integration

For software developers or advanced surveillance platforms, Hikvision supports proprietary event forwarding technologies.

• ISUP (EHome) can push alarms and recordings to a central server.
• HTTP Event Notification can POST XML or JSON alarm data to your web application.
• Ideal for Home Assistant, ZoneMinder, custom dashboards or cloud monitoring platforms.

Security Best Practices

• Restrict FTP access to known public IP addresses whenever possible.
• Use strong passwords.
• Consider VPN access for remote recording.
• Keep your Hikvision firmware updated.
• Monitor disk usage on the VPS.

Automatic Cleanup

To prevent your VPS storage filling up, create a scheduled cron task:

0 2 * * * find /var/www/cctv_storage -type f -mtime +30 -delete

This automatically removes files older than 30 days every night at 2:00 AM.

Which Method Should You Choose?