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Hikvision Setup Guide

Detailed instructions for setting up Hikvision Android displays

Method 1: Install via USB Key

Simplest for on-site installation. No complex technical setup required.

Method 2: Install via ADB

Recommended for remote or professional setup. Requires developer tools.

Introduction

Hikvision professional displays run a customized version of Android OS. They include "FocSign Player" as the default signage application. To run impressBox, we need to install our Player application and configure the device to launch it automatically.

We support two installation methods depending on your access to the device:

  • USB Installation: Ideal if you are physically in front of the screen. Just plug in a thumb drive and install.
  • ADB Installation: Ideal for IT professionals or when setting up devices in a lab environment before deployment.

Common Prerequisites

1. Activate the Display

New Hikvision displays must be activated before use.

  1. Power on the display.
  2. Select Activate.
  3. Set a strong alphanumeric password.
  4. Press Activate to confirm.

Important: Remember this password! It is required for advanced settings.

Hikvision Terminal Activation screenshot

2. Exit FocSign Default Setup

You must exit the default signage player to access the Android system.

  1. If prompted for password protection, select Disable.
  2. If prompted to register, select Cancel.
  3. On the main FOCSIGN screen, press Back on remote.
  4. Press the Exit button (door icon).
FocSign main screen exit button

Method 1: Install via USB Key

1

Download the APK

Get the latest version of impressBox Player.

Download impressBox APK
2

Transfer to USB & Install

  1. Copy the app.apk file to the root of a USB drive.
  2. Insert the USB drive into the Hikvision display.
  3. Open the File Manager application on the display.
    Note: Usually found in the app drawer or tools menu.
  4. Navigate to your USB storage device.
  5. Select the APK file and choose Install.
3

Completion

Once installed, click Done (do not Open yet). Proceed to the "Auto Start Configuration" section below.

System Debug is NOT required for USB installation.

Method 2: Install via ADB (Advanced)

System Debug Required

Unlike the USB method, ADB requires enabling Developer options first.

A. Enable System Debug

Navigate to: Settings → System → System Debug

  • Toggle ON.
  • Enter the activation password (from Step 1).
System Debug Toggle

B. Connect Network

Navigate to: Settings → Network

  • Connect via LAN (preferred) or Wi-Fi.
  • Click the "i" icon to find the IP Address.
Network IP Address

C. ADB Commands

1. Download the APK to your computer:

Download impressBox APK

Windows (PowerShell in platform-tools folder):

Connect
.\adb.exe connect 10.0.0.164
Install
.\adb.exe install -r -g impressbox-player.apk

macOS / Linux (Terminal):

Connect
adb connect 10.0.0.164
Install
adb install -r -g impressbox-player.apk

Auto Start Configuration (Critical)

After installing the APK (via USB or ADB), you must tell the Hikvision display to launch impressBox instead of FocSign.

1
Enable impressBox Player

Navigate to: Settings → App Management → Run at Startup

Find impressBox Player and toggle it ON.

Run at Startup impressBox

2
Disable FocSign Player

In the same menu:

Find FocSign Player and toggle it OFF. This prevents conflicts.

Run at Startup FocSign

3
Hide System UI (Optional)

Navigate to: Settings → Display

Disable Notification Bar and Navigation Bar for a full kiosk experience.

Hide System UI

Production Best Practices

  • Always use wired LAN connection for stability.
  • Document device IP addresses and activation passwords securely.
  • Reboot the device after configuration to verify auto-start works.
  • Disable all unnecessary system UI elements (bars) to prevent user tampering.
  • If using ADB, disable System Debug after installation for security.
  • Ensure the device has internet access for content updates.
  • Test your configuration on one device before fleet deployment.

What runs on a Hikvision display once impressBox is installed, and how impressBox works with Hikvision: impressBox for Hikvision displays.