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• A simple near-infrared fluorescence probe based on dicyanoisophorone was synthesized. • This probe exhibited excellent specificity in the detection of N 2 H 4 over other amino compounds. • This probe showed excellent response performance to N 2 H 4 through distinct fluorescence enhancement. • This probe was applicable for N 2 H 4 detection in living cells and real water samples. With the widespread use of N 2 H 4 , it brings potential risks to human health. In order to determine N 2 H 4 effectively in both environment and living systems, a simple near-infrared fluorescence probe was prepared for the specific response of N 2 H 4 based on the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism. This probe provided a "turn on" fluorescence response to N 2 H 4 with characteristics including high selectivity, rapid response (within 1 min), low cytotoxicity, and low detection limit (0.022 μM). In addition, it can be used to expediently trace N 2 H 4 in HepG2 cells and water samples. Thus, Probe 1 is a promising tool to identify the level of N 2 H 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]