How to Fix CCTV Camera Not Recording Issues?

CCTV Cameras are installed to monitor locations and record activities. These are the basic and fundamental roles of any CCTV camera installed anywhere. If any discrepancy occurs anywhere in these two features, CCTV cameras fail to serve their assigned duties.

If CCTV cameras are not recording, then this CCTV breach could be costlier for owners. They may miss important actions or footage that may be useful for some evidence later on. It’s why seamless and smooth recording in cameras is important.  

In this post, we will learn how to fix CCTV camera not recording.

First and foremost, we have to concentrate on the potential reasons for not recording and rule them out one by one.

Common Reasons for CCTV Cameras Not Recording

We find these reasons for CCTV cameras not storing data in SD cards, recorders, or the Cloud.

1- Check Power Issues – Check whether the CCTV camera has no power supply or unstable power.

2- Check Cable Connection – Sometimes cameras don’t record because of faulty wiring, damaged connectors, or unplugged cables. Check properly to pinpoint the problem.

3- Check Storage Problems – Check if the HDD or SD card is not installed properly, or is full. Also, inspect if the storage device is corrupted or not recognised by the Camera, DVR, or NVR.

4- Check Recording Setting Options – Check the recording option. Recording mode set to “manual” or “motion only,” or schedule not configured. Get the exact reason.

5- Check Motion Detection Working/Not Working – Inspect the recording mode. If the recording is set as motion-triggered, and motion zones are not set properly, or the sensitivity is too low, the camera will not record data.

6- Check Camera Detection – Check if the NVR or DVR is not detecting the connected camera because of IP conflict, or signal loss, the camera will not record data.

7- Check Firmware/Software Updation – Check if the firmware in the DVR, NVR, or camera is outdated or buggy.

8- Check Hardware System – Recorder malfunction due to hardware or software defects. In this condition, there will be no recording.

9- Check Compatibility & Reset – If the devices are not compatible, we may face storage issues in the system. Fix it for the company reset, and it may solve the problem.

10- Check Network & Configuration – Check the network, data supply, and device configuration. Any discrepancy or data tripping can hamper the recording process.

How to Fix CCTV Camera Not Recording?

Once we have identified the possible reasons, we must go ahead and fix them.

1- Fix Power Issues

• Check the power supply or PoE switches. If they are out of order, there will be no recording.
• Ensure that the Camera, DVR, or NVR is getting the proper power supply. There is no power instability.
• Check for the LED lights on the camera or recorders. If they are not flickering, there may be a power issue.
• Once the issue is identified, it will be easily fixed.

2- Fix Cable Connection

• If the camera cable is loose, the device will not receive proper power. It may hinder the recording procedure in the camera.
• Check and fix the Coaxial or Ethernet cable. Check if they are properly plugged in or loose in the socket. A loose or damaged cable can create an Interruption in the functioning of the camera, and hence no recording by the CCTV camera.
• Change the damaged cable to restore proper functioning.

3- Fix Storage Problems

• You have to verify HDDs or SD cards. If the system is detecting them.
• Open the DVR or NVR Menu and go to the Storage option. Find if the HDD is detected. If the ‘Not Initialised’ option appears, format the device and initialise it.  
• If the HDD is full, go to the overwrite option and enable it.

4- Fix Recording Setting Options

• To fix the recording setting option, check the recording schedule.
• Go to the Recorder menu and then go to the Recording schedule option.
• Ensure “Continuous” or “Motion Detection” is enabled for each camera.
• If the recording mode is not properly set for the camera, it will not record.

5- Fix Motion Detection Working/Not Working

• Users have to set the sensitivity standard for motion detection. If it is not set and the recording mode is set as ‘Motion Triggered,’ it will not record for the camera.
• Make sure motion zones are set.
• Increase sensitivity if it’s too low. Hopefully, it will solve the problem.

6- Fix Camera Detection

• Check if the NVR or DVR is detecting the camera or not. If it is not detecting the device, how come it will record events?
• Check the recorder and confirm, each camera shows a live feed on the screen.
• If the channel is blank, ascertain the cause of the camera not showing up. Check if there is any IP address conflict or a PoE switch issue. Resolve the problem and try to re-add the camera.

7- Fix Firmware/Software Updation

• Sometimes, the camera doesn’t function because of outdated firmware or a software issue. Quality cameras require frequent firmware updates.
• The latest firmware for cameras and recorders is available on the company’s official websites. Go and download it for the device. It will fix the problem.

8- Fix Hardware System

• Maybe the camera, DVR, or NVR has some hardware issues. Owing to it, the camera is not recording.
• Listen for unusual DVR and NVR noises, like HDD clicking or the recorder fan is stuck and making noises.
• Sometimes, overheating causes recording issues. We have to ensure that there is proper ventilation for the device. Fix overheating or hardware issues.

9- Factory Reset

• Sometimes, we find no issues in general.
• If nothing works, we need to reset the system to the default company settings. After that, reconfigure storage and recording schedule.
• It can fix the issue.

10- Fix Network & Configuration

• If there is an IP conflict or network issues of any kind, the camera will not be in compatibility and it will stop recording the data.
• Fix network issues and reconfigure the device. Hopefully, it will begin to store data.

Conclusion

By following these measures, we can easily fix the CCTV camera not recording issue. Whether it is a power problem, a hardware problem, or a setting problem, we will overcome them easily.

The firmware update and device configuration pose problems that can be easily fixed. Regular maintenance of CCTV systems keeps us safe from such problems.  

If the problem persists despite all these measures, then look for a professional technician to handle and manage the issue. Then, how to fix a CCTV camera not recording will no longer be the discussion topic.

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Thank You.