How to Fix CCTV DVR NVR Not Recording

Описание: Here’s a clear step-by-step tutorial on how to fix the issue “CCTV camera DVR/NVR Not Recording” caused by common problems such as: No hard drive installed, Full hard drive with no overwrite enabled, Schedule or motion settings are misconfigured.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Fix CCTV DVR/NVR Not Recording

1. Check if the Hard Drive is Installed

Why: Without a hard drive (HDD), the DVR/NVR cannot save any footage. How: Power off your DVR/NVR unit. Open the casing (follow your model manual carefully). Look inside for a hard drive mounted and connected with SATA and power cables. If no hard drive is found: Purchase a compatible HDD (usually 1TB or more, CCTV-grade if possible). Install the HDD by connecting it properly inside the DVR/NVR. Power on the DVR/NVR and check if it recognizes the HDD.

2. Check Hard Drive Status on DVR/NVR

Why: The device needs to detect the HDD as “healthy” to record.
How: Access the DVR/NVR menu via connected monitor or software. Go to the Storage or HDD Management section. Check the status of the hard drive: If “Not Installed,” repeat step 1. If “Not Initialized” or “Faulty,” format or replace the HDD. Format the HDD if needed (backup important footage first).

3. Check if the Hard Drive is Full & Overwrite Setting

Why: If the HDD is full and overwrite is disabled, recording will stop. How: In the DVR/NVR menu, go to Storage Settings or Record Settings. Look for an option called Overwrite or Loop Recording. Make sure Overwrite is enabled — this allows new footage to replace the oldest automatically. If it’s disabled, enable it and save the settings.

4. Check Recording Schedule Settings

Why: Recording may be scheduled only during certain hours or days. How: In the DVR/NVR menu, go to Record Schedule or Schedule Settings. Check the schedule configured for each camera/channel. Make sure the schedule covers the hours you want recording active (e.g., 24/7 or specific times). Adjust the schedule to include the desired recording times. Save the changes.

5. Check Motion Detection Settings

Why: If motion recording is enabled, but sensitivity or zones are misconfigured, no recording may occur. How: Go to Motion Detection Settings in the DVR/NVR menu. Check if motion detection is enabled for each camera. Adjust sensitivity level (set moderately high to detect motion reliably). Verify motion zones — make sure the camera’s field of view has active detection areas. Test by moving in front of the camera and check if motion triggers recording. Save settings.

6. Check Recording Mode

Why: If the system is set to record only on motion, but there is no motion detected, no footage is saved. How: In the recording settings, confirm the mode: Continuous recording (always record), Motion detection recording (record only when motion is detected), Alarm recording (record when an alarm triggers). Choose continuous or motion detection depending on your needs.

7. Restart the System

After applying all changes, restart the DVR/NVR.

Check if the system starts recording normally. Review recorded footage to confirm the recording is active.

If you want, I can also guide you through the menu steps for a specific DVR/NVR brand/model—just let me know!