10 Reasons Your Security Camera Isn’t Recording

🧠 Introduction

There’s nothing more frustrating than checking your security camera footage — and finding nothing there.
Whether it’s a home camera, business system, or NVR setup, recording issues are common but usually easy to fix once you know where to look.

At SecureView Cameras Tampa, we troubleshoot and install hundreds of systems each year. Here are the top 10 reasons your camera isn’t recording and how to solve them fast.

⚠️ 1. The Hard Drive Is Full or Failing

Most NVRs and DVRs overwrite old footage automatically — unless the setting has been changed.

Check your recorder’s storage status.
Enable “overwrite when full.”
Replace your HDD every 3–5 years or if you notice noise or skipped frames.

💡 Pro Tip: Use surveillance-rated hard drives (WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk) designed for 24/7 recording.

🔌 2. The Camera Lost Power

A tripped breaker, unplugged PoE switch, or loose power supply can cut power without you realizing it.

Check camera LEDs — no light usually means no power.
Confirm the PoE port or adapter is functioning.

If power is the issue, your camera will come right back online after restoring power.

🌐 3. Network Connection Dropped

For IP systems, cameras rely on a steady network connection.

Verify cables are firmly connected.
Restart your router and NVR.
Assign static IPs to avoid conflicts.

If you’re using Wi-Fi cameras, check signal strength and interference from other devices.

🔄 4. Recording Schedule Is Disabled

Most NVRs/DVRs let you choose when to record (24/7, motion only, or custom).
If “record on motion” is selected but sensitivity is too low, it may never trigger.

Go to your system’s Record Schedule menu.
Set it to Continuous for testing.
Adjust motion sensitivity if needed.

🕹️ 5. Incorrect Time or Date Settings

If the recorder’s time is off, it can create confusion — or even overwrite the wrong data.

Sync your NVR with internet time (NTP server).
Adjust timezone and daylight-saving settings.

⚙️ 6. Firmware Out of Date

Older firmware may cause compatibility or storage bugs.

Visit your manufacturer’s support site.
Backup your settings, then update firmware safely.
For SecureView systems, contact us — we’ll handle the update remotely if needed.

🎞️ 7. Recording Path Not Set

For advanced setups saving to external storage or NAS:

Ensure the recording path exists and has write permissions.
Reconnect mapped drives if disconnected.

🚫 8. Hard Drive Not Formatted

A brand-new HDD must be formatted before use.
Go to Main Menu → Storage → HDD → Format in your recorder.
This prepares it to record properly.

🧩 9. Camera Not Added Correctly

Even if your camera shows live video, it might not be assigned to a recording channel.

Check NVR channel assignment.
Re-add the camera manually.
Verify the encoding type (H.265, H.264).

🔒 10. User Permissions or Password Issues

If your user account lacks record privileges, footage won’t save.

Log in as admin.
Check “Record Permission” under user settings.
Reset password if login fails after updates.

🛠️ Bonus Tip: Backup Regularly

Always back up important footage via USB or cloud. For businesses, enable dual HDD recording or off-site backups for redundancy.

📞 Conclusion

If your security system isn’t recording, don’t panic — 90% of the time, it’s a simple fix. By checking power, storage, network, and settings, you can restore recording in minutes.

👉 Still stuck?
Call (813) 489-9332 or visit SecureViewCameras.com to schedule a diagnostic or remote support session today.