Hikvision CCTV camera users often encounter this problem: the DVR/NVR is on but not recording. This problem also occurs to my customers. Around 11 p.m., I received a WhatsApp message from one of my customers complaining that the CCTV camera was showing on the monitor, but the DVR wasn’t recording. The customer asked me to check the issue at their place of business, a medical equipment store.
In this article, I will share my work experience to solve the problem of Hikvision DVR not recording.
Signs That Your Hikvision DVR/NVR Is Not Recording
There are several signs that a Hikvision DVR isn’t recording. Before fixing it, you should be aware of the signs. Based on my experience, here are the signs that a Hikvision DVR isn’t recording.
- No playback footage available
- Missing recordings during specific periods
- Hard drive status shows abnormal or uninitialized
- Repeated beeps appear
- The hard disk indicator light is constantly on
- Date and time do not match
How I Found the Hikvision DVR Not Recording Problem?
Since I already had a schedule in the morning, I went to this customer’s place around 2 pm.
After arriving at the location, I immediately asked the customer for permission to check the DVR which was installed in the office space. I almost had to reset the DVR’s password because my customer forgot the pattern. However, after trying several patterns, I managed to unlock it.
I saw the recording icon appear on the camera display. But when I played it back, no recordings were found. At this point, I was able to determine that the problem was with the hard drive.
Additionally, I feel that the DVR is less responsive or sometimes lags.
Troubleshooting What I Did With Hikvision DVR Not Recording
After discovering that the Hikvision DVR/NVR wasn’t recording due to a hard drive issue, I advised the customer to replace the hard drive. After checking the warranty period, I discovered that the hard drive was installed in 2021. Therefore, it was within its useful life span and was suitable for replacement.
For your information, this DVR was not installed by me first, but by another technician.
After negotiating the price, the customer finally agreed to replace the old hard drive with a new one. After I dismantled the old drive, I discovered it had a Compute label indicating it was intended for PC use. However, the hard drive lasted a long time due to the very stable electricity supply at the location.
After getting the new hard drive, I immediately installed it on the DVR.
The new hard drive I brought has a Surveillance label which explains that this hard drive is intended for security camera devices.
After the hard drive replacement was complete, I turned the DVR back on and it was recording fine. Next, I performed standard checks, such as a network check to ensure the DVR was still accessible via mobile phone. I then checked the date and time to ensure the recordings were correct.
Common Causes Hikvision DVR/NVR Not Recording
Besides being caused by hard disk damage, here are some common problems that cause Hikvision DVR/NVR not to record based on my findings during repairs.
Date and Time Do Not Match
Incorrect date and time settings can cause the DVR/NVR to stop recording.
You can adjust the date in the settings. If the date and time change automatically, you can try replacing the CMOS battery inside the device. The CMOS battery on Hikvision DVRs/NVRs is coded CR1220. Alternatively, you can enable an NTP (Network Time Protocol) server to ensure the date and time always match the internet connection.
Recording Schedule
Check the recording schedule on the device.
Hikvision DVRs/NVRs offer two recording schedule modes: Continuous and Event. Selecting the Continuous schedule will record continuously, while selecting the Event schedule will only record if the camera detects movement, also known as motion recording.
Final Thoughts
If your Hikvision DVR or NVR is not recording, don’t panic. The issue is usually related to storage configuration, recording schedules, hard drive health, or motion detection settings. Start by checking whether the hard drive is detected and functioning normally. Then verify recording schedules, motion settings, and overwrite options. Following these steps will solve the majority of recording problems and help ensure your surveillance system captures footage when it matters most.
So, pretty easy, right? Please follow the steps above to fix a Hikvision DVR/NVR that isn’t recording. We hope this guide is helpful.