Why is my security system not recording?
David Jones
Published Feb 24, 2026
Why is my security system not recording?
If your CCTV camera is working fine but the DVR is not recording anything, common culprits include misconfiguration, lack of storage space, and failing DVR components. Don’t despair: modern DVR boxes are pretty friendly and easy to troubleshoot. Check that recording is enabled. It may sound obvious, but it happens.
How do I fix my DVR not working?
DVR Troubleshooting
- Make sure your equipment (TV and cable) is properly connected and powered on.
- Make sure the coax cable is connected to the outlet.
- Remove any objects around your receiver to allow proper ventilation.
- Refresh your receiver.
- Unplug your receiver and wait at least 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
How to remote view your security camera or DVR?
April 21, 2020 by Matthew Rossi. Once you have setup your security camera system by connecting the cameras to the DVR or NVR, and you have video displaying from each camera on a monitor, the next step is to setup remote viewing for your security cameras.
Can a CCTV DVR be connected to the Internet?
Most CCTV DVRs and network recorders for IP cameras only have a wired Ethernet port (no built-in WIFI). Now, you want to view your security cameras remotely over the Internet and in order to do this, you need to connect your DVR to your router.
Is it possible to hack into a DVR?
Because a DVR or NVR security system is located on site, it can be self-contained locally and remain fully disconnected from the wider internet. In theory, this makes it incredibly difficult for malicious actors to hack and manipulate.
What happens when your NVR or DVR stops working?
First and foremost, when an NVR or DVR stops functioning, all the connected cameras fail with it. So rather than just having one entry point or area left without wireless security camera surveillance, the entire facility enters a blackout—a potentially disastrous result, which malicious actors can exploit.
Can a security camera work without a DVR?
To simply put, a DVR or NVRis mainly designed to store the security camera footage. Without DVRs or NVRs, IP cameras can still work independently as standalone surveillance devices, just like the security cameras with SD card. Better yet, you can also connect an IP camera to your phone, computer, laptop, TV without a DVR/NVR to stream live feed.
Most CCTV DVRs and network recorders for IP cameras only have a wired Ethernet port (no built-in WIFI). Now, you want to view your security cameras remotely over the Internet and in order to do this, you need to connect your DVR to your router.
Can a P2P IP camera be set up without a DVR?
If your security cameras support P2P technology, like the ones sold by Reolink, it can be quite easy to set up your IP cameras without DVR/NVR for live viewing. Taking the P2P IP camera Reolink Argus® 2 for example, below are the quick 3 steps to accomplish the security camera setup without a DVR or NVR.
Why is my DVR not connecting to my Network?
Otherwise, there is nothing special about setting up a DVR vs any other network device. If all of this has been done and you attempting to connect to the correct port and you are still unable to reach the DVR then double check the internal IP address of your DVR and make sure that you have pointed to the corrected address.