CCTV Not Recording? A Quick Checklist Before You Call a Technician

Check these first

Most CCTV problems come from a small number of causes. Go through this list before you call.

• Power: is the recorder (DVR or NVR) switched on, and are the camera power lights on? A loose adapter is a common fault.
• Hard disk: open the recorder menu and check that the hard disk is detected and has free space. A full or failed disk stops recording.
• Date and time: a wrong date makes playback look empty. Set the correct date and time.
• Cables: look for loose or corroded connectors, and for cables damaged by rain, rats or sun.
• Network: if you cannot see the cameras on your phone, check the internet and the router. Restarting the router often brings the app back.
• Lens and light: dirty lenses, spider webs and bright lights in front of the camera can ruin the picture.

When one camera fails

If only one camera has no picture, the fault is usually its cable, connector or power. If many cameras fail together, suspect the power supply or the recorder.

When recording stops

Recorders save video on a hard disk. If the disk fails or fills up, the recorder may stop or overwrite old footage. Surveillance-grade disks last longer than normal computer disks, and a yearly check catches problems early.

Do not ignore a beeping recorder

A recorder that beeps often reports a disk error. Take it seriously, because you may not have any footage when you need it.

When to call for service

If the checks above do not fix the problem, call a technician. Tell them the brand, how many cameras are affected, and what the recorder screen says. We also service CCTV that we did not install. Our team works across Kozhikode (Calicut) and nearby areas.

Prevent problems

Clean the cameras, check the recording and playback every month, protect cables from water, and keep a yearly service. A short visit costs far less than losing footage after an incident.