Most often the hard disk has failed or is full with overwrite turned off, or the recording schedule is off. Check the hard disk status first, then the overwrite setting, then the schedule. The menu paths below are for Hikvision; other brands use similar names.
You usually find out a system has stopped recording on the day you need the footage. Use these checks now, and repeat them every month.
1. The hard disk has failed or is not detected
Signs: a beeping recorder, an "HDD Error" or "No HDD" alarm, or playback with no recordings.
Check: go to Storage > Storage Device (on older menus: HDD > General). The status should say Normal.
- Uninitialised: the disk is new or was replaced and must be initialised. Initialising erases everything on that disk.
- Abnormal / Error, or no disk listed: the disk has failed or is not connected. It needs replacing.
Disks in CCTV recorders run 24 hours a day, so they wear out. Use a surveillance-grade disk, not a desktop one.
2. The disk is full and overwrite is off
Signs: recording stopped on a certain date, and the disk shows 0 free space.
Fix: go to Storage > Advanced (or Storage Mode) and turn on Overwrite. The recorder then replaces the oldest video with new video automatically.
3. The recording schedule is off
Fix: go to Storage > Recording Schedule. For each camera, tick Enable and set the schedule to Continuous for all days (or Event if you only want motion recording). Use Copy to apply it to all cameras.
4. Recording only on motion
If the schedule is set to motion or event, the recorder only saves video when detection is triggered. Badly set detection areas mean important moments are missed. Continuous recording is safer if the disk is big enough.
5. A camera is offline
Signs: "No Video" or a black tile on the screen. Check the camera's power (adapter or PoE switch) and its cable. A camera that is not connected cannot record.
6. The date and time are wrong
If the clock reset after a power cut, the video is recorded but filed under the wrong date. Set the time zone to GMT+4 and turn on NTP (automatic time) in the system settings.
7. Power cuts
A short power cut restarts the recorder, and frequent cuts can damage the disk. A small UPS keeps the recorder and cameras running and protects the disk.
A simple monthly check
- Open playback and confirm yesterday's video exists for every camera.
- Check that the hard disk status says Normal.
- Check that the date and time are correct.
Our maintenance contracts include these checks on every visit.
Frequently asked questions
How many days of recording will I get?
It depends on the number of cameras, their resolution, compression (H.265 saves space) and the disk size. Tell us your setup on WhatsApp and we will work it out. For Sharjah Police or SIRA approved sites, the required number of days is set by the rules.
Can footage be recovered from a failed disk?
Sometimes, with specialist data recovery, but it is expensive and not guaranteed. That is why a monthly check matters.
How long does a CCTV hard disk last?
Surveillance disks are built for 24-hour use, but they still wear out after a few years of continuous recording. Replace a disk at the first sign of errors.
Related
Menu names can differ slightly between models and software versions. Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Back to the help centre