Quick answer

Switch the recorder off and unplug it (CCTV disks are not hot-swappable), connect the disk's data and power cables, screw it in, power on, then initialise the disk in Storage > Storage Device. Use a surveillance-grade disk within the recorder's maximum size per bay.

A failed hard disk is the most common reason a CCTV system stops recording. Replacing it is a straightforward job if you take care with power and know about one important step: initialising.

Before you start

  • The right disk. Use a surveillance-grade 3.5-inch SATA disk built for 24/7 recording. Desktop disks fail sooner in recorders.
  • The right size. Every recorder has a maximum capacity per disk bay. Check the model's specification sheet, or send us a photo of its label.
  • A small screwdriver and about 20 minutes.

Step 1: Power off completely

Shut the recorder down from its menu, then unplug the power. Recorders don't support hot-swapping disks, so connecting a disk while it's powered can damage the disk or the board.

Step 2: Fit the disk

  1. Remove the screws on the recorder's cover and slide or lift it off.
  2. Connect the SATA data cable and the SATA power cable to the disk. They only fit one way round.
  3. Fix the disk in its bay or to the base with the screws provided, so it doesn't vibrate.
  4. Check no cables are pinched, and refit the cover.

Step 3: Initialise the new disk

  1. Power on and log in.
  2. Go to Storage > Storage Device (older menus: HDD > General).
  3. The new disk shows as Uninitialised. Tick it and click Init.
  4. When it finishes, the status changes to Normal.

Initialising erases the disk. If you are adding a second disk alongside an existing one, make sure you only tick the new disk.

Step 4: Check recording

  1. In Storage > Advanced (or Storage Mode), make sure Overwrite is on.
  2. Wait 10 minutes, then open playback and confirm today's video is there for every camera.
  3. Check the date and time are correct, so recordings are filed under the right day.

Adding a second disk instead

Many 8 and 16 channel recorders have two or more bays. Adding a disk gives you more recording days without losing what's on the first. The recorder fills them in turn automatically.

Still stuck?Send us a photo or short video of the screen on WhatsApp. We support systems from any installer in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman.
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Frequently asked questions

Can I move the old disk's footage to the new disk?

Not directly. Export the clips you need to a USB stick first, from the recorder's playback or backup menu, before you remove the old disk.

Why does the recorder beep after I fit the disk?

Usually because the disk hasn't been initialised yet, or because a cable isn't fully seated. Check Storage Device for its status.

How big a disk do I need?

It depends on how many cameras you have, their resolution and how many days you need. See our storage guide, or ask us on WhatsApp.

Related

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Menu names can differ slightly between models and software versions. Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Back to the help centre