Amcrest Can't Save Locally: SD Card & NAS Fixes

Amcrest Can't Save Locally? Your Troubleshooting Guide

One of the key advantages of Amcrest cameras is their flexibility in storing video footage. Whether you want to use a local microSD card, a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, or an FTP server, you have options beyond the cloud. However, when local recording fails, it can be tricky to diagnose.

This guide will walk you through troubleshooting the most common issues for each local storage method.

### Part 1: MicroSD Card Issues

This is the most common method for local storage and also the most frequent source of problems.

#### Symptom: "No SD Card" or "SD Card Error"

If your camera doesn't even recognise that a card is inserted, follow these steps:

1. Reseat the Card: Power off the camera. Eject the microSD card and then re-insert it firmly until you feel or hear a click. This ensures it's properly seated in the slot.
2. Format the Card: The card may be formatted in an incompatible file system (like exFAT or NTFS). The best practice is to format the card using the camera itself.
   • Log in to the Amcrest web interface from a computer.
   • Navigate to Setup -> Storage -> Destination.
   • Select the 'SD Card' path and use the 'Format' option. This will erase all data and prepare the card correctly.
3. Check Compatibility: Amcrest cameras require Class 10 or higher microSD cards. For continuous recording, a High Endurance card is strongly recommended. Standard cards are not designed for constant use and will fail.
4. Test the Card: The card itself might be faulty. Test it in another device, like a computer or another camera, to see if it is recognised and you can write files to it.

#### Symptom: The Camera Stops Recording

If the camera records for a while and then stops, the issue is often related to storage management.

• Enable Overwrite: In the storage destination settings, there is an option for 'Overwrite'. You must enable this. When the SD card is full, this setting allows the camera to automatically delete the oldest recordings to make space for new ones. Without it, recording will simply stop when the card is full.

### Part 2: Network Attached Storage (NAS) Issues

Using a NAS is a powerful way to store large amounts of footage. Setup issues are common.

#### Symptom: Connection Test Fails or Recordings Don't Appear

1. Check Credentials: Double- and triple-check the NAS IP address, username, and password you entered into the Amcrest settings. This is the most common point of error.
2. User Permissions: The user account you created on your NAS for the camera must have read and write permissions for the shared folder you're trying to record to.
3. Correct Folder Path: Ensure you have specified the correct path to the shared folder on the NAS.
4. Enable the Schedule: This is a crucial and often-missed step. After setting up the NAS destination, you must go to Setup -> Storage -> Schedule. Here, you need to check the boxes for 'Record' and link them to your NAS destination for the times you want it to record. Without a schedule, the camera has no instruction to send footage to the NAS.

### Part 3: FTP (File Transfer Protocol) Issues

FTP is a more advanced option, but it's great for off-site backups.

1. Verify FTP Server Details: Just like with a NAS, ensure the server address, port (usually 21), username, and password are correct.
2. Check Firewall Rules: Firewalls on your router or the FTP server itself can block the connection. Make sure the FTP port is open and allowed.
3. Passive vs. Active Mode: Some FTP servers require a specific mode. Try toggling the 'Passive Mode' setting in the Amcrest FTP configuration.
4. Use the Test Button: The 'Test' button in the FTP setup menu is your best friend. It will give you a more specific error message (e.g., 'Cannot resolve host', 'Login incorrect') that can help you pinpoint the exact problem.

By methodically working through these steps, you can solve the vast majority of local storage problems with your Amcrest camera.