Anran Recording Failed: Troubleshooting Guide to Fix It

Anran "Recording Failed": A Complete Troubleshooting Guide

The "Recording Failed" error on an Anran security system is a critical alert that needs immediate attention. It means your camera is not saving footage, leaving your property unmonitored. This issue can stem from the storage device (SD card or hard drive), the system's settings, or, less commonly, the camera itself. This guide will provide a structured approach to diagnosing and fixing this problem for both standalone cameras and NVR/DVR systems.

Part 1: Troubleshooting for Anran Cameras with Micro SD Cards

If you are using an Anran camera that records directly to a Micro SD card, follow these steps.

Step 1: Check the SD Card's Status and Compatibility

The SD card is the most common point of failure.

• Compatibility: Ensure you are using a genuine Class 10, U3-rated Micro SD card from a reputable brand. Standard or counterfeit cards are not fast enough for continuous video recording and will cause errors.
• Check in the App: Open the Anran app, go to your camera's settings, and find the "Storage" or "SD Card" menu.
  • If it says "No Card" or "Not Detected," power off the camera, eject and re-seat the card firmly.
  • If it shows an error, the file system is likely corrupt.

Step 2: Format the SD Card

Formatting erases the card and creates a fresh file system for the camera. This is the most effective fix for recording errors.

1. In the app's storage menu, find and select the "Format" option.
2. Confirm the action (this will delete all existing recordings).
3. Allow the process to complete. The status should change to "Normal" or show the correct available capacity.
4. After formatting, reboot the camera from the app's settings menu.

Step 3: Replace the SD Card

Micro SD cards have a limited lifespan of write cycles. If your card is old or if formatting doesn't fix the issue, the card has likely failed. Replace it with a new, high-quality card. If a brand new card also fails, there may be an issue with the camera's hardware.

Part 2: Troubleshooting for Anran NVR/DVR Systems with Hard Drives

If you have a multi-camera system with a Network Video Recorder (NVR) or Digital Video Recorder (DVR), the problem lies with the internal hard disk drive (HDD).

Step 1: Check the Hard Drive Status

1. Log in to your NVR/DVR's interface using a connected monitor and mouse.
2. Navigate to the Main Menu > System > Storage or HDD Management.
3. Check the status of the drive. It should be listed with its full capacity and a status of "Normal" or "Read/Write."
4. If the status is "Error," "Not Found," or "Unformatted," it indicates a problem.

Step 2: Check Physical Connections (Power Off First!)

If the drive is not detected, it may have a loose connection.

1. Power off and unplug the NVR/DVR completely.
2. Open the unit's case (this usually involves removing a few small screws).
3. Locate the 3.5-inch hard drive inside.
4. Check that both the SATA data cable (a thin, flat cable) and the SATA power cable (a wider cable from the power supply) are firmly plugged into the hard drive and the NVR's mainboard.
5. Close the case, power the unit back on, and check the HDD status again.

Step 3: Initialise or Format the Hard Drive

If the drive is detected but has an "Error" status, it needs to be formatted (or "initialised").

1. In the HDD Management menu, select the hard drive.
2. Click the "Format" or "Init" button.
3. Confirm the action. This will permanently erase all footage on the drive.
4. The system will format the drive, which may take several minutes. After completion, the status should change to "Normal," and the system should begin recording.

Part 3: Check System-Wide Recording Settings

If your storage device is healthy but you're still missing recordings, check your settings.

• Recording Schedule: Go to the "Record" menu. Ensure the schedule is set correctly. The grid should be coloured in for the times you want the cameras to record (e.g., green for 24/7, yellow for motion). An empty grid means no recording is scheduled.
• Motion Detection: If you're only recording on motion, ensure the "Enable" box is checked in the motion detection menu and that the sensitivity is set appropriately for your scene.

By following these steps methodically, you can pinpoint the cause of the "Recording Failed" error and restore your Anran system's most important function.