How to Configure and Troubleshoot Axis Continuous Recording
Axis cameras are professional-grade security devices known for their flexibility and advanced features. One of their core functions is the ability to record footage 24/7. If you find your camera is only recording short clips or not recording at all, it's typically an issue with the recording configuration, not a fault with the camera itself.
Unlike simpler consumer cameras, Axis devices use a powerful system of 'Action Rules' to determine when and how to record. This guide will show you how to set up continuous recording and troubleshoot common problems that might be preventing it.
## Understanding the Axis Recording Logic
The key to getting your Axis camera to record continuously is to create an Action Rule that tells it to do so. An action rule consists of a Trigger (the 'if' condition) and an Action (the 'then' result).
- Trigger: What causes the rule to run. For motion recording, the trigger is 'Motion Detection'. For continuous recording, the trigger is simply 'Always'.
- Action: What the camera does when the trigger condition is met. In this case, the action is to 'Record Video'.
If there is no active rule telling the camera to record continuously, it won't.
## Setting Up Continuous Recording: A Step-by-Step Guide
You will need to access your camera's web interface by typing its IP address into a web browser.
- Navigate to Settings: Once logged in, find and click on the 'Settings' tab or gear icon.
- Go to Events > Action Rules: This is the main hub for configuring camera behaviour.
- Create a New Rule: Click the '+' or 'Add' button to create a new action rule.
- Configure the Trigger: In the trigger section, select 'Always' from the drop-down list. This means the condition for the rule is always met. Give the rule a descriptive name, like "24/7 Continuous Recording".
- Configure the Action: In the action section, select 'Record Video' from the drop-down list.
- Select Storage and Duration: You must tell the camera where to save the video. Choose the appropriate storage device (e.g., 'SD Card'). You can also set a 'pre-trigger' and 'post-trigger' time, but for continuous recording, the main setting is to ensure it runs without a specific time limit.
- Save the Rule: Click 'OK' or 'Save' to activate the new rule. Your camera should now begin recording continuously.
## Troubleshooting Common Continuous Recording Issues
If you've set up the rule and it's still not working, check these common problems.
### Storage Configuration and Health
The camera needs a healthy, properly configured place to store the footage.
- SD Card Status: Go to System > Storage. Here you can see the status of your SD card. If it shows an error or is not detected, the camera cannot record. Try removing and re-inserting the card, or formatting it (this will erase all data).
- Enable Overwriting: If the SD card is full, recording will stop unless you have enabled it to overwrite the oldest footage. In the storage settings, there is usually a checkbox for 'When full, overwrite oldest data'. Ensure this is enabled for continuous recording.
- Check Disk Space: The storage page will show you how much space is available. If it's full and not set to overwrite, this is your problem.
### Rule and Schedule Conflicts
An incorrect rule or schedule can override your continuous recording setup.
- Conflicting Rules: Review your list of action rules. It's possible another rule (e.g., a rule to stop recording at a certain time) is interfering. Ensure your continuous recording rule is enabled and that no other rules contradict it.
- Check Schedules: You can set schedules to limit when rules are active. Go to System > Events > Schedules. Make sure your continuous recording rule is not linked to a schedule that deactivates it during certain hours. By default, it should be set to 'Always active'.
### Video and Stream Settings
The camera must have a video stream configured to record.
- Stream Profiles: Go to System > Stream. Ensure you have at least one stream profile configured with a resolution and frame rate. The recording rule will use one of these profiles to capture the video.
By ensuring your storage is healthy and your action rules are correctly configured, you can reliably set up your Axis camera for continuous, 24/7 recording, giving you a complete and unbroken video archive.