How to Fix the 'No Local Storage' Error on Hikvision Systems
One of the most critical functions of a Hikvision security system is its ability to record and store footage locally. When your NVR, DVR, or camera displays a 'No Local Storage' error, it's a major problem, as it means your system is not recording. This error indicates that the device cannot detect, initialise, or write to its internal storage, which could be a hard disk drive (HDD) in a recorder or a microSD card in a camera.
Fortunately, this issue can often be resolved with some systematic troubleshooting. This guide will take you through the steps to diagnose and fix the problem, from simple connection checks to storage device initialisation.
## For Hikvision NVRs and DVRs with HDDs
The most common scenario for this error is with a Network Video Recorder (NVR) or Digital Video Recorder (DVR) that uses an internal hard drive.
### Step 1: Check Physical Connections
A loose cable is the most frequent and easily fixed cause of a storage detection error.
- Power Down: Completely power off your NVR or DVR and unplug it from the wall. This is a critical safety step.
- Open the Casing: Remove the screws holding the cover of the recorder and slide it off to expose the internal components.
- Inspect the Cables: You will see the hard drive connected to the mainboard by two cables: a wider SATA power cable and a smaller SATA data cable.
- Reseat the Connections: Carefully unplug both cables from the hard drive and from the mainboard. Then, plug them back in firmly, ensuring they make a solid connection at both ends. A cable that has been knocked loose during shipping or setup is a very common culprit.
### Step 2: Initialise the Hard Drive
If a new hard drive has been installed, or if the existing drive's file system has become corrupted, it will need to be initialised (formatted) by the recorder.
- Power Up and Log In: Reassemble the recorder, plug it back in, and power it on. Log in to the device's interface using a connected monitor or via a web browser.
- Navigate to Storage Management: Find the menu option for storage. This is typically located under
Configuration > Storage > Storage Management. - Check Drive Status: You should see your hard drive listed. If the status is 'Uninitialised' or 'Error', you have found the issue.
- Initialise the Drive: Select the hard drive by ticking the checkbox next to it and then click the 'Format' or 'Init' button.
- Confirmation: The system will warn you that all data on the drive will be erased. This is permanent. Confirm the action and wait for the process to complete. The status should change to 'Normal' or 'R/W' (Read/Write).
### Step 3: Check for a Failed HDD
If the drive does not appear in the storage menu at all, or if it fails to initialise, the drive itself may have failed.
- Listen for Noises: Power up the recorder with the case off and listen carefully to the hard drive. If you hear clicking, grinding, or beeping sounds, the drive is almost certainly dead.
- S.M.A.R.T. Status: Some Hikvision firmwares have a S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) feature that can diagnose the health of the drive. If this reports errors, the drive needs to be replaced.
## For Hikvision Cameras with MicroSD Cards
The same principles apply to cameras using microSD cards for storage.
- Check the Card: Power down the camera, eject the microSD card, and then re-insert it, making sure it clicks into place securely.
- Format the Card: In the camera's web interface or via the Hik-Connect app, go to
Configuration > Storage > Storage Management. Select the SD card and format it. This will erase all data but can fix corruption issues. - Use a Recommended Card: Ensure you are using a high-quality, high-endurance microSD card designed for surveillance cameras. A standard SD card from a phone is not designed for continuous writing and will fail quickly.
By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot the 'No Local Storage' error and restore your Hikvision system's vital recording capabilities.