How to Fix a LaView Camera That Is Not Recording
A security camera that doesn't record is failing at its most important job. If you've discovered that your LaView camera isn't saving footage, it's crucial to resolve the problem quickly. This guide will take you through a series of logical steps to diagnose why your LaView camera is not recording and how to fix it, whether you're using a local SD card or an NVR.
Most recording issues can be traced back to one of three areas: the storage device itself, the camera's recording settings, or the motion detection configuration.
## Step 1: Diagnose Your Storage Medium (SD Card or NVR Hard Drive)
The first place to look is the device that stores your recordings.
### For Micro SD Cards:
- Check Compatibility: Ensure you are using a high-quality, Class 10 or higher Micro SD card from a reputable brand. Endurance cards, designed for constant rewriting, are highly recommended for security cameras.
- Verify Card Status: In the LaView app, navigate to your camera's settings and find the 'Storage Status' or 'SD Card' section. Does the app recognise the card? Does it show the correct capacity? If it says 'Error' or 'Unformatted', that's your problem.
- Format the SD Card: The most common solution is to format the SD card. This erases all data and sets up the correct file system for the camera. There is a 'Format' option in the camera's storage settings within the app. Use this function to format the card. Warning: This will delete all existing recordings.
- Test the Card: If formatting doesn't work, the card itself may be faulty. Remove it from the camera, insert it into a computer, and see if you can read and write files to it.
### For NVR/DVR Hard Drives (HDD):
- Check HDD Status: Log in to your NVR/DVR's main interface. Navigate to the Storage or HDD Management section. Check the status of the hard drive. It should show as 'Normal' or 'Healthy'. If it shows 'Error', 'Not Found', or 'Unformatted', you'll need to address it.
- Initialise the HDD: Similar to formatting an SD card, an NVR requires the hard drive to be initialised or formatted. Use the NVR's storage menu to perform this action. This will erase everything on the drive.
## Step 2: Check Your Recording Schedules and Settings
If your storage is healthy, the next step is to check the camera's recording rules.
- Recording Mode: Is your camera set for 'Continuous Recording' (24/7) or 'Event Recording' (only when motion is detected)? Make sure you've selected the mode you want.
- Check the Schedule: Most systems allow you to set a schedule for when recording should occur. It's possible that recording has been accidentally disabled for certain times or days. Go to the 'Recording Schedule' settings and ensure it is enabled for the times you require coverage. The schedule is often represented by a grid of hours and days.
## Step 3: Verify Motion Detection Settings
If you are using event-based recording, the motion detection settings must be correct.
- Enable Motion Detection: First, ensure that the main 'Motion Detection' toggle is switched on for your camera.
- Set the Detection Area: You can usually draw a grid or boxes over the parts of the camera's view where you want to detect motion. If the area you're interested in is not selected, the camera will not record.
- Adjust Sensitivity: If the sensitivity is too low, the camera may not pick up on subtle movements. If it's too high, it may be recording constantly due to minor things like shadows or leaves blowing. Adjust the sensitivity level until it reliably detects relevant motion.
## Step 4: Final Checks
- Update Firmware: Check for firmware updates for both your camera and your NVR/DVR. Manufacturers often release updates that fix bugs related to recording functionality.
- Reboot the System: A simple reboot of the camera and/or NVR can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches that may be preventing recording.
By carefully checking your storage, settings, and motion detection rules, you can solve the vast majority of 'not recording' issues with your LaView system.