Lorex Camera Audio Not Working? Here's the Fix
Hearing what's happening is often just as important as seeing it. If your Lorex security camera isn't picking up or recording sound, or if the two-way talk feature is silent, there are several potential causes. This guide will walk you through the troubleshooting process, from basic checks to the specific settings within your Lorex system.
## Step 1: Confirm Your Camera Supports Audio
This is the most important first step. Many Lorex cameras, especially older or more basic models, do not have a built-in microphone and are incapable of capturing audio.
- Check Your Camera's Model Number: Find the model number on the camera itself or on its original packaging.
- Consult the Product Page or Manual: Look up your camera model on the Lorex website. The product specifications will clearly state whether it has a built-in microphone, two-way talk capabilities, or listen-in audio. If it doesn't mention audio, your camera does not support it.
## Step 2: Enable Audio in Your NVR/DVR Settings
Even if your camera supports audio, you often need to manually enable it in the recorder's settings for each specific channel.
- Access Your Recorder's Menu: Connect a mouse and monitor directly to your Lorex NVR or DVR. Right-click and log in.
- Navigate to Camera Settings: Go to the Main Menu, then find an option like "Camera" or "Devices".
- Find Recording/Encoding Settings: Within the camera menu, look for a sub-menu labelled "Recording," "Encode," or "Stream."
- Enable Audio:
- Select the channel corresponding to the camera you want to enable audio for.
- You will likely see tabs for "Main Stream" (the high-quality recording) and "Sub Stream" (the lower-quality stream for remote viewing).
- In both the Main Stream and Sub Stream tabs, look for a checkbox or toggle switch for "Audio Encode" or "Enable Audio."
- Make sure this is checked/enabled.
- Save Your Changes: Click "Apply" or "Save" before exiting the menu. The recorder may need to reboot for the changes to take effect.
## Step 3: Check Your Live View and App Settings
Once the recorder settings are correct, you need to make sure the audio isn't muted in the viewing software.
- On the NVR/DVR Monitor: When viewing the camera live, look for a speaker icon. If it has a line through it, click it to unmute the audio for that channel.
- In the Lorex App: When viewing the camera on your smartphone, tap the screen to bring up the controls. Find the speaker icon and tap it to unmute the live audio. For two-way talk, you'll need to press and hold the microphone icon.
## Step 4: Troubleshooting Two-Way Talk
If you can hear audio from the camera but others can't hear you through the app, the issue is with the two-way talk feature.
- Check App Permissions: Go to your smartphone's settings menu. Find the Lorex app and ensure you have granted it permission to access the microphone.
- Use the Correct Icon: In the app, you must press and hold the microphone icon to speak. Simply unmuting the speaker icon will not allow others to hear you.
- Network Stability: Two-way talk requires a stable, strong internet connection on both your phone and the camera's network. A weak signal can cause the audio to cut out.
## Step 5: Check Physical Connections
While less common for IP cameras, physical connections can still be an issue.
- For IP Cameras: The audio and video are carried over the single Ethernet cable. Ensure the cable is securely connected at both the camera and the NVR.
- For Analogue (BNC) Cameras: If you have an older system with an external microphone, ensure the microphone's power and audio cables are securely connected to the camera, power source, and the "Audio In" port on the DVR.
By methodically verifying your camera's capabilities and checking the settings on both your recorder and your app, you can resolve most audio-related issues on your Lorex system.