Solving Lorex Delayed Notifications: A Comprehensive Guide
A timely notification is the cornerstone of any effective security system. When your Lorex system detects motion, you expect to know about it instantly. However, if you're experiencing a significant gap between an event happening and the alert arriving on your phone, these Lorex delayed notifications can compromise your security.
This guide will walk you through the most common causes of notification lag for Lorex systems, including Wi-Fi cameras and those connected to an NVR or DVR, and provide clear solutions.
## How Lorex Notifications Work (and Where They Go Wrong)
Understanding the notification journey helps in diagnosing the delay.
- Your Lorex camera or sensor detects an event.
- The camera sends this data to your NVR/DVR (if you have one).
- The NVR/DVR or camera sends a message to the Lorex cloud servers via your home internet connection.
- The Lorex servers process the message and send a push notification to your smartphone via Apple's or Google's services.
- Your phone receives the notification and displays it.
A delay can happen at any stage, but the most common bottleneck is in step 3: the journey from your device to the Lorex servers.
## Step 1: The Universal Fix - Reboot Everything
Before you start changing settings, perform a full system power cycle. This can resolve a surprising number of temporary network and device issues.
- Shut down and unplug your Lorex NVR or DVR. Power down any connected cameras.
- Unplug your internet modem and your Wi-Fi router from their power sources.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- Plug the modem back in first. Wait for all its lights to become stable.
- Plug the router back in and wait for it to fully boot.
- Finally, plug your NVR/DVR and cameras back in and let them restart.
Test the system to see if the notification speed has improved. If not, proceed to the next steps.
## Step 2: Investigate Your Network Connection
A poor network connection is the primary cause of delays.
- For Wi-Fi Cameras: Check the signal strength in the Lorex app. If the signal is weak, the camera will struggle to send data quickly. Consider moving your router closer or installing a Wi-Fi extender for a more robust connection.
- For Wired NVR/DVR Systems: The issue is less about signal strength and more about your overall internet service, specifically your upload speed. Run an internet speed test from a computer connected to the same network. If your upload speed is very low (e.g., less than 5 Mbps), your system may struggle to send video data to the cloud quickly, thus delaying the associated notification. Contact your internet service provider if your upload speeds are consistently poor.
- Check Cables: For wired systems, ensure the Ethernet cable connecting your NVR/DVR to your router is securely plugged in at both ends and is not damaged.
## Step 3: Optimise App and Phone Settings
The problem might be on the receiving end—your smartphone.
- Update the App: Make sure you have the latest version of the Lorex Home or Lorex Cloud app installed.
- Disable Battery Optimisation: This is a critical step.
- On Android: Go to "Settings" > "Apps", find your Lorex app, and in the "Battery" section, set it to "Unrestricted".
- On iOS: Ensure "Background App Refresh" is enabled for the Lorex app in "Settings" > "General".
- These settings prevent your phone from putting the app to sleep, which can delay notifications.
- Check Notification Permissions: In your phone's settings, ensure the Lorex app has full permission to send you notifications, including sounds and alerts on the lock screen.
## Step 4: Update Your Lorex Firmware
Firmware is the software that runs on your Lorex devices. Manufacturers release updates to fix bugs and improve performance. A delay you are experiencing might be a known issue that has been fixed in a recent update.
- Log in to your NVR/DVR's main interface.
- Navigate to the system maintenance or information section.
- Use the "Check for Updates" or "Firmware Upgrade" option to see if a new version is available and install it.
By methodically checking your network, optimising your phone's settings, and keeping your system updated, you can eliminate the frustrating lag and ensure your Lorex notifications arrive when you need them most.