Lorex Camera Microphone Not Working? Here's How to Fix It
Lorex security cameras often come with built-in microphones, providing an essential layer of security by allowing you to hear and record audio alongside your video footage. When the microphone stops working, you lose crucial context and evidence. Whether you're getting no sound at all, distorted audio, or a persistent humming, the problem is usually solvable.
This guide is designed to help you troubleshoot and resolve the most common microphone and audio issues with your Lorex security cameras. By following these steps, you can diagnose the root cause and restore your camera's audio capabilities.
Who is this guide for?
This troubleshooting guide is for any Lorex camera owner who is experiencing problems with audio recording or two-way talk features. These steps are applicable to a wide range of Lorex models, from standalone Wi-Fi cameras to multi-camera NVR/DVR systems.
Symptoms of Lorex Microphone Failure
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, your camera's microphone or audio settings need attention:
- No Audio Recording: Your video files play back with no sound whatsoever.
- Muffled or Distorted Audio: The sound that is recorded is unclear, garbled, or difficult to understand.
- Loud Humming or Buzzing: The audio track is overwhelmed by a constant electrical hum or static.
- Intermittent Audio: The sound cuts in and out, with periods of silence during playback.
- "Audio Disabled" Message: The app or software indicates that audio is not enabled for the camera.
- Two-Way Talk Fails: You can hear audio from the camera, but the person near the camera cannot hear you speak.
- Extremely Low Volume: Audio is technically present, but the volume is so low it's barely audible even at maximum settings.
Step-by-Step Lorex Audio Troubleshooting
Work through these solutions systematically, starting with the most common and easiest fixes.
1. Check Camera and Recorder Settings
The most frequent cause of "no audio" is simply that the feature has been disabled in the settings.
- Enable Audio Recording: Log into your NVR/DVR or the Lorex app. Select the specific camera you're having issues with and navigate to its settings. Look for a menu labelled 'Camera', 'Video & Audio', or similar. Inside, you will find a checkbox or toggle switch for "Record Audio" or "Audio Enabled". Make sure this is turned on.
- Check the Substream: In some Lorex systems, both the main stream (high quality) and substream (for mobile viewing) have separate audio settings. Ensure audio is enabled for both streams to hear sound on all your devices.
- Save Your Changes: After enabling the audio, make sure you click 'Apply' or 'Save' before exiting the menu.
2. Inspect The Camera and Connections
If the settings are correct, the issue could be physical.
- Locate the Microphone: Find the small pinhole on your camera's housing – this is the microphone. Ensure it is not blocked by the camera mount, a wall, insulation, or covered with dirt or debris. Gently clean it with a soft brush or compressed air.
- Check Cable Integrity: For wired cameras, inspect the entire length of the cable for any signs of damage, such as cuts, kinks, or frayed wires. A damaged cable can disrupt the audio signal.
- Reboot the Camera: A simple power cycle can often resolve temporary software glitches. Unplug your camera from its power source, wait for 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. If it's a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) camera, you may need to unplug the Ethernet cable from the NVR.
3. Rule Out Playback Issues
Sometimes the audio is recorded correctly, but the problem is with how you're listening to it.
- Check Your Phone/Computer Volume: Ensure the volume on your playback device (smartphone or computer) is turned up and not muted.
- Use Different Software: Try playing the recorded video file on a different media player (like VLC Media Player) on your computer. This can help determine if the issue is with the file itself or the software you're using for playback.
- Check App Permissions: On your smartphone, make sure the Lorex app has permission to access your microphone (for two-way talk).
4. Update Your Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause a range of performance problems, including audio issues.
- Check for Updates: In your Lorex system's menu, find the 'System' or 'Maintenance' section. There should be an option to check for firmware updates online.
- Install Updates: If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it. This process can often fix known bugs affecting the microphone.
If you've followed all these steps and your Lorex camera's microphone is still not working, there may be a hardware fault with the camera itself. In this case, you should check if your device is still under warranty and contact Lorex support for further assistance or to arrange a potential replacement.