Swann Camera Can't Save Locally? Secure Your Recordings
One of the key advantages of a Swann security system is the ability to store your video footage locally on a microSD card or a DVR/NVR hard drive. This gives you direct control over your data without mandatory monthly cloud subscription fees. However, when your system fails to save these crucial recordings, it leaves you with a major security blind spot.
If you're getting error messages about storage, finding no recordings after an event, or your system simply isn't saving new footage, this guide is for you. We'll cover the most common reasons for local storage failure on both individual Swann cameras and DVR/NVR systems, and how to fix them.
Understanding Local Storage Types
Swann offers two main types of local storage:
- MicroSD Cards: Used in many of their standalone Wi-Fi cameras. The card is inserted directly into the camera itself.
- Hard Disk Drives (HDD): Used inside their larger DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and NVR (Network Video Recorder) units that connect to multiple cameras.
The troubleshooting steps can differ slightly depending on your system.
Troubleshooting for SD Card and HDD Issues
Let's address the most common points of failure.
### 1. Use the Right Kind of Storage
The type of storage media you use is critical, especially for continuous recording.
- For SD Cards: Standard SD cards are not designed for the constant writing and rewriting that security cameras perform. They will fail quickly. You must use a High-Endurance microSD card. These are specifically built for this purpose. Brands like SanDisk High Endurance, Samsung PRO Endurance, or WD Purple are excellent choices.
- For DVR/NVRs: Use a surveillance-grade hard drive. A standard desktop PC hard drive is not designed for 24/7 operation and will have a much shorter lifespan in a recorder.
### 2. Format the Storage Correctly
Whenever you install a new SD card or hard drive, or if you're experiencing problems, you should format it using the Swann system itself. Do not format it on a computer.
- How to Format: In the Swann Security app or the DVR/NVR's menu, navigate to Settings > Storage (or a similar path). You should find an option to Format the SD card or HDD.
- Important: Formatting will erase everything currently on the storage. Back up any important clips before you do this.
### 3. Check Recording Settings
Your system might not be recording because it hasn't been told to. You need to ensure the recording mode is properly configured.
- Check the Schedule: In the settings, find the 'Recording' or 'Schedule' menu. Make sure that your cameras are set to record either continuously or based on motion detection for the times and days you require. It's possible the schedule is accidentally set to 'off'.
- Enable Overwrite: Most systems have an 'Overwrite' function. When the storage becomes full, this function automatically deletes the oldest recordings to make space for new ones. If 'Overwrite' is disabled and your drive is full, recording will stop. It's almost always recommended to keep this setting enabled.
### 4. Test for Faulty Hardware
If formatting and checking settings don't work, the storage media itself may have failed.
- SD Card Test: Remove the microSD card from the camera and insert it into a computer using a card reader. See if the computer can recognise it and if you can read or write files to it. If not, the card is likely dead and needs to be replaced.
- HDD Test: In the DVR/NVR's storage menu, there is often a S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) status check. Run this test to check the health of the hard drive. If it reports errors or fails, the drive needs to be replaced.
By ensuring you have the right type of storage and that it's correctly configured, you can resolve most local recording issues and maintain a reliable archive of your security footage.