Question: Why has my CCTV stopped recording, or why is one camera showing a blank screen?
Answer: CCTV usually stops recording because the recorder's storage is full or faulty, a camera has lost power or network connection, recording settings have changed, or the DVR/NVR has a hardware fault. Start with the simple checks — power, cable, storage status and camera display — then call a technician if footage is missing, the hard drive is unrecognised, or multiple cameras are offline.
This article covers CCTV recording faults. For new installation, see the CCTV and security camera installation service. If you are choosing a system, the CCTV buying guide covers camera types, Wi-Fi vs PoE and storage options.
Quick Checks
| Symptom | Likely cause | First check |
|---|---|---|
| All cameras blank | Recorder power or monitor issue | Power, HDMI/VGA, TV input |
| One camera blank | Camera power, cable or camera fault | Power adapter, PoE port, connector |
| Live view OK but no playback | Storage or recording schedule | Hard drive status, record settings |
| Recording stops after some days | Hard drive full or overwrite off | Overwrite setting and drive health |
| Camera goes offline at night | Infrared power load or weak adapter | Power supply and cable length |
| Pixelated/intermittent feed | Poor network or damaged cable | Cable, connector, Wi-Fi signal |
Why a Hard Drive Stops Recording
Most DVR/NVR systems record to an internal hard drive. Common issues include:
- The drive is full and overwrite mode is disabled.
- The hard drive has bad sectors or has failed.
- The recorder power supply is unstable.
- Motion recording is enabled but sensitivity is too low.
- The storage format is corrupted after a power cut.
If the system says "HDD not found" or beeps on startup, the drive or recorder may need replacement. Do not open the recorder yourself if you need to preserve footage.
Power and Network Problems
Analogue/DVR systems
Check the camera power adapter, BNC connector, power splitter and recorder adapter. A loose connector can cause a blank camera.
IP/NVR and Wi-Fi systems
Check the PoE port, network cable, router and camera status light. Wi-Fi cameras may go offline if the router was changed or the signal is weak.
For a PoE system, a single camera often returns after reconnecting the cable or switching to another PoE port. If all PoE cameras fail, the NVR power supply may be faulty.
What a Technician Checks
- Recorder power, startup sequence and error beeps.
- Camera power supply and connectors.
- Cable continuity and damaged ends.
- Hard drive health and formatting status.
- Recording schedule, motion settings and overwrite mode.
- Time/date settings so footage can be found.
- Network or remote viewing configuration.
Published Pricing
The published problem range for CCTV not recording or showing a blank feed is RM 180 to RM 850+ depending on system fault. KL Servis Rumah publishes CCTV installation from RM 420, a single camera add-on from RM 420, and CCTV system health check and relocation from RM 220.
When to Call Urgently
Call promptly when:
- Footage is needed for an incident.
- Multiple cameras are offline.
- The recorder beeps or reports HDD failure.
- Cameras were working but stopped after a power surge.
- The system has been damaged by water or lightning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my CCTV only record for a few days?
The hard drive may be too small for the number of cameras, overwrite may be off, or continuous recording may be using more storage than motion recording.
Can I recover deleted CCTV footage?
Not always. If the drive has overwritten the footage, recovery is unlikely. Stop using the recorder immediately and ask a technician if the drive still contains data.
How long should a CCTV hard drive last?
Hard drive lifespan depends on recording load, heat and power stability. A health check can identify early failures before footage is lost.
Get the System Recording Again
Missing CCTV footage defeats the purpose of the system. KL Servis Rumah diagnoses and repairs DVR, NVR, PoE and Wi-Fi CCTV systems across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
Send the recorder brand, camera count and a photo of any error message — WhatsApp the CCTV team.