Installing a CCTV system in your home, shop, or office is a great step toward better security—but how do you know if your CCTV cameras are really recording?
Many users in Singapore only discover their system wasn’t recording after an incident happens. Here’s a full guide to help you check if your CCTV is recording properly, avoid common mistakes, and fix issues before it’s too late.
TL;DR: Quick Summary
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✅ Look for red “REC” lights or app recording icons
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✅ Check playback footage from earlier today
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✅ Verify storage is available and not corrupted
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✅ Confirm motion detection or schedule settings
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✅ Inspect camera feed and power
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✅ Walk in front of the camera as a live test
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✅ Set up mobile alerts or recording health checks
📑 Table of Contents
❓ Why You Need to Check CCTV Recording
Many CCTV owners in Singapore only realise their system wasn’t recording after a theft or incident. To avoid this painful discovery, it’s essential to verify recording regularly—ideally once a month.
🔍 How to Tell If Your CCTV Is Recording
✅ 1. Is There a Recording Indicator?
Look for signs that your DVR/NVR or app is recording:
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Red “REC” light on the device
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Red dot or “REC” icon on the monitor
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Flashing recording icon in your CCTV app
No sign? Your system might not be recording at all.
2. Use the Playback Feature
The easiest way to confirm recording is to check past footage.
Steps:
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Open your CCTV mobile app or monitor
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Go to Playback or History
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Select a date and time (e.g. 2 hours ago)
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Check if video footage is available
If the footage is missing or the screen shows “No video,” there could be a problem with recording settings or storage.
3. Check Your Hard Drive or Storage Card
If the storage device is full, not installed, or damaged, your CCTV can’t save new recordings.
Check for:
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Available storage space on the DVR/NVR
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Properly inserted SD card (for wireless cameras)
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Any “HDD full” or “No storage” errors
Tip: Most systems allow you to auto-overwrite old footage when the disk is full. Make sure this is enabled.
4. Confirm Motion Detection or Scheduled Recording
Some CCTV systems only record when motion is detected or during scheduled times.
Steps:
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Go to your system’s recording settings
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Make sure motion detection is enabled (if needed)
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Check if recording schedule is active (e.g. 24/7 or specific hours)
If neither is set, your system might appear to be working, but won’t save anything.
5. Inspect Camera Feed and Cable Connections
If one of your cameras is not recording, it could be due to a power issue or loose cable.
Check for:
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Live video feed for each camera
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Power lights on each camera (especially for wired setups)
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Securely plugged cables and connectors
For Wi-Fi cameras, ensure your internet is stable and the camera is within range.
6. Test with a Simple Walk-By
Want to test it quickly? Just walk in front of the camera and check if:
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The system notifies you (if motion alerts are on)
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That movement shows up during playback
This is a simple way to confirm both the camera and recording function are working.
7. Set Up Alerts and Health Checks
Modern CCTV systems often allow users to set up:
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Mobile push alerts when motion is detected
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Email alerts for recording errors or disconnections
Turn these on to be instantly notified if something goes wrong.
Common Reasons Why CCTV Stops Recording
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Hard drive full or corrupted
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Camera disconnected or damaged
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Wrong recording schedule
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Motion detection not activated
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Software update needed
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Power supply failure
Bonus: Let the Experts Check for You
If you’re not sure how to check or your system seems faulty, don’t worry.
AIDC Technology offers FREE CCTV system checks and consultations—no pressure, no obligation.
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Call us at +65 6740 0255
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Email: sales@aidc.com.sg
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Or Schedule a FREE site visit today
Final Tip: Don’t Wait for Something to Happen
Check your CCTV system once a month. Just 5 minutes can make the difference between peace of mind and lost evidence.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my CCTV is recording at night?
Use Playback to check nighttime footage. Also confirm IR night vision is active.
What happens if my storage is full?
Unless overwrite is enabled, recording will stop. Always check this setting.
Can I set my CCTV to record 24/7?
Yes. Go to recording settings and enable continuous mode instead of motion-only.
My camera feed shows but no recording—why?
Likely a storage, schedule, or setting issue. Follow steps above to fix.
You Might Also Like:
1. How Much Does a CCTV System Cost in Singapore?
Get a full breakdown of CCTV installation costs for HDBs, condos, shops, and offices in Singapore. Includes price ranges, camera counts, and what to expect.
2. CCTV Camera Singapore: 2025 Guide to Choosing the Right One for Your Property
Not all cameras are created equal. This guide helps you compare different CCTV camera types—indoor, outdoor, dome, bullet, and smart options—based on your needs.
FAQ
While DIY installation is possible, a professional installer ensures proper camera placement, wiring, and reliable setup—especially for business or large properties.
Yes, most CCTV systems offer mobile apps or cloud services that let you view live or recorded footage from anywhere using your phone.
Yes, most modern cameras come with infrared (IR) night vision or color night vision. Always check the night vision range (e.g. 10m–30m).
Most systems stop recording during power cuts unless they are connected to a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) or backup battery. For critical setups, it’s recommended to have backup power.
As of 2024, most HDB flats no longer require approval for corridor-facing CCTV, as long as it does not capture neighbours’ private areas.
Yes, if your shop is located in a commercial condo or mall, you may need MCST or landlord approval, especially for exterior cameras.
You can start with a free on-site survey by contacting a licensed provider. This helps ensure the setup fits your layout and budget. Reach out to AIDC Technology at +65 6740 0255 or email sales@aidc.com.sg to schedule a no-obligation visit.
Most systems store footage for 7 to 30 days, but this depends on your business needs and the storage capacity of your NVR or cloud system.
A basic home CCTV system typically costs between $600 and $1,300 for 2 to 4 cameras, depending on the camera type and installation scope.
Commercial CCTV systems usually range from $1,200 to $5,000+, depending on the number of cameras, layout, and storage requirements.
Yes, CCTV is commonly used in retail stores. You should notify customers that recording is in place using signs at entry points.
Key features include HD clarity, night vision, mobile access, motion alerts, and secure video storage.
CCTV signage should be visible and placed at entry points to inform people they are being recorded.
DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) work with analog cameras, while NVRs (Network Video Recorders) are used with IP cameras and offer better resolution and remote access.