Why does my DVR/NVR keep restarting on its own?
- Administrator A
- Jan 19
- 3 min read
Why is My DVR/NVR Keeping Restarting on Its Own?
When your DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or NVR (Network Video Recorder) keeps rebooting, it’s usually not a random glitch. Most surveillance recorders are programmed with "Fault Detection Algorithms." If the system detects a hardware failure or a power instability, it restarts to protect itself from permanent damage.
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Here are the most common reasons your system is stuck in a reboot loop and how to fix it.
1. Failing Hard Drive (The #1 Cause)
Hard drives in security systems work 24/7, which puts them under immense stress. If the drive develops "bad sectors" or a mechanical failure, the recorder’s operating system will crash every time it tries to write data to that specific section of the disk.
The Test: Power down the recorder, open the casing, and unplug the SATA power and data cables from the hard drive.
The Result: Turn the recorder back on without the hard drive. If the rebooting stops, your hard drive is faulty and needs to be replaced with a Surveillance-Rated Drive (like Western Digital Purple or Seagate SkyHawk).
2. Insufficient or Failing Power Supply
A recorder requires a steady, clean flow of electricity. Over time, the capacitors inside your power brick can leak or weaken.
Underpowered Adapters: If you accidentally swapped your NVR's power adapter (which might need 2.0A or 5.0A) with a camera's adapter (usually 1.0A), the system will reboot as soon as it tries to spin up the hard drive or power the cameras.
The Test: Swap the power adapter with an identical one, or test the output with a multimeter. Ensure you are plugged directly into a wall outlet rather than a crowded power strip or an old surge protector.
3. Overheating Issues
Recorders are essentially specialized computers. If the internal cooling fan stops spinning or the vents are clogged with dust, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) will overheat. Most systems are programmed to shut down or restart automatically once they hit a certain temperature threshold to prevent the motherboard from melting.
The Fix: Check if the fan is spinning. Use a can of compressed air to clear dust from the vents and the internal circuit board. Ensure the recorder is in a well-ventilated area, not tucked into a tight, uncooled cabinet.
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4. IP Conflicts (NVR Specific)
If you have an NVR and a new device on your network (like a new laptop or smart fridge) is assigned the same IP address as your NVR, the system may reboot as it struggles to maintain its network identity.
The Fix: Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the back of the NVR. If it stays powered on while disconnected from the internet, you likely have an IP Conflict. You will need to log into your router and assign a "Static IP" to the NVR.
5. Corrupted Firmware
Sometimes a failed automatic update or a software bug can "brick" the system, causing a "Boot Loop" where the logo appears and then the screen goes black.
The Fix: You may need to perform a Manual Firmware Flash. This involves downloading the correct firmware from the manufacturer's website onto a USB drive (formatted to FAT32) and plugging it in during the boot-up sequence.
Need Professional Help in Cleveland?
Troubleshooting a "ghost in the machine" can be exhausting. If you’ve unplugged the hard drive and swapped the power, but your system is still rebooting, there may be a deeper motherboard failure or a short circuit in your camera wiring.
Cleveland Security Cameras provides expert on-site diagnostics for all major brands (Hikvision, Dahua, Lorex, Reolink, and more). We can save your recorded data and get your system stable again in one visit.
Reach Out Today
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Phone: 216-333-8245
Location: Serving the Greater Cleveland Area.
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