If you're experiencing issues with your RN301A Series - 4K Wired Network Video Recorder, follow these steps to resolve the most common problems.
For additional help, visit:
NVR does not power on
- Verify that the included DC 48V / 1.5A power adapter is securely connected to the NVR and a working outlet.
- Ensure the Power switch on the back of the NVR is set to On.
- If the power indicator does not light up, try another outlet or adapter.
I forgot my NVR password
- Security Questions: On the login screen, select Forgot Password, answer your saved security questions, and set a new password.
For detailed steps, see the User Manual (LINK)
No video signal or display output
- Check that the HDMI or VGA cable is securely connected to both the NVR and the monitor.
- Ensure the monitor input matches the NVR’s selected output (HDMI or VGA).
- Make sure the video format (NTSC/PAL) matches on both devices.
- Temporarily connect to a different monitor/TV, then set Main Menu > System Manager> General > Display and lower the Resolution (for example, 1080p).
“Disconnected” network / remote access issues
- Confirm the network cable is firmly connected to the NVR’s LAN port and your router.
- Go to Main Menu > System Manager > Network > TCP / IP and ensure DHCP is enabled (or assign a valid static IP). Restart your router and NVR after making changes.
- For smooth app viewing, ensure upload speed of at least 6 Mbps per 4K channel (≈24 Mbps for 8ch).
- Total recorder network throughput is 320 Mbps; exceeding this can cause lag or drops. Lower bitrates or frame rates if needed.
Camera offline / no power on PoE
- Power limits: up to 25.5 W per port, 57 W total on the built-in PoE. High-draw accessories (deterrence lights/sirens) can trip the budget.
- No PoE on the switch/router? Power each camera with a 12V adapter and connect it to your router, then add it under IP Channels.
- Use IP Channels to search/add cameras and review connection details (IP, protocol, user/pass).
Cannot access NVR from a computer browser
- Find the NVR’s IP address under Main Menu > Camera Settings > Camera.
- Enter the I
P address in a browser on a computer connected to the same network (for example,
http://192.168.1.100). - Ensure your PC and NVR are on the same subnet and no firewall is blocking access.
Cannot connect remotely or log in with the Lorex Connect app
- Ensure the NVR is connected to the Internet using the rear LAN port (not PoE ports).
- Confirm that the network status in Live View >
> Network State is "Connected". - Check that your upload speed meets at least 6 Mbps per 4K channel (24 Mbps total for 8 channels).
- Verify the correct Lorex account credentials in the app.
Hard drive not detected
- Ensure the internal hard drive is firmly connected to both the power and SATA ports.
- Use only surveillance-grade drives (for example, WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk).
- See “Replacing the Hard Drive (HDD)” in the RN301 Manual for installation guidance
No recordings or playback data / storage full quickly
- Disable recording for some channels in Main Menu > System Manager > Storage > Record Settings > Schedule.
- Confirm the recording mode (Continuous or AI Detection) is enabled at all times or within your desired schedule in Main Menu > System Manager > Storage > Record Settings.
- Ensure the hard drive is a compatible 3.5" SATA drive with up to 10 TB capacity.
- After replacing an HDD, remember to Format it in Main Menu > System Manager > Storage > Storage Manager > Format before recording.
- Check that the NVR’s date and time settings are accurate in Main Menu > System Manager > General > Date and Time.
- If no video files appear, test or replace the hard drive.
Device keeps recording after selecting Stop Recording
- Stopping manual recording does not stop scheduled or motion-triggered recording.
- Go to Main Menu > System Manager > Storage > Record Settings > Schedule and disable or modify the recording schedule for Continuous detection.
Motion detection not working
- Go to Main Menu > Detection Settings > Detection Settings > Configure Detection Settings and ensure motion detection is enabled for each desired camera.
- Check that motion zones, schedules, and sensitivity are correctly configured.
- Ensure the camera’s field of view is clear and properly lit.
Firmware update fails or doesn’t complete
- Ensure the NVR is connected to the Internet through the LAN port.
- If automatic update fails, contact Lorex Support for the latest firmware and install using a USB. Keep all firmware files in a folder labeled "nvr". Go to Main Menu > System Manager > Upgrade & Reset > Update, and click System Upgrade.
- Do not power off the NVR during the update process.
No audio output
- Verify your monitor or speakers are connected and volume is not muted.
- When using the app or browser, ensure the “Audio” option is toggled on during playback.
Date or time resets after reboot
- Enable Sync with NTP Server under Main Menu > System Manager > General > Date and Time to sync time with an Internet NTP server.
- If disconnected from the Internet, manually correct the time and click Save.
Deleting or formatting recordings
- Individual recordings cannot be deleted for security reasons.
- To clear all recordings, go to Main Menu > System Manager > Storage > Storage Manager > Format.
- Formatting erases all data. Use with caution.
Quick spec checks (rule out limits)
- Channels: 8 × PoE
- Video outputs: HDMI up to 4K; VGA up to 1080p. If your monitor doesn’t support the set mode, lower it.
- HDD: 1 × 3.5" SATA bay, up to 10 TB.
- PoE power: 25.5 W/port, 57 W total (budgeting matters for deterrence-type cams).