N831 Series - 4K 8-Channel Wired Network Video Recorder - Troubleshooting Guide

Modified on November 06, 2025

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If you're experiencing issues with your N831 Series - 4K Wired Network Video Recorder, follow these steps to resolve the most common problems.

For additional help, visit:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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 Powerswitch 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.
  • Account Verification (Lorex Connect App): On the NVR, select Account Verification. In the Lorex Connect app, go to Recorder Settings > Help > Reset Device Password, request a verification code by email, and enter it on the NVR.

For detailed steps, see the Password Recovery Guide.

QR code does not work in setup wizard

You no longer need to scan the device QR code displayed on the recorder's screen. The Lorex Connect app now uses automatic device discovery on the local network.

Updated App Setup Steps:

  1. On your phone, download and open the Lorex Connect app from the App Store / Google Play.
  2. Create an account or Log in.
  3. Tap + Add Device > Recorder.

Ensure your phone and the recorder are connected to the same network. The app will automatically search for and detect your recorder. Once found, follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup.

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 > Configuration > System > General > Output Configuration and lower the Output Resolution (for example, 1080p). Auto-recognition can also be enabled.

“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 > Network > General > General and ensure DHCP is enabled (or assign a valid static IP). Restart your router and NVR after making changes.
  • Use the Network State screen to verify WAN IP, gateway, DNS, ports, and bandwidth: Live View > Info (bottom bar) > Network State or Main Menu > Configuration > System > Information > Network State.
  • For smooth app viewing, ensure upload speed of at least 6 Mbps per 4K channel (≈24 Mbps for 8ch).
  • Total recorder network throughput is 56 Mbps; exceeding this can cause lag or drops. Lower bitrates or frame rates if needed.

Camera offline / no power on PoE

  • Check the PoE power budget: go to Main Menu > Configuration > Channel > PoE Power to see per-port draw and remaining power. If the total is near the limit, unplug a camera or use an external PoE switch.
  • Power limits: up to 25.5 W per port, 72 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 > System > Information > Device Info.
  • Enter the IP 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 Main Menu > System > Information > 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 N831 Manual for installation guidance.

No recordings or playback data / storage full quickly

  • Enable recording per channel in Main Menu > Configuration > Channel > Recording Settings > Recording.
  • Confirm the recording mode (Continuous, Motion, or AI Motion Detection) is enabled in Main Menu > Configuration > Event > 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 Configuration > Storage > Hard Drive > Format storage before recording.
  • Enable Overwrite (Auto, or 1–90 days) so new video replaces the oldest when full: Configuration > Storage > Hard Drive.
  • Set Warning Alerts for “HDD Full” or “HDD Error” and choose Beep, on-screen alert, email, or voice prompts: Configuration > Alerts > Warning.
  • Check that the NVR’s date and time settings are accurate in Main Menu > Configuration > Network > 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 > Configuration > Events > Detection Schedule and disable or modify the recording schedule for motion detection.

Motion detection not working

  • Go to Main Menu > Configuration > Event > Detection Settings and ensure motion detection is enabled.
  • Check that motion zones, schedules, and sensitivity are correctly configured.
  • Ensure the camera’s field of view is clear and properly lit.

NVR buzzer keeps beeping

  • Check for constantly moving objects (for example, branches or lights) triggering motion alerts.
  • Adjust or disable unnecessary motion or system alarms.
  • Go to Main Menu > Configuration > Event > Device actions and disable Beep.

Firmware update fails or doesn’t complete

  • Ensure the NVR is connected to the Internet through the LAN port.
  • Check for Auto Upgrade in the navigation bar. In live view hover over the bottom of the screen to access the navigation bar.
  • If automatic update fails, contact Lorex Support for the latest firmware and install using a USB. Go to Main Menu > System > Maintenance > Upgrade, select file, and click Upgrade. 
  • Do not power off the NVR during the update process.

No audio output

  • Go to Main Menu > Configuration > Channel > Recording Settings > Mainstream or Substream and ensure Audio is enabled.
  • Adjust the audio's Output Volume in Main Menu > Channel > Recording Settings > Audio Settings.
  • 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 Configuration > Network > 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 > Configuration > Storage > Hard Drive > Format Storage.
  • Formatting erases all data. Use with caution.

MicroSD card in cameras shows “full”

  • From the NVR you can format camera microSD cards: Main Menu > Configuration > System > IP Camera Settings > Format Camera’s Storage. Select the channel(s) and click Format.

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, 72 W total (budgeting matters for deterrence-type cams).

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