U3 Series - Lorex Connect U3 4K or 2K+ POE Camera- Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions May 19, 2026

This article discusses common questions about the U3 Series – CN201 2K+ IP PoE Camera and the U3 Series – CN251 4K IP PoE Camera, both bullet and turret versions.

Setup Settings:

How do I reset my camera?

Dismount your camera and angle it so that the microSD Cart/Reset compartment is uncovered.
With the compartment cover removed, locate the reset button.
Press and hold the reset button for at least 10 seconds until the camera restarts.
Release the button and allow the camera to reboot. The camera will be restored to factory default settings.

Resetting the camera will erase all custom settings.

How can I optimize the placement of my camera?

Here are some strategic camera placement tips to ensure optimal coverage.

Entry Points: Install your cameras near entry points such as doors, if you want to see who is entering and exiting.
Avoid Obstructions: Identify critical viewpoints that offer a clear line of sight. Avoid obstacles within your home that could obstruct your camera's view.
Consider Lighting Conditions: Be mindful of lighting conditions, ensuring your camera is not pointing directly into bright light sources. Position your camera to take advantage of natural or existing lighting for optimal image quality.
Camera Height: Install your cameras at an optimal height to deter tampering by children and pets while providing a clear view.
Camera Tilt and Angle: Tilt your camera slightly downward to capture facial features and minimize the risk of glare. Experiment with different angles to find the best view.
Compliance with Laws: Be aware of privacy laws and regulations related to surveillance cameras in your region. Avoid pointing your cameras directly into neighboring properties.

How do I install my camera?

Follow the bullet instructions or turret instructions for step-by-step guidance.

How can I troubleshoot connectivity issues?

Refer to the troubleshooting article for guidance on resolving common connectivity issues. Check cable connections and network settings.

How do I replace/Insert an SD card?

Dismount your camera and angle it so that the microSD Cart/Reset compartment is uncovered.
Use a screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the compartment cover.
Remove the cover to reveal the microSD card slot and the reset button.
To insert the microSD card: Slide the card into the slot until it clicks into place.
To remove the microSD card: Gently press the card inward until it clicks, then release to eject.
Reinstall the compartment cover and tighten both screws to maintain a weather-resistant seal.

How do I connect my camera to the NVR?

Connect the camera to one of the PoE camera ports on the back of the NVR using an Ethernet cable. The PoE connection provides both power and video/data transmission, and the NVR should automatically detect and add the camera when connected directly to the NVR’s PoE ports.

Can the camera be installed outdoors?

Yes. The camera is rated IP67 for indoor and outdoor use and operates in temperatures from -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C). For best performance, Lorex recommends installing outdoor cameras in a sheltered location to help prevent rain, debris, or glare from affecting the lens.

App Settings:

How do I setup Motion Detection?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap ... > Camera Settings.
Select Detection Settings.
Select Motion Detection to configure settings.
Tap the slider to enable motion detection.
Choose Sensitivity between 1 and 6.
Select Motion Zones and drag to select the areas you want motion to be detected.
Select Detection Schedule and click Add a Schedule or click on an existing schedule to edit it. Select a start time, end time, and weekday. Click Save. Each schedule can be enabled/disabled with its slider.
Tap the slider to enable/disable Recording.
Tap Save to confirm.

How do I setup Face Detection?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap ... > Camera Settings.
Select Detection Settings.
Select Face Detection to configure settings.
Tap the slider to enable face detection.
Select Motion Zones and drag to select the areas you want motion to be detected.
Select Detection Schedule and click Add a Schedule or click on an existing schedule to edit it. Select a start time, end time, and weekday. Click Save. Each schedule can be enabled/disabled with its slider.
Tap the slider to enable/disable Recording.
Tap Save to confirm.

How do I setup Person & Vehicle Detection?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap ... > Camera Settings.
Select Detection Settings.
Select Person & Vehicle Detection to configure settings.
Tap the slider to enable person & vehicle detection.
Choose Sensitivity between 1 and 5.
Select Person and/or Vehicle detection to change the following settings.
Select Detection Schedule and click Add a Schedule or click on an existing schedule to edit it. Select a start time, end time, and weekday. Click Save. Each schedule can be enabled/disabled with its slider.
Tap the slider to enable/disable Recording.
Tap Save to confirm.

How do I setup Notifications?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap ... > Camera Settings.
Select Deterrence Settings > Notifications.
Enable/disable Alert Notifications with the slider.
Enable/disable Alert and Event thumbnails with the slider.
Select the type(s) of detections you would like to be alerted for.
Choose Time Interval between 1 and 30 minutes to select the time between push notifications.
Select Motion Zones and drag to select the areas you want motion to be detected.
Select Notification Schedule and click Add a Schedule or click on an existing schedule to edit it. Select a start time, end time, and weekday. Click Save. Each schedule can be enabled/disabled with its slider.
Tap Save to confirm.

How do I setup Mainstream and Substream settings?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap ... > Camera Settings.
Select Encoding and Recording Settings.
Select Mainstream or Substream settings.
Select the Resolution from the drop-down menu.
Select the Frame Rate from the drop-down menu.
Select the Encoding Format from the drop-down menu.
Select the Bitrate Mode from the drop-down menu..
Input the Bitrate.
Choose I Frame Interval between 1 and 100.
Enable/disable Audio.
Tap Save to confirm.

How do I setup Recording settings?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap ... > Camera Settings.
Select Encoding and Recording Settings.
Select Recording.
Select the Stream Mode from the drop-down menu.
Enable/disable Pre-Recording.
Tap Save to confirm.

How do I create a Recording Schedule?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap ... > Camera Settings.
Select Encoding and Recording Settings.
Select Schedule.
Select Continuous and click Add a Schedule or click on an existing schedule to edit it. Select a start time, end time, and weekday. Click Save. Each schedule can be enabled/disabled with its slider.
Select Motion Detection and click Add a Schedule or click on an existing schedule to edit it. Select a start time, end time, and weekday. Click Save. Each schedule can be enabled/disabled with its slider.
Select I/O and click Add a Schedule or click on an existing schedule to edit it. Select a start time, end time, and weekday. Click Save. Each schedule can be enabled/disabled with its slider.
Tap Save to confirm.

How do I setup Live View Settings?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap ... > Camera Settings.
Select Video Settings.
Select Live View Settings.
Input a Channel Name.
Select the Date Format from the drop-down menu.
Select the Time Format from the drop-down menu.
Enable/disable Display camera name.
Enable/disable Display timestamp.
Tap Save to confirm.

How do I setup Image Settings and rotate camera feed?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap ... > Camera Settings.
Select Video Settings.
Select Image Settings.
Select the IR-CUT Mode from the drop-down menu.
Enable/disable WDR.
Enable/disable Vertical Flip if your camera is installed upside down.
Enable/disable Horizontal Flip to mirror your camera feed.
Select the Angle Adjustment from the drop-down menu to rotate your camera footage.
Tap Save to confirm.

How do I setup Audio Settings?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap ... > Camera Settings.
Select Video Settings.
Select Audio Settings.
Select the Audio Encoding from the drop-down menu.
Select the Audio Input Type from the drop-down menu.
Choose Microphone sensitivity between 1 and 11.
Enable/disable Audio Recording.
Tap Save to confirm.

How do I setup Privacy Masking?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap ... > Camera Settings.
Select Video Settings.
Select Privacy Masking.
Enable/disable Privacy Masking.
Click the + icon to create a privacy mask. Then drag a corner to shape it.
Click the garbage icon to delete the privacy mask.
Tap Save to confirm.

How do I setup check for system updates?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap ... > Camera Settings.
Select Video Settings.
Select About Camera
Select Check for system updates.
To update your camera, select Update Now. Do not power off your device until the update is complete.
Tap Save to confirm.

How do I take a snapshot?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap Snapshot.
Click Download to save the image to your device and Share to quickly send the image elsewhere.

How do I create a recording in real time?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap Record.
Click Download to save the recording to your device and Share to quickly send the recording elsewhere.

How do I enable the deterrence light?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap Light.
Tap again to disable the deterrence light.

How do I enable the Strobe light?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap Strobe.
Tap again to disable the strobe light.

How do I navigate Playback?

Tap your recorder to select it.
Select your camera's thumbnail and tap Playback.
Select the calendar icon to choose what day to view files from.
Select the List Icon to change the way to scroll through recordings.
Click the filter Icon to select Detection Types, Time of Day, and Date, then click Apply Filters.
Select a recording to view it.

For other app questions, please refer to Lorex Connect App - FAQ & Troubleshooting.

General Settings:

What is the weight of my camera?

CN201 Bullet: 0.883 lb (0.40 kg)
CN201 Turret: 0.887 lb (0.40 kg)
CN251 Bullet: 0.887 lb (0.40 kg)
CN251 Turret: 0.837 lb (0.38 kg)

Is there a mobile app for remote monitoring, and is it compatible with both iOS and Android?

Yes, Lorex cameras enable remote access and monitoring via the Lorex Connect app, which is accessible on both iOS and Android.

What is the operating temperature?

-40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C)

Does my camera support color night vision?

Yes. The camera supports Color Night Vision & Smart Illumination, along with infrared night vision up to 98 ft / 30 m in total darkness. In very low-light conditions, the camera may switch to black-and-white IR night vision to maintain image quality.

What AI detection features are available?

The camera supports Smart Motion Detection, Line Crossing, Area Intrusion, Region Entrance, Region Exiting, and Face Detection. Note that Face Detection cannot be used at the same time as the other AI or motion detection settings; if Face Detection is enabled, the NVR will automatically turn the others off.

Does my camera record audio?

Yes, the CN201 has a built-in microphone. However, audio recording is disabled by default, and users should check local laws before enabling it, since audio recording without consent may be illegal in some jurisdictions.

What storage does my camera offer?

Built-in Storage: A microSD card can be inserted for independent recording. Data can be accessed through your camera using a web browser but will not be uploaded to the NVR or to the cloud for mobile app viewing.
Cloud Storage: The primary storage solution is Lorex Cloud storage. The Lorex Cloud storage serves as a centralized hub for managing and storing video data from multiple cameras. Lorex Cloud storage is included in a Lorex Cloud subscription.

When should I use WDR (Wide Dynamic Range), HLC (Highlight Compensation) and BLC (Backlight Compensation)?

For information on WDR, HLC, and BLC, refer to Understanding Exposure Modes (BLC, WDR, HLC, Auto-Sensing).

What are the compatible SD cards?

Refer to the article "Compatible SD Cards and Storage Sizes" for more information.

Country/region