N831 Series - 4K Wired Network Video Recorder - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Modified on November 06, 2025

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This FAQ answers the most common setup, configuration, and troubleshooting questions about the N831 Series 4K Wired NVR. For the specification sheet, the quick start guide, and troubleshooting, visit:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How do I recover my NVR password?

If you forget your NVR’s admin password, you can reset it in one of two ways:

  • Using Security Questions: On the login screen, click Forgot Password, answer your saved security questions, and create a new password.
  • Using the Lorex Connect App: If you can’t answer your questions, choose Account Verification instead. Then, in the app, go to Recorder Settings > Help > Reset Device Password, get a verification code by email, and enter it on the NVR to set a new password.

For full instructions, see N831 Password Recovery.

How do I connect my N831 to the Lorex Connect app?

The setup process has recently changed. The QR code shown on your recorder’s setup wizard screen is no longer needed for connecting to the Lorex Connect app.

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.

How do I check my system version and network info?

Go to Main Menu > System > Information to view your firmware version, device ID, IP address, and connection status. This info is required when contacting Technical Support.

What’s included with my N831 Recorder?

  • N831 4K Wired NVR
  • Network (LAN) Cable
  • HDMI Cable
  • USB Mouse
  • Power Adapter (DC 48V / 1.5A)

How do I turn my NVR on or off?

To power on, connect the included power adapter and switch the rear Power toggle to On. When the system boots, the Lorex logo will appear on the connected monitor.

To safely power off, right-click and select Main Menu > Shutdown > Shutdown. Wait for the shutdown message, then toggle the rear power switch to Off. Disconnect power only after the system has fully shut down.

How do I reset the NVR to factory defaults?

  1. Right-click to open the Main Menu.
  2. Select Configuration > System > Maintenance > Load Default.
  3. Click Factory Default.
  4. Enter your admin password when prompted to confirm.

Note: This resets all configuration settings, including network and passwords, but does not delete recorded video.

How do I download the Lorex Connect app?

The Lorex Connect App allows remote access to your recorder from anywhere.

After installation, open the app and sign in or create a Lorex account. Tap + Add Device > Recorder.

How do I update my NVR’s firmware?

Firmware updates improve performance, stability, and compatibility.

  1. Connect the NVR to the Internet through the Network port (LAN).
  2. Go to Main Menu > System > Upgrade > Device Upgrade.
  3. Click Check for Update. If a new version is available, select Upgrade.
  4. Wait until the process completes and the NVR reboots automatically.

To update manually, call Technical Support to download the latest firmware from your email, copy it to a USB drive, and install under Manual Upgrade.

How do I change the system date and time?

  1. Go to Main Menu > Configuration > System > General.
  2. Select your Time Zone.
  3. Click Set Time and adjust the date and time.
  4. Enable Auto Synchronize to sync with an Internet time server.

Keeping your NVR time accurate ensures recordings and events have proper timestamps.

How do I connect cameras to my NVR?

Direct PoE Connection (Recommended)

  1. Plug each camera into one of the NVR’s 8 PoE ports using Cat5e/Cat6 cable (max 300 ft / 90 m).
  2. Wait up to one minute for each camera to appear on-screen.

Using an External PoE Switch

  1. Connect cameras to an IEEE 802.3af PoE switch.
  2. Connect the switch’s uplink port to your router.
  3. Connect the NVR’s LAN port to the same router (do not use the NVR’s PoE ports in this setup).
  4. Go to Main Menu > Camera > Device Search to find and add the cameras.

How do I access the NVR from my computer?

  1. Connect the NVR’s LAN port to your router.
  2. Find the NVR’s IP under Main Menu > System > Information.
  3. On a PC or Mac on the same network, open a browser and type the IP (For example, http://192.168.1.100).
  4. Log in with your NVR credentials to view live and recorded video.

What recording modes are available?

  • Continuous Recording: Records 24/7.
  • Motion Detection: Records only when movement is detected.
  • AI Detection: Records when a person or vehicle is detected.

Change recording settings under Configuration > Channel > Recording Settings.

How do I enable AI motion detection?

  1. Go to Configuration > Event > Detection Settings.
  2. Select Enable Motion Detection or Person/Vehicle Detection.
  3. Draw motion zones and adjust sensitivity (1-8).
  4. Set your desired alert action: push, buzzer, or light deterrence.

How do I play back and export recordings?

  1. Go to Main Menu > Playback.
  2. Select the channel and date/time.
  3. Use the timeline to view recordings. Up to 4 channels can play back simultaneously.
  4. To export, go to Main Menu > Export > Video, select time range, choose MP4 or Lorex format, and click Export.

How do I replace or add a hard drive?

  1. Power off and disconnect the NVR.
  2. Remove the top cover, then disconnect and replace the HDD (up to 10 TB, 3.5” SATA).
  3. Power on and go to Configuration > Storage > Hard Drive.
  4. Select the new HDD and click Format.

Use only surveillance-rated drives (for example, WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk).

How do I adjust the display resolution?

  1. Go to Main Menu > Configuration > System > Output Configuration.
  2. Choose HDMI or VGA output. An HDMI cable is included with your package.
  3. Select a supported resolution:
    • HDMI: up to 4K (3840×2160)
    • VGA: up to 1080p

How do I adjust date/time format, language, and OSD display?

  1. Go to Main Menu > Configuration > System > General.
  2. Select date/time format (12h or 24h) and preferred display language.
  3. To hide or show time/channel name overlays, go to Channel > Live View Settings.

How do I see each camera’s PoE power usage?

Go to Main Menu > Configuration > Channel > PoE Power to view per-port draw and remaining budget.

Note: If the total budget is close to the limit, unplug high-draw accessories or move some cameras to an external PoE switch.

How do I set HDD overwrite and format the drive?

  1. Go to Main Menu > Configuration > Storage > Hard Drive.
  2. Set Overwrite to Auto or choose 1-90 days.
  3. Select Format Storage to erase and re-initialize the drive (backs up needed clips first).

Can the NVR warn me when the HDD is full or errors?

Yes. Go to Main Menu > Configuration > Alerts > Warning and enable alerts for HDD Full or HDD Error. Choose actions like Beep, on-screen alert, Email, or Voice prompts.

How do I check Network State (WAN IP, ports, bandwidth)?

From Live view, hover to show the bottom bar > Info > Network State (or Main Menu > Configuration > System > Information > Network State). You’ll see WAN IP, gateway/DNS, HTTP/RTSP/HTTPS ports, and total/used bandwidth.

How do I add cameras over LAN or an external PoE switch?

  1. Wire cameras to a PoE switch (or power each camera with 12V if your switch isn’t PoE) and connect the switch to your router.
  2. On the NVR, go to Main Menu > Configuration > Channel > IP Channels.
  3. Use Search to discover devices, then Add to bind them to channels.

How do I format a camera’s microSD card from the NVR?

  1. Go to Main Menu > Configuration > System > IP Camera Settings > Format Camera’s Storage.
  2. Select the channel(s) and click Format (this erases all data on the card).

What video outputs and resolutions are supported?

  • HDMI: up to 4K (3840×2160), plus 2560×1440, 1920×1080, 1280×720, 1024×768.
  • VGA: up to 1920×1080, plus 1440×900, 1280×1024, 1280×720, 1024×768.

How many channels of playback and what search modes?

Play back up to 4 channels simultaneously; search by Time/Date, All Motion Events, or AI Motion (Person/Vehicle).

What’s the maximum network throughput?

Total recorder network bit rate is 56 Mbps (typical per-stream range 512 kbps-6,144 kbps). If you exceed this, lower bitrates or frame rates.

Where do I see Channel/Record info at a glance?

From Live View > Info, open Channel Information to see online/offline state and stream details; open Record Info for per-channel record state, stream type, resolution, frame rate, and bitrate.

What are the power, PoE, and environmental specs?

  • PoE output: 25.5W per port (72W total)
  • Power supply: DC 48V / 1.5A
  • Power consumption: Approx. 6W (without HDD)
  • Operating temperature: 14°F to 122°F (–10°C to 50°C)
  • Fanless design: QuietTek

Where can I find compatible cameras and accessories?

Visit the Lorex Compatibility Chart for a complete list of supported PoE cameras and accessories. The E831CB 4K PoE deterrence camera pairs seamlessly with the N831.

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