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:
What happens if I forget my NVR password?
If you forget your NVR password, you can reset it using one of the options set up during installation.
Security Questions: From the NVR login screen, select Forgot Password and answer one of the security questions you created during setup. If the answer is correct, you’ll be able to create a new password.
Email Verification: You can also reset your password through the Lorex Connect app if your NVR is already connected to the network and linked to the app. Open the Lorex Connect app, select your NVR, then go to Settings > Help > Reset Device Password. Tap Get Verification Code, check your email for the code, enter it in the app, and follow the prompts to create a new NVR password.
Important: If your NVR is not linked to the Lorex Connect app and you cannot answer your security questions correctly, you will permanently lose access to your system. For your privacy and security, Lorex Technical Support cannot reset, recover, or bypass your NVR password.
To help prevent losing access, store your security question answers in a safe place and link your NVR to the Lorex Connect app during setup.
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 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).