Live view works but playback is empty? A missing recording does not by itself prove the hard drive has failed. These checks help you separate a playback search problem from a recording or storage problem. Menu names vary by NVR model and firmware. Only work on a system you own or are authorised to manage.
Start with one affected camera and a known time. In local Playback, choose the correct channel, date and recording type. Check the recorder clock against the actual time and note any difference. A wrong clock can make a recording appear under another date or hour. Do not change the clock until you have documented the discrepancy and any footage you need to preserve.
Next, read the HDD status in the recorder menu. Is the drive detected, and is its status normal or showing an error? A missing or failed drive needs further investigation. Do not format or initialise a drive as a test. That may destroy existing footage. Back up important video before changing storage settings.
Compare live view with playback on each channel. If one camera has live video but no recording, check whether recording is enabled for that channel and whether the schedule covers the time you searched. Motion or alarm recording will not create a continuous timeline. If the camera is offline in live view too, investigate that connection separately.
Check the pattern. Are recent recordings present while older days are gone? Storage overwrite may explain a limited retention period. If recording stopped abruptly on a particular day, note the last available recording, affected channels, drive status and any changes made around that time. These observations are more useful than a factory reset.
Stop changing settings if the video may be evidence, the drive reports errors, or you lack a recovery plan. Avoid random firmware updates, resets and drive formatting. This guide cannot determine the fault in your installation remotely.
Need a targeted next step? Send the recorder brand and exact model, affected channels, HDD status, last visible recording and whether live view still works through our free suitability check. We first decide whether the issue fits our service; the free check is not a diagnosis. Written help for one agreed, small question starts at €15 plus applicable tax. Never send passwords, recovery codes, QR codes or recognisable camera footage.
Related: Dahua DMSS offline after a new router? Safe checks before resetting.