Reolink NVR not recording: schedule, storage and overwrite

Separate a disk problem from a recording configuration

Reolink's not-recording guide checks recognized storage, power, installation, recording schedules and overwrite. If Storage does not show the disk or its expected capacity, use the separate HDD diagnosis first. If storage is recognized, record whether the problem affects one camera or every camera, and whether no clips were ever saved or recording stopped later.

Continuous and motion schedules answer different needs

Reolink distinguishes Continuous/Timer recording from recording triggered by motion. Its scheduling instructions require recording to be enabled and the desired timetable to be saved for the camera concerned. Do not assume that an event timetable also configures continuous recording. Available options depend on the device and interface; a missing option requires checking the applicable instructions.

Check your setup

1. Choose one affected channel and verify live video. Note the NVR's displayed date/time and the time of your test so you can search the same period in playback. If live video also fails, resolve the channel connection before diagnosing missing files.
2. Open the channel's recording settings. For supported continuous recording, enable it, select the intended Continuous/Timer periods and save. Review other channels individually before copying a schedule; their recording requirements may differ.
3. Inspect storage and overwrite. With overwrite enabled, the oldest files can be replaced when the disk fills; disabling it stops new clips at capacity. An available retention interval can also discard older footage before storage is exhausted. Choose the intended policy and export important clips before they age out.
4. Make a short test recording within the configured period, then play it back from the NVR. If only motion recording is intended, run a controlled event test separately. Keep the settings and results for support if the problem remains.

What this does not establish

Do not format a working disk as a first response to a schedule problem: formatting erases recordings. No guaranteed event detection or exact-model continuous-recording capability is asserted here. A successful short test confirms that tested interval, not uninterrupted future retention.