Lorex Device Storage Corrupted? (Check These Fixes First!)

The bad news about the “Lorex device storage corrupted” is that most users who have been dealing with it say that the hard drive has reached the end of its lifespan.

The good news, however, is that this is not necessarily the case, and there could be a quicker and less costly solution.

In a nutshell, the error prevents you from playing back recordings from the Lorex NVR/DVR or SD card, which ruins the entire purpose of your security system. 

So, let’s try to diagnose the exact cause in your case and resolve the issue as soon as possible! 

How to Fix the “Lorex Device Storage Corrupted” Error?

Note: Have you tried “soft” resetting the Lorex camera through the Lorex mobile app?

1. Reinsert the Lorex microSD Card (Wi-Fi Cameras)

An improperly inserted microSD card could prevent the Lorex NVR/DVR from reading it and storing any recordings on demand.

So, the next step is to reinsert the card and ensure it is correctly aligned in the compartment for proper readability.

Follow these steps to reinsert the Lorex Wi-Fi camera SD:

• Locate the microSD slot, typically on the side of your Lorex Wi-Fi camera.
• Remove the microSD from the Wi-Fi camera compartment on the panel.
• Power on the camera and check the Lorex app to confirm the NVR works.

We also recommend cleaning the microSD out of dust or debris, as this could prevent the compartment from scanning the storage.

Tip: You can use a microfiber cloth with a little bit of rubbing alcohol.

2. Power Cycle the Lorex Security Recorder (PoE Cameras)

Sometimes, the reason for the “corrupted storage” error is due to a connection issue between the Lorex camera and the NVR.

This can often be solved by conducting a full power cycle on the security recorder. 

This will refresh the system of the connected PoE Lorex cameras and resolve underlying issues with the hard drive.

Here’s how to power cycle the Lorex NVR/DVR in easy steps:

• Power off the Lorex recorder using the front panel button.
• Disconnect the recorder from its power source completely.
• Wait for ~30 seconds to ensure a discharge of the system.
• Reconnect the recorder power adapter to the outlet.
• Check if the Lorex camera appears online on the recorder.

It might take between 60 seconds and up to 3 minutes until the Lorex camera reconnects to the NVR/DVR network.

We also recommend disconnecting all PoE Ethernet cables from the back of the recorder for the continuity of the power cycle to discharge the system entirely. 

3. Reinsert the Lorex Recorder HDD (PoE Cameras)

The “Device storage corrupted Lorex” error prevents proper data storage and communication within the system by “occupying” all of the space on the HDD.

Before replacement, ZontSound recommends removing and reinserting the HDD after reconnecting the SATA and A/C cables.

Here’s how to reinsert the HDD of your Lorex recorder:

• Power off the Lorex DVR/NVR and unplug the Ethernet PoE cables.
• Remove the cover by loosening the bottom screws with a screwdriver.
• Turn the recorder over and undo the 4 HDD screws without removing.
• After that, remove the SATA and power cable from the recorder’s HDD.
• Flip the NVR/DVR, slide the HDD out, and lift it upwards from the slot.
• Wait for about 2 minutes, reconnect the HDD’s cables, and place it in.

If the error is still there, then consider formatting the hard drive through the settings of your system’s NVR/DVR.

You can find thorough formatting instructions in solution #5.

4. Format the Lorex microSD Card (Wi-Fi Cameras)

If the storage error is still there, the issue could be related to a corrupted microSD card in the camera.

Conducting a reformatting could resolve underlying storage issues, but it erases all recordings stored on the card permanently.

So, if you are confident of losing all recordings, follow these steps:

• Open the Lorex App and tap Device Settings for your camera.
• Scroll to Device Storage and select Format Storage Device.
• Tap OK to confirm and allow the microSD card to be formatted.

Now, check if the camera appears “Online” in your system and determine if the storage corruption error is still there.

You might have to manually reconnect the camera to your NVR/DVR over Wi-Fi (or WPS) to test for the error. 

5. Format the Lorex NVR/DVR HDD (PoE Cameras)

Perhaps, the error is caused by a corruption of the HDD in your Lorex NVR/DVR.

If the device fails to store or process data correctly, formatting the HDD can resolve this by erasing all content and data from the storage, along with all of the recordings from your system.

Warning: The data deletion of the formatting is an irreversible and permanent process. We recommend backing up any of the recordings you wish to preserve to a PC or a laptop.

Here’s how to format the HDD of your Lorex NVR/DVR:

• Click the Main Menu and go to Device → HDD → HDD.
• Highlight the HDD you want to format on your recorder.
• Now, click Format HDD to initiate the formatting process.
• Enter your username and password (default is “admin”).
• Finally, click OK to start formatting the HDD and then test.

Do not interact with the NVR/DVR or any of your PoE Lorex cameras during the formatting procedure.

Initiating a new recording while the HDD is formatting could cancel the process and cause further corruption of the hard drive data cells. 

6. Reset the Lorex Camera to Defaults (Wi-Fi Cameras)

As established, the Lorex camera device storage corrupted issue can disrupt connectivity with the NVR and cause footage loss, but a factory reset can eliminate all underlying errors.

This process allows the camera to erase all potentially problematic settings and configurations.

Here’s how to reset the Lorex camera to default settings:

• Locate the Reset button on the Lorex camera (under the lens or side panel).
• Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds until you hear a chime sound.
• Wait for the flashing green light below the lens, and release the Reset button.

The Lorex Wi-Fi camera reset lasts for approximately 2–3 minutes, so do not interact with the camera until the indicator turns solid from flashing green.

7. Reset the Lorex NVR/DVR to Defaults (PoE Cameras)

A factory reset via the Panic button can resolve persistent storage corruption issues with the Lorex NVR or DVR that prevent the footage from being reviewed.

This method is a straightforward way to reboot the system and erase all of the data and settings.

Here’s how to factory reset the Lorex NVR/DVR:

• Reconnect the Lorex DVR to the power source and verify it is powered on.
• Keep tapping the Panic button on the DVR’s front panel until the reset starts.
• Wait for the Lorex screen to appear on the monitor to indicate the reset end.

Note: Reconfigure all of the recorder’s settings without modifying any recording or storage features unknown to you.

8. Replace the HDD or microSD (PoE & Wi-Fi Cameras)

If everything else fails and the Lorex device storage corrupted error is still there, perhaps it is time to replace the storage of your Lorex camera.

Whether you have a PoE or Wi-Fi system, replacing the hard drive or microSD can effectively address the underlying storage corruption.

Hence, over time, the data cells of either the SD or HDD begin to degrade, which could lead to intermittent data loss, footage problems, and, as in your case, the “Storage corrupted” error.

• Before purchasing a new HDD, check the Lorex HDD compatibility page.
• Before purchasing a new SD card, check the Lorex microSD compatibility.

To replace your microSD card, refer to the instructions in solution #1, and to replace the hard drive, refer to the instructions in solution #3. 

When installing the new device storage, don’t forget to check the SD tray if you have a Wi-Fi camera or the SATA cable if you have PoE.