Lorex Camera Playback Not Working? (Ultimate Fix Guide!)

ByFinn Wheatley
lorex camera playback not working

Lorex camera playback not working, and this makes your security system useless. Isn’t it? Don’t worry–it’s simpler than you may think.

Currently, you can view the playback of your Lorex camera in two ways–either through one of the Lorex applications (Lorex Connect, Secure, Cirrus) or through the NVR/DVR interface.

A connection fault between your camera and the streaming interface could cause this problem.

So, let’s get started and identify where the issue comes from!

Lorex Camera Playback Not Working – Ultimate Solutions

 A “healthy” playback must display a blue bar, which means continuous recording, along with yellow/tan marks that indicate the smart events.

⚠️Important: Have you verified that the recording exists, or if the camera has recorded at all? 

1. Power Reset the Lorex NVR/DVR & Camera (PoE Camera)

power reset the lorex nvr/dvr & camera

If you are experiencing playback issues with your PoE Lorex camera, then performing a power reset of the PoE line (Power Over Ethernet) along with the NVR/DVR could solve the problem. 

The Lorex camera receives power from the recorder, so to power cycle, you must unplug the Ethernet cable from the unit.

If you have correctly followed the Lorex quick setup guide, then you should know that recorders, as well as cameras, are highly susceptible to power issues.

1.1 How to Power Reset the Lorex Camera:

  1. Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the Lorex camera.
  2. Unplug the other end from the back of the NVR/DVR.
  3. Wait 60 seconds for the camera to reboot completely.
  4. Reconnect the Lorex camera on both ends and wait.
  5. Wait until your NVR/DVR boots up and test the video.

1.2 How to Power Reset the Lorex NVR/DVR:

  1. Unplug the Lorex NVR from the power source.
  2. Wait for about ~60 seconds until a full reboot.
  3. Wait for all lamps on the NVR/DVR to light up.
  4. Check if you can view the playback on the unit.

Note: After the reset is complete, inspect each of the PoE cables connected to the recorder!

2. Adjust the Recorder HDR Settings (PoE Camera)

adjust the recorder hdr settings (poe camera)

If your recorder’s HDR settings are misconfigured, even if the camera can capture footage, the timeline will be temporarily deactivated.

We recommend allowing your Lorex recorder to capture footage at all times to resolve potential timeline and network host problems.

Here’s how to adjust the HDR camera settings via the NVR/DVR:

  • Access the HDR menu on your Lorex NVR/DVR unit.
  • Navigate to the Storage settings section in the menu.
  • Select each camera listed in the storage configuration.

Now, activate the following features:

  • Continuous recording: Enables Lorex to record non-stop.
  • Motion detection: Allows the camera to detect movements.
  • Smart detection: Enables advanced motion detection events.

Finally, register the changes and exit the recorder menu!

Note: Verify that each of the recording settings is enabled for all cameras in your system!

3. Reconnect the Lorex Recorder Ethernet (PoE Cameras)

reconnect the lorex recorder ethernet (poe cameras)

Perhaps, the problem is between your network router and NVR/DVR, not the camera itself.

So, another quick resolution is to disconnect the Ethernet cable of the Lorex camera from the back of the NVR/DVR to refresh the connection.

  • Make sure not to mismatch one of the camera Ethernet cables with the router’s one.

Do not reconnect the Ethernet cable for another 60 seconds to fully discharge the hardware of your Lorex camera. Once reconnected, verify if the playback is accessible.

This is also helpful if the Lorex camera is not recognized by the system or cannot connect to the NVR/DVR entirely.

4. Update the Lorex App or NVR/DVR (PoE & Wi-Fi Cameras)

The playback errors often occur due to an outdated firmware on your PoE or Lorex camera, regardless of the model.

However, to update the version of your NVR/DVR, you need to get in touch with the Lorex customer support and request the most recent firmware and instructions.

4.1 How to Update the Lorex App on Android:

how to update the lorex app on android
  1. Search for your installed Lorex application in the Google Play Store.
  2. Now, tap Update next to the app if there is a newer firmware version.
  3. Then, reopen the Lorex application and test the playback functionality.

4.2 How to Update the Lorex App on iOS:

  1. Open your App Store on your iOS device and search for the Lorex app.
  2. Tap Update if a new version is out, and wait until the update finalizes.
  3. Log in, reconnect your camera, and verify playback works as expected.

4.3 How to Update the NVR/DVR Firmware:

So, to receive update files and instructions for your NVR/DVR, you must contact Lorex support through their official website or at 1-888-425-6739.

Then, provide your recorder model number and an email address at which the team can get back to you.

how to update the nvr/dvr firmware:

Download the firmware, follow the provided instructions to install it on your NVR/DVR, and test the playback functionality of your Lorex camera.

Quick Note: The feedback from the Lorex support team might take between 1, up to ~24 hours!

5. Reinstall the Lorex Mobile Application (Wi-Fi Cameras)

Lorex camera won’t playback anything when there is a fault with one of your Lorex applications: Lorex Connect, Secure, or Cirrus.

Reinstalling the corresponding Lorex app on your Android or iOS device can eliminate the issue in a matter of minutes.

Note: Neither of the Lorex camera footage will be affected by the reinstallation!

3.1 How to Reinstall the Lorex App on Android:

reinstall the lorex app on android:
  1. Open the Google Play Store and search for your Lorex app.
  2. Head to “Manage Installed Applications” and uninstall it.
  3. Wait until the app is reinstalled, sign in, and test the footage.

3.2 How to Reinstall the Lorex App on iOS:

  1. Hold the Lorex app icon on the homepage to display the app options.
  2. Tap on “Remove this app”, wait 10 seconds, and open the App Store.
  3. Next, reinstall the respective Lorex app, sign in, and test the playback.

Once you have reinstalled the application and signed in to your existing account, wait until all of the footage is resynchronized and test the playback. 

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

The SD card of Wi-Fi-enabled Lorex cameras often runs into an issue due to a problem with the alignment in the SD slot.

So, if you are still unable to access the camera playback through the Lorex application, we recommend reseating the SD card.

reinsert the lorex microsd card (wi-fi cameras)

Follow these steps to access the Lorex SD card tray:

  • Find the microSD slot, usually on the side of your Lorex Wi-Fi camera.
  • Eject the microSD card from the camera’s compartment on the panel.
  • Now, power on the camera and verify the functionality of the playback.

Note: If possible, test the Lorex camera with an alternative SD card to check if the issue is storage-related. 

7. Reset the Lorex Camera to Default Settings (Wi-Fi & PoE)

If your Lorex camera playback is not working, despite all your efforts, the problem can quickly be solved by performing a factory reset.

⚠️Warning: This method erases all settings and configurations, so proceed with caution!

You should back up any of the footage you want to keep or photograph the HDR settings you have applied earlier.

reset the lorex camera to default settings

Here’s how to factory reset the Lorex camera in easy steps:

  1. Locate the Reset button on the back of the Lorex camera.
  2. Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the back of the camera.
  3. Hold the Reset button while reconnecting the Ethernet unit.
  4. Hold the button for at least ~10 seconds, without releasing.
  5. Check if the playback fault persists in the Lorex app or NVR.

Alert: Do not interact with the Lorex camera during the reset to avoid interrupting the process!

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