How to Complete the Startup Wizard on Your Swann Recorder
The Startup Wizard is the first-time setup guide that appears when you start your Swann recorder. Completing it ensures your recorder has the correct password, display resolution, and date and time settings, which are required for remote viewing, playback, exporting recordings, and accurate video timestamps.
Although your recorder can start recording motion events without completing the wizard, some important features may not work correctly until the setup is finished.
Things to Know
Before completing the Startup Wizard, make sure:
- Your recorder has a display and mouse connected
- The recorder is connected to your router using Ethernet cable (optional)
- The recorder is powered on.
- You know whether this is a brand-new recorder or one that was previously configured.
Complete the Startup Wizard when it appears
When you turn on a new recorder for the first time, the Startup Wizard usually opens automatically.
During the wizard, you will be asked to:
- Create a recorder password.
- Select the correct display resolution for your monitor or TV.
- Set the correct date, time, time zone, and Daylight Saving Time (DST), if applicable.
Once you finish these steps, your recorder will be ready for remote access, playback, and exporting recordings.
Startup Wizard didn't show
Open the Startup Wizard again
If the Startup Wizard no longer appears when the recorder starts, you can open it manually.
- On the Live View screen, drag your mouse to the bottom-edge of the screen.
- Click the wand icon in the bottom-right corner.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete or review the setup.
Startup Wizard asks for a password instead of creating one
If the wizard asks you to enter an existing password instead of creating a new one, the recorder has already been configured before.
If you do not know the password, reset it first. After the password reset, you can create your own recorder password and complete the Startup Wizard.
Why Completing the Startup Wizard Matters
The Startup Wizard does more than basic setup. It creates the recorder password required for remote access, configures the display for the best viewing experience, and ensures your recordings have the correct date and time. Incorrect timestamps may also affect the usefulness of recorded footage when reviewing or sharing video evidence.
Related Scenarios or Questions
The Startup Wizard does not appear when I turn on the recorder.
Open it manually by clicking the wand icon on the Live View screen.
My recorder is already recording without completing the wizard.
Motion recording works by default, but remote viewing, playback, exporting recordings, and accurate timestamps may not.
The wizard asks for a password I don't know.
Reset the recorder password first, then complete the Startup Wizard.
My recordings have the wrong date or time.
Open the Startup Wizard and verify the date, time, time zone, and DST settings.
Summary & Next Steps
Completing the Startup Wizard ensures your Swann recorder is fully configured for everyday use. It helps prevent issues with remote access, playback, exporting recordings, and incorrect timestamps.
For additional setup guidance, see: