How to Set Up the Deterrent Feature on Your Recorder
Swann’s deterrent features help actively protect your property by warning intruders with spotlights, sirens, and flashing red and blue lights like SwannForce™ technology. These smart security features can be enabled or disabled directly from your recorder’s interface or through the Swann Security app on supported systems.
These features can typically be configured for:
- Motion-triggered activation
- Manual control from the recorder's UI
- App-based activation (supported systems only)
This guide explains how to automatically turn deterrent features on or off, what you need before setup, and which Swann systems support app-based deterrent controls.
Common Questions About Swann Deterrent Features
- What are Swann deterrent features?
- How do I turn on Swann warning lights and siren?
- How do I disable SwannForce™ red and blue lights?
- Can I control deterrent features from the Swann Security app?
- Which Swann systems support app-based deterrent controls?
Before you proceed, choose the model of your recorder first:
Things to Prepare
For DVRs and some NVRs (8580, 8600, 8780, AdvancedX™), NVW-650, NVW-800, and MaxRanger4K™ Power Hub (NVW-MR4K), here's what you need:
- Your Swann recorder and camera are fully compatible
- Live streaming works (either on monitor or app)
- Updated recorder and camera firmware
- A monitor and mouse connected to the recorder
- The latest Swann Security app installed on your mobile device
- Stable internet connection for remote access
For EliteX™ system, here's what you need:
- Your Swann recorder and camera are fully compatible
- Live streaming works (either on monitor or app)
- Updated recorder and camera firmware
-
Is your EliteX™ system paired to Swann Security app?
-
YES
- The latest Swann Security app installed on your mobile device
- Stable internet connection for remote access
Proceed here →
-
NO - You will also need a monitor and mouse connected to the recorder.
Then proceed here →
-
YES
For MaxRanger4K™ Base Station (NVW-MR4KSTN), here's what you need:
- Your Swann recorder and camera are fully compatible
- Live streaming works
- Updated recorder and camera firmware
- The latest Swann Security app installed on your mobile device
- Stable internet connection for remote access
Configure Deterrent Features From the Recorder UI
If you have an EliteX™ recorder and it is paired to Swann Security, it is recommended to configure the automation of deterrent features through the app as it will overwrite the settings of the recorder when Swann Security Modes change.
Proceed here →
For DVR, NVR (8580, 8600, 8780), NVW-650, NVW-800, and MaxRanger4K™ Power Hub (NVW-MR4K)
Activate or Deactivate the Lights or Siren
- Go to Menu > Alarm
- Click the tab
-
Configure the lights or siren that you want to deactivate completely or activate when triggered
-
Check the box to enable: When checked, this setting is active
When activated, set a duration on how long it will remain on - Uncheck to disable: When unchecked, this setting is inactive
-
Check the box to enable: When checked, this setting is active
- Click to save
Configure Deterrent Schedule
- Still in Alarm > Deterrent Click the "gear" icon under Schedule of a specific channel
-
Click a box or Click-and-drag on multiple boxes to configure a schedule.
Blue box means active; black box means deactive
Each box represents 30 minutes - Click to save any changes made
When light is enabled, it will turn on when it detects movement AND it is dark.
When siren is enabled, it will alarm when it detects movement.
For EliteX™ system
- Go to
- Select Event Detection > Normal Events
- Click on
- Enable/disable the deterrent feature that you want to turn on/off
- Click to save
When light is enabled, it will turn on when it detects movement AND it is dark.
When siren is enabled, it will alarm when it detects movement.
Configure Deterrent Features Using the Swann Security App
For EliteX™ system and MaxRanger4K™ Base Station (NVW-MR4KSTN), you can configure deterrent features via Modes in Swann Security app.
Learn how to adjust Modes here
For MaxRanger4K™ Power Hub (NVW-MR4K), it depends on the camera model you are trying to configure:
-
NVW-MR4KCAM - You can configure deterrent features via Modes in Swann Security app.
Learn how to adjust Modes here - Other MaxRanger4K™ camera - You have to do it from the hub's menu →
Why This Matter
Active deterrence adds another layer of protection beyond traditional video recording. Instead of only capturing incidents after they happen, deterrent features help discourage suspicious activity in real time using lights and audible warnings. This can improve overall security awareness for homes and businesses.
Related Questions and Scenarios
Can I manually turn on the lights or siren from its UI using monitor and mouse?
Yes (except MaxRanger4K™ Base Station), click the camera until it shows the camera toolbar, then click the light/alarm icon until a prompt appears that can let you enable a specific deterrent feature.
Can I manually turn on the lights or siren from the Swann Security app?
Yes, just open the Swann Security app and tap on the camera you want to control. From there, you'll see icons for the lights and siren. Tap on these icons to turn them on.
Why are my Swann warning lights not turning on automatically?
Check motion detection settings, schedules, and camera compatibility.
Can I schedule the siren to activate only at night?
Yes, supported systems allow scheduled deterrent activation.
Do all Swann cameras support SwannForce™ lights?
No, only compatible SwannForce™ and Enforcer models include red and blue warning lights.
Summary & Next Steps
Swann deterrent features help proactively secure your property with warning lights, sirens, and SwannForce™ flashing lights. You can manage these settings directly from your recorder interface or through the Swann Security app on supported systems.