Why is there no sound or audio playing (NVR)?

This article applies to audio sounds from recordings in playback or live stream for NVR. Your NVR will record audio using the camera’s built-in microphone. 

The following are common reasons why audio cannot be heard via the TV nor the Swann Security app as follows to help you troubleshoot and possibly resolve the issue.

1. The audio settings have not been enabled yet in the Main Menu via TV.

1. Go to Main Menu > Record (left side) > Mainstream (tab) to see this setting.
2. Check each box under Audio to enable. (You can uncheck to disable)
3. Click on Apply at the bottom to save the settings.
4. Repeat the same steps for Substream and Mobilestream tabs.To see the Audio checkboxes under Mobilestream, use the scrollbar at the bottom of the Main Menu and scroll to the right.

2. You are using a VGA connection for the monitor instead of HDMI (for audio via TV/monitor)

VGA, or Video Graphics Array, is primarily used for transmitting video signals, but it doesn't natively carry sound. If you're using a VGA cable to connect your recorder to a monitor, you'll need a separate audio cable for the AUDIO OUT port to transmit sound to a third-party speaker via RCA cable.

However, if you have a TV with an HDMI port, you can use an HDMI cable to transmit both audio and video.

3. The audio volume setting on the DVR's display (via TV) is low or on mute.

1. Right-click the mouse on the live view screen of the DVR to see the taskbar at the bottom.
   
   The icon in this screenshot means audio is enabled.
2. Clicking on it will mute the audio or let you see the setting to lower or increase the volume for liveview or playback.

4. The exported clips may not be compatible with your computer software for playback.

Recordings that are exported via USB flashdrive for playback in a computer are in AVI (for Windows) or MP4 (for MacOS) file format. If your computer's default video player software plays no audio, you can try using a third-party software that can support various file formats, such as VLC media player.

5. Swann Security app is not updated (for audio via Swann Security app)

1. Check this link first to know what app version you have: How to get the Swann Security App version and your phone's operating system version numbers 
2. Check App Store or PlayStore for the most recent app version.
3. If the app is not updating in your phone, uninstall the app first. Then re-download and install the app.

6.  Volume of your mobile device may be off or muted (for audio via Swann Security app)

Ensure that all audio is not muted and that adequate volume levels are selected. You may check your mobile device's user manual on how to check and configure the volume of your device. 

For instance,

• In iOS devices, if the sound and vibration settings on the iPhone are in silent mode instead of ringing mode, the audio will be off.
• Android devices may have more than one audio setting. The musical note icon is visible and enabled using the volume buttons, but the speaker icon may be in mute upon checking. 

7. Audio from the Swann Security app's live view will not play by default.

If you are streaming multiple cameras in Live View, audio will not play.

1. From Live View, go to a single camera.
2. Tap on the speaker icon to mute first.
3. Then tap the speaker icon again to unmute in order to hear audio.

8. The firmware of the NVR or camera may not be updated.

Go to this link: How do I know if my unit's firmware has an update (Swann Security app models)