How to Set Your Swann Recorder to Record
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Setting your Swann Recorder to record is an important step in making sure your security system captures the footage you need. Whether you want continuous 24/7 recording or motion-triggered recording, Swann recorders let you customize the schedule to match your security needs.
This guide explains how to enable recording, choose a recording mode, and configure a recording schedule on your Swann security recorder.
Things to Prepare
- A mouse and display connected to the recorder.
- Cameras properly connected to the recorder - It must stream on its live feed
- A working local storage (microSD card or hard drive) installed in the recorder
- The recorder powered on and accessible from the main menu
- Select your recorder model number below
See also: Getting Started: What to Prepare Before Using Your Swann Security System
How to Enable Recording on a Swann Recorder
For EliteX™ system
- If your system is already paired to Swann Security, you can configure how it will record in Modes and by creating a Mode Schedule. Go to How to Set Up Modes in Swann Security App to learn how.
- If the recorder is not paired to Swann Security, proceed below.
Recorder Enable: Check
For Swann Security recorders with dark interface, follow these steps:
- Go to Menu > Record > Record
- Check the box under Record Enable for the camera channel you want to record
- Click to save the settings
Once enabled, the recorder can begin saving footage based on your selected schedule and recording mode.
Additional Info:
-
Stream Mode - It is best to leave on
DualStreamso it is easier to playback via the app (can use Substream clips for faster loading) while still getting the high quality recording (Mainstream) when exporting -
PreRecord - Leave it
enabledso it has some buffer from when it started to recorder; useful for motion-triggered clips. Not available on battery-powered add-on cameras.
By default, EliteX™ is set to detect and record movements, 24/7. If you want to change it, follow these steps:
- Go to Configuration > Record > Record Settings
- Select a channel you want to configure
- Make sure is toggled
ON
Repeat the steps for the rest of the channels; or click to easily copy and apply the current settings to other channels
Set Record Schedule
For Swann Security recorders with dark interface, follow these steps:
- Go to Menu > Record > Record Schedule
- Select a camera channel to configure
- Choose
Normal (green)orDetection (yellow)recording mode -
Highlight the time blocks you want recorded
- Click a box to select individual time; each box represents 30 minutes of an hour
- Click-and-drag to select multiple boxes
- Click to save any changes
Additional Info:
- Repeat the steps if you want to do it on other channels; or
- Click to copy current settings to other channels
-
Normal (green) records continuously if you don't want to miss anything even without any movement
- No Normal option? That's because the recorder has a battery-powered camera and/or microSD for local storage. Learn more here
-
Detection (yellow) records when camera is "triggered"
- "Triggered" means a motion is detect
- Proceed to this article to properly set up motion detection of your recorder
For EliteX™ system
- Create a schedule as to WHEN will it record and HOW will it record — Click to change the schedules
- In the Edit window, set a time range and how will it record, then click
- Click to save any changes
Repeat the steps for the rest of the channels; or click to easily copy and apply the current settings to other channels
How do I know if my Swann recorder is recording?
After setup, return to Live View and check for recording icons on the screen. A recording icon (camcorder) confirms the channel is actively recording based on the configured schedule.
Below are live view icons on Swann Security with dark interface:
| Icon | Definition |
|---|---|
| This icon indicates that the camera is currently recording (either manually or by motion). | |
| This icon indicates that the camera is detecting motion from the camera. | |
| This indicates that the camera has detecting one or more infrared objects. | |
| This icon indicates that an event has occurred via one of the AI or analytic functions; not recording. | |
| This icon indicates that an event has occurred via one of the AI or analytic functions; currently recording. |
Below are live view icons on EliteX™ system:
| Icon | Definition |
|---|---|
| Indicates that video is being recorded. | |
| Indicates that motion activity is detected. | |
| Indicates that a Smart Analytics event, such as Intrusion, has been triggered. |
Why It Matters
Correct recording settings ensure your Swann security system captures important events when they happen. Choosing between continuous and motion recording can help balance security coverage, storage capacity, and easier video playback management for homes and businesses.
Related Scenarios or Questions
-
Why is my Swann recorder not recording?
Check if recording is enabled and confirm the local storage is detected. -
How do I playback recordings on my Swann recorder?
Visit this article to learn how -
Can I copy recording schedules to other channels?
Yes. Most Swann recorders include a Copy button to duplicate schedules across cameras. -
Will I have two recordings if both Continuous and Motion is set to record?
No. Once the recorder detects PIR+motion, it will switch to motion recording. It resumes continuous recording once there is no more PIR+motion detected.
Summary & Next Steps
To set your Swann recorder to record, enable recording for the camera channel, choose either continuous or motion recording, and configure a recording schedule. Proper setup helps ensure your security footage is captured reliably when you need it most.