Fix Booting, Freezing, or Restarting Issues on Your Recorder
Tags: boot failure, DVR rebooting, NVR rebooting, NVW rebooting, recorder troubleshooting, power adapter check, PSU rating, red tag label, wall outlet test, unplugging cables, secure power connection, power switch, camera PSU swap, boot loop, LED indicators, Swann recorder issues, DVR troubleshooting, NVR troubleshooting, NVW troubleshooting, Swann support
Having trouble getting your recorder to start properly? This guide will help you diagnose and resolve boot failure issues on your recorder—quickly and confidently.
Before You Begin
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Know your model: Is it a DVR (Digital Video Recorder), NVR (Network Video Recorder), or NVW (Wireless NVR)?
- If it's a DVR, identify the channel count: 4, 8, 16, etc.
- When turning on the recorder, check if you see a loading screen, a blank screen, or a reboot loop.
Choose Your Situation
- No power at all? → Jump to Check Power Supply
- Stuck on loading screen? → Jump to Freezing on Loading Screen
- Keeps restarting? → Jump to Reboot Loop
- Display says “Out of Range” or “Not Supported”? → Jump to Resolution Issues (Monitor Errors)
- LEDs are on but no display? → Jump to LEDs On, But No Display
How to Fix It
Check Power Supply
Step 1 – Verify your power adapter
Unplug the power adapter or power brick and check for a label
- DVR 4/8 Channel: Should use a 12V 2A adapter
- DVR 16 Channel: Should use a 12V 3A–5A adapter
- NVRs: May have a built-in power supply (check for standard PC-style power cord or a power brick)
- NVWs: Should use a 12V 2A adapter
Why this helps: Underpowered devices can freeze, reboot, or fail to turn on.
Step 2 – Try a known working adapter (if available)
If your DVR/NVW was part of a kit, the camera power adapter may match the DVR (12V 2A). Use it to test.
Step 3 – Check for red label on the cable
Power adapters often have red labels to indicate correct usage.
Step 4 – Try a different wall outlet
Avoid power strips or extension leads—plug directly into the wall.
Step 5 – Check the power switch (NVRs only)
Ensure the switch near the power inlet is turned ON.
Still not powering on?
- Check for loose connections.
- Contact Swann Support if none of the above resolves the issue.
Freezing on Loading Screen
Scenario: You see the Swann logo or loading screen, but it never moves past that point.
Step 1 – Unplug all accessories except the monitor and power
- Remove the mouse, USB drives, Ethernet cable, and cameras.
Why this helps: Some faulty USB devices can cause startup freezes.
Step 2 – Check power adapter output again
- Visit Check Power Supply steps – insufficient power can freeze the boot sequence
If freezing continues, contact Swann Support for a deeper diagnostic.
Reboot Loop
Scenario: Your recorder shows the logo, then a blank screen, then starts over—again and again.
Step 1 – Check power adapter output
- A reboot loop is commonly caused by low amperage on the power adapter.
(Visit Check Power Supply steps – insufficient power can freeze the boot sequence.)
Step 2 – Swap in a known-good adapter with correct output
- If your DVR/NVW was part of a kit, the camera power adapter may match the DVR (12V 2A). Use it to test.
- If using a 16-channel DVR, make sure it's 12V 3-5A.
Step 3 – Unplug all accessories
- Remove the mouse, USB drives, Ethernet cable, and cameras.
Why this helps: Too much load on startup can trigger a restart if power is insufficient.
If rebooting continues, contact Swann Support for a deeper diagnostic.
Resolution Issues (Monitor Errors)
If you're seeing messages like “Out of Range”, “Video Mode Not Supported”, or experiencing a black screen after the loading screen, your recorder is likely outputting a resolution your monitor doesn't support.
This is a display compatibility issue, not a boot failure.
For full troubleshooting steps—including monitor recommendations, how to safely adjust resolution, and when (or when not) to reset your recorder—please refer to our detailed guide here:
Troubleshooting Monitor Resolution Issues – View Article
Quick tip: Try connecting the recorder to a Full HD (1080p) monitor or TV. Most boot-display issues are resolved this way.
LEDs On, But No Display
If your recorder’s LEDs (especially the power LED) are on, but your screen remains blank or shows “No Signal”, this usually points to a display connection issue, not a boot failure.
This could involve:
- Incorrect monitor input/source selection
- Faulty HDMI or VGA cable
- Monitor not being compatible with the recorder's resolution
For a complete walkthrough—including how to test with another display, inspect cables, and confirm monitor settings—check our display troubleshooting guide:
No Display or Signal from Recorder – View Article
Quick tip: Double-check that your monitor is on the correct input source (HDMI1, VGA, etc.), and test with a different known-good cable if possible.
How to Prevent Boot Issues
To keep your recorder running smoothly over the long term, follow these best practices:
- Always use the included power adapter, or a replacement that exactly matches the required power output.
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Avoid low-quality or overloaded power strips. Do use a surge protector—just make sure it’s a high-quality unit rated for electronics.
- Why this helps: Surge protectors shield against voltage spikes during storms or power grid fluctuations.
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Ensure stable power: For areas with frequent brownouts (sudden dips in voltage), consider using an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
- Why this helps: A UPS smooths out power and prevents crashes from sudden power loss.
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Shutdown properly: Recorders are built to run 24/7; but if you need to turn them off, always do it via the on-screen menu. Avoid unplugging it directly.
- Why this helps: Proper shutdown prevents file corruption and hard drive wear.
- Keep your recorder in a well-ventilated space to prevent overheating.
Summary & Next Steps
By now, you've ruled out power issues, resolution mismatches, and cabling problems. If the recorder still won’t boot, here’s what to do next:
- Contact Swann Support with your model number, power adapter details, and what steps you’ve tried.
- Have a photo or video ready—our techs may request it for faster assistance.
- If under warranty, we’ll guide you through your service or replacement options.