Cloud Recording Is Not Working on Swann Security Devices
If your Swann cloud recordings are not working, the most common reason is that the device is not creating local recordings or is not eligible for cloud uploads. Other causes include an inactive subscription, unsupported device, incorrect recording settings, or the recorder being offline.
This guide helps you quickly identify why cloud recordings are missing and how to restore them.
Things to Prepare
Before troubleshooting, make sure:
- Your device is powered on.
- The device is connected to the internet.
- You are signed in to the correct Swann Security account.
- If using a recorder, a working hard drive is installed and local recordings are available.
Common Causes
- The device is not creating local recordings.
- The recorder or camera is not compatible with cloud storage.
- There is no active cloud storage subscription (or free cloud storage has expired).
- Recording settings do not meet cloud upload requirements.
- The recorder is offline.
- The hard drive is missing, full, or faulty.
- The device has lost its internet connection.
- The device firmware is outdated.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Meet the Requirements
Visit this article to know what models, settings, and plan you should have before your device uploads to the cloud.
If one of them is missing, then it can't upload to the Swann Security Cloud Storage.
Check if Local Recording Is Working
Cloud uploads depend on local recordings. If nothing is saved locally, there is nothing to upload to the cloud.
For recorders:
- Open Swann Security app and you must be able to stream the cameras to confirm that they are online.
- Go to - local clips don't have the cloud icon
- If no recordings exist, double-check it on the recorder itself using a mouse and a monitor
Learn how to play back files on your recorder here
For standalone cameras (with microSD card only):
- Open Swann Security app and you must be able to stream the cameras to confirm that they are online.
- Go to then tap the microSD card icon
- Select your camera and check if there are clips stored
Not recording? Fix it by following this article
Expected result: New recordings appear locally before they are uploaded to the cloud.
Common mistake: Assuming cloud recording works independently from local recording on compatible recorders.
Check Whether the Swann Security Device Is Online
For recorders: Cloud clips will only appear in Swann Security app when they're offline; however, keep in mind that what you will see are uploaded clips before it went offline.
While recorder is offline and continues to record locally, remember that it can't be uploaded until it goes online again.
To fix offline recorders, follow this article
For standalone cameras: Cloud clips will appear in Playback regardless if they are online or offline; however, while it can continue to record locally, you won't be able to see future recordings (or even existing local clips) via the app if the standalone camera is offline.
To fix offline standalone cameras, follow this article
ADDITIONAL: For recorders except Base Station and EliteX™
Status must show "Activated" - Go to Device > Cloud Storage and check if:
-
Encryption Mode:
Swann Cloud -
Status:
Activated
If not Activated:
- Reboot the recorder and your internet
- Check your Swann Security subscription as stated in the requirements
Without active motion or AI detection, the recorder cannot identify events to upload.
Why This Happens
Cloud recording relies on several services working together. On compatible recorders, recordings are first saved locally before being uploaded to the cloud. If local recording fails, the recorder is unsupported, recording settings are incorrect, or the device cannot connect to the internet, cloud recordings may not appear. Keeping your device updated and verifying recording settings can help prevent future issues.
Related Questions
Why are there no local recordings on my recorder?
Cloud uploads require local recordings first. Check your hard drive, recording schedule, and motion detection settings.
Why are only some motion events uploaded?
Your recorder's recording configuration may not meet the requirements for cloud uploads. Review the recommended recording settings for compatible recorders.
Why don't I see cloud recordings in Playback?
For recorders that are online, the app usually displays local recordings. Standalone cameras always show cloud recordings in the Playback tab.
Does every Swann device support cloud recording?
No. Only supported recorders and compatible standalone cameras can upload recordings to Swann Security Cloud Storage.
Summary
Most cloud recording issues are caused by missing local recordings, unsupported devices, inactive subscriptions, incorrect recording settings, or network connectivity problems. Start by confirming that your device is recording locally, then verify compatibility, subscription status, and cloud recording settings.