Facing Reolink "no HDD detected" issues? It means your NVR struggles to recognize connected hard drive. Symptoms include missing HDD on monitor, 'HDD not detected' alert, and inactive red status light. Troubleshoot by checking power supply, installation, firmware, and changing interfaces. Consider replacing HDD if problem persists. Contact support for further assistance.

Applies to: All Reolink NVRs.

What Does “No HDD Detected on Reolink NVR” Mean? 

If you're seeing an "HDD not detected" message on your NVR's playback or storage page and notice that the red status light on your NVR isn't lit, it means your NVR is having trouble recognizing the connected hard drive (HDD).

red-hdd-light.png

Symptoms for Reolink NVR not Recognizing Hard Drive:

  1. 1. The HDD isn't showing up on your NVR monitor/app/client's Storage interface.
    2. You're getting a "HDD not detected" alert during playback.
    3. The red HDD status light on the NVR is inactive.

Troubleshooting Steps for "Reolink No HDD Detected":

Depending on whether the HDD is original or not, there are different troubelshooting directions.

  • If you're using Reolink original HDD

    1. Power Supply:

    Make sure you're using the Reolink original power adapter for your NVR.

    • If not, ensure the adapter you're using is compliant and provides enough power. Learn how to get started with power adapter.

    •  If your adapter has indicator lights, see if they're on.

    2. Installation:

    Check that the HDD is installed correctly.

    • Ensure the HDD cables are snug and not loose.
    • Unplug and plug HDD: Power down the NVR, then disconnect and reconnect the HDD cables at both ends. After ensuring the connections are secure, power the NVR back on.
    • Consider reinstalling the HDD following the correct sequence. You can refer to how to expand the capacity of Reolink NVRs.

    3. NVR Firmware

    Make sure your NVR is running the latest firmware.

    Access the latest firmware version from Reolink download center.

    4. Change Interfaces:

    If your NVR supports multiple HDDs, try using different SATA interfaces to see if the HDD is recognized.

    5. Replace HDD:

    If you have another HDD with compatible specifications (Check how to choose HDDs for your NVR), try swapping the HDDs for testing.

  • If you're using third-party HDD

    1. Power Supply:

    Make sure you're using the Reolink original power adapter for your NVR.

    • If not, ensure the adapter you're using is compliant and provides enough power. Learn how to get started with power adapter.

    •  If your adapter has indicator lights, see if they're on.

    2. HDD Specifications:

    Ensure your HDD meets required type and capacity standards. Learn how to choose HDDs for your NVR.

    3.  Installation:

    Check that the HDD is installed correctly.

    • Ensure the HDD cables are snug and not loose.
    • Unplug and plug HDD: Power down the NVR, then disconnect and reconnect the HDD cables at both ends. After ensuring the connections are secure, power the NVR back on.
    • Consider reinstalling the HDD following the correct sequence. You can refer to how to expand the capacity of Reolink NVRs.

    4. HDD Power Supply:

    For external HDDs connected via the eSATA port, make sure you have additional power supply for it.

    5. NVR Firmware:

    Make sure your NVR is running the latest firmware.
    Access the latest firmware version from
    Reolink download center.

    6. Change Interfaces:

    If your NVR supports multiple HDDs, try using different SATA interfaces to see if the HDD is recognized.

    7. Replace HDD:

    If you have another HDD with compatible specifications (Check how to choose HDDs for your NVR), try swapping the HDDs for testing.

 

If the issue persists, please provide the following information and contact support.

  1. Images of both sides of the HDD.
  2. NVR's System Information page, including model, hardware version, and firmware version. How to find out system information via Reolink NVRs (new UI)?

This guide aims to assist in resolving the issue that your Reolink NVR's HDD cannot be detected. Should further assistance be required, do not hesitate to reach out to our support team.