No Video But Camera LEDs Are On? – Fix Guide

Your CCTV has no video, but camera LEDs are on?

That is because of some error in your settings or hardware issue such as cables or power supply.

We will help you find the problem and solve it quickly.

Why Is There No Video From CCTV Camera?

It seems like the weirdest thing when your camera is supposedly on, but it transmits no footage.

Many reasons cause that issue, and you can check them below:

1. Malfunctioning hardware – In simpler words, your camera is too old to do the job, or something inside needs to be fixed.

2. Incompatibility with DVR – Perhaps everything is set up just alright, except for the DVR. 

3. Insufficient voltage – An underestimated reason for the malfunctioning of devices is the voltage used. 

4. Weak Network Signal – Your camera might be working just fine, but your network can’t handle transmitting all that data.

5. Cables – If there is anything wrong with the cables that make up your monitoring system, signals are expected to decrease or even cease completely.

6. IP Addresses – Maybe the IP address is not set up correctly, so the camera can’t send data to the right place.

No video, but camera LEDs are on? – How To Fix

Now that you know the likely causes of the lack of video on your CCTV camera, it is time to head right into the solutions! 

We will list different solutions; you can try them until one does the trick. But, until the end of this troubleshooting guide, your camera should get back to working properly. 

Step #1: Check For DVR/NVR Incompatibility

Sometimes, especially with older CCTV cameras, formats will be incompatible.

If you just bought a new DVR/NVR or camera, you must check if the video formats supported are the same.

We’ve found that many 960H DVR owners have bought 720p or 1080p replacement cameras for their cameras.

Unfortunately, that isn’t going to work. If you have an analog 960H DVR, your only choice is to use a camera compatible with analog 960H video.

If you have a 960H DVR only compatible with analog video (CVBS), you need to use an analog CVBS mode on a hybrid camera to make it support your DVR.

You must look in the DVR’s manual to find out what video formats it can play.

Difference Between NVR and DVR

The major difference between NVR and DVR is that DVR systems handle the video data at the recorder. In contrast, NVR systems encode and process the video data at the camera.

We suggest you upgrade your whole system to NVR because NVR uses more advanced technology.

In addition, more and more home surveillance camera manufacturers are slowly switching from DVR to NVR. From this perspective, NVR is surely the future.

Tip: Make sure the NVR/DVR and cameras are the same brand, and the DVR/NVR can decode the video stream.

Step #2: Check Your Network

An unstable network connection can cause video loss. Here are some common reasons that make your network unstable:

• Cameras and routers are too distant.
• There are too many obstacles in the way.
• Problems with the IPS
• PoE switch/NVR doesn’t have enough bandwidth
• A sloppy connection between the cameras/DVR specs and the BNC connector

The persistent data loss is caused by the BNC connector, often used to send signals over Ethernet.

To fix analog and IP PoE security cameras that have lost video: 

1. Plug the BNC connector back in 
2. Unplug the PoE switch or injector

Boost Your Wireless Signal

For wireless cameras, it’s best to check the router and channels to look at the network and any possible interruptions.

For example, suppose it is impossible to position your cameras nearer your router.

In that case, you will need to get a second router to boost your WiFi signal.

First, acquire a new router you will use as a repeater. After that:

1. Plug an Ethernet cable into the primary internet router (LAN port)
2. Plug the other end of this cable into the secondary router’s WAN port.
3. Use the router’s IP address and log in to access its admin settings.
4. Once signed in, choose AP Mode from the router’s wireless options.

This process will extend your WiFi’s range, boosting the signal for your farthest cameras.

Note: Do you use cellular cameras? Ensure the SIM card is properly inserted and the data is not at its limit.

Step #3: Fix The Power Supply

A lack of power causes, most of the time, a security camera’s video loss.

To determine whether the problem is power, review all power connections, such as power splitters, cable connectors, etc.

Then, change the ports to ensure that the DVR/NVR port gives the camera power.

If there is an NVR, connect the IP cameras straight to it instead of using a PoE switch. The PoE switch might not give the IP cameras enough power.

Also, try to power your surveillance cameras with shorter BNC or Ethernet cables. Don’t use cheap models for that.

If you’re using security cameras that run on batteries, ensure the battery isn’t dead and is being charged by a power adapter or a solar panel.

Note: PTZ IP cameras or IR security cameras with night vision use more power than those that don't have PTZ or night vision.

Step #4: Check InfraRed Settings

This step aims to troubleshoot specifically situations where your video doesn’t transmit at night or in dark areas.

Some CCTV cameras transmit a blank screen or no video at night. One of the following reasons is causing that:

• Your camera doesn’t have IR 
• The IR camera doesn’t boast an IR filter 
• Broken IR sensor
• You forgot to activate IR

To check on the state of IR LEDs, take the camera somewhere with little light. Only then can you know if the LEDs are on or not.

In case your outdoor cameras don’t have IR, you can install IR illuminators.

Installing IR Illuminators

1. Make sure your camera’s lenses are IR-corrected.
2. Install your security camera just like you normally would
3. Place the IR illuminator as close to the camera as possible
4. The IR beam must point in the same direction as the camera’s line of sight.
5. Turn the system on and adjust the zoom to the WIDE position.

Tip: Install the IR illuminator just a little below your camera.

Step #5: Verify The IP Address

Check the IP address of your security cameras in Client or third-party viewers to see if there are any problems, such as a duplicate IP address.

But, again, we have you covered if you don’t know how to do it.

1. Enter the CCTV camera software’s Network page (mobile app or PC client).
2. On the network page, you will see the IP address of your camera.

Checking the “DHCP Clients Table” or “Attached Devices” page on the router configuration software is another easy mode to find your security camera’s IP address. 

The page shows all the devices’ IP addresses connected to the router. And the unique MAC address of your security camera makes it easy to find its IP address.

Setting Up IP Address Correctly

Let’s say you use Blue Iris or iSpy. In that case, you’ll have to manually add cameras using the IP camera address.

Here, we’ll use Blue Iris software as an example to show how to set up the IP address of a CCTV camera:

1. Start the software and click the + button
2. Click Add new camera
3. Type in the name of the camera 
4. Choose Network IP as the type of connection
5. Click OK after checking “Enable audio” and “Enable motion detector.”
6. Set up the IP address of the CCTV camera.

Note: Your camera must work with third-party software for the software to find it.

Step #6: Contact The Manufacturer

Your system should be working by now. However, if it is not, something is wrong with your camera, which is beyond our power.

In that case, you need to contact whoever is your camera manufacturer.

What We Learned

If there is no video but camera LEDs are on, the odds are that something has been set up the wrong way.

For example, sometimes the power supply is incorrect, and WiFi is not reaching the camera well enough, among other reasons. 

With the guide above, we hope you were able to put your CCTV camera back to work.