Whether you’re protecting your home or curious about the cameras you see in public spaces, it’s natural to wonder if they’re actually recording. Sometimes CCTV is switched on but not saving footage, and in other cases, the camera might just be there as a deterrent.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to tell if a security camera is recording, the key signs to look out for, and what to do if your device isn’t working properly.
Do Security Cameras Always Record?
Not always. While many people assume security cameras are recording 24/7, that’s not the case for every system. How and when a camera records depends on its type, power source, and settings.
Motion-activated recording – the modern approach
Many modern security cameras only start recording when they detect movement. This “event-based” recording is especially common with battery-powered Wi-Fi cameras, which are often used around homes, driveways, and outbuildings. It saves battery life, reduces storage use, and makes footage easier to review, although it also means there may be gaps when nothing moves in front of the lens.
Take the eufy SoloCam S340 as an example. It’s a wire-free, battery-powered outdoor PTZ camera with dual lenses (3K + 2K) and up to 8× zoom, offering full 360° pan and 70° tilt coverage. Smart on-device AI recognises person and vehicle and follows movement automatically, and its solar panel keeps it topped up without frequent charging. Combined with local storage and no monthly fees, it’s a solid fit for motion-based monitoring at entrances or gardens.
Continuous recording – the “always on” option
Some CCTV and security systems are set to record 24/7, capturing every moment without interruption. This is more common with wired IP or PoE (Power over Ethernet) camera systems that store footage on an NVR (Network Video Recorder), the kind you might find in shops, banks, or car parks.
The upside is you never miss a thing, ideal for high-traffic or high-security areas. The trade-off is the need for reliable mains power and large storage drives to handle the constant stream of data.
Scheduled recording – recording only when you want it
Another option is setting your cameras to record at specific times, like overnight or during business hours. Schedule-based recording is common on NVR systems and is also available in many app-controlled cameras.
The eufyCam S3 Pro 2-Cam Kit is a versatile example. It supports all three modes: motion-activated (with 24/7 Smart Snapshots filling in between events), full continuous recording when wired with a power adapter, and custom schedules through the app.
It features 4K MaxColor night clarity, radar + PIR dual motion detection to cut false alerts, and local HomeBase storage. That mix makes it a strong choice if you want flexible recording modes without committing to a full wired CCTV install.
When cameras aren’t recording at all
And, of course, there are times when cameras aren’t recording at all. This could be due to:
- Power cuts or unplugged devices
- Full or faulty storage drives
- Incorrect settings (e.g., privacy mode or low sensitivity)
- Poor Wi-Fi or network dropouts
- Firmware or software glitches
- Dummy cameras that only act as visual deterrents
How to Tell If a Security Camera is Recording?
Just because a security camera is pointed in your direction doesn’t mean it’s actually saving video. Some record all the time, others only wake up when something moves. If you want to know what’s happening, here are some practical ways to spot the signs:
1. Watch the status LED light
Many cameras have an indicator LED that signals when they’re active. Depending on the model or brand, it might be red, blue, or green, and different patterns can mean very different things.
A solid light often shows the camera is on and possibly recording, while a flashing one can indicate motion detection or that someone is viewing the feed. Some keep a red light visible as a deterrent, while others only light up when live streaming.
Keep in mind that many systems allow the owner to dim or disable this light, so its absence doesn’t guarantee the camera isn’t recording. If you’re trying to work out what the light on your own camera means, check the user manual or the manufacturer’s website to be sure.
2. Look for night-vision indicators
If it’s dark, check around the lens for a faint red glow. This is often the infrared (IR) LEDs switching on for night vision. Cameras using 850 nm IR emit this visible glow, while those using 940 nm IR remain invisible to the eye.
Seeing IR LEDs lit tells you the camera is in night mode, though it still doesn’t confirm that it’s saving footage.
3. Do a simple motion test
If you’re wondering how to tell if a security camera is recording you, another simple method is to do a motion test. Move within the camera’s field of view and watch for a reaction.
This might be a flicker in the status light, a faint click from the lens as the IR filter moves, or — with PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) models — the camera physically turning to follow you. These signs suggest the camera has detected activity and may be recording.
4. Check the recorder or base station
If the camera is connected to a DVR or NVR, look at the device’s front panel. Most will have an indicator labelled “REC,” “Record,” or a red dot that lights up or blinks when recording is active. On the connected monitor or through the system’s app, navigate to the playback or status section to confirm recent footage is being saved.
5. Check the app’s timeline or library
If it’s your own camera, the most reliable way to confirm recording is to open its companion app or web interface and look for an Event History/Feed/Library. Most systems display time-stamped clips or thumbnails whenever motion is detected, or continuous recording is active.
If new entries appear when you trigger motion, it’s recording; if the timeline stays empty, it’s not. Some services may still show “events” without video if you’re on a free plan, so if clips won’t play back, check whether a subscription or extra storage is required.
6. Look for CCTV signage in public or shared spaces
In the UK, any organisation using CCTV must display clear signs stating that cameras are in operation. While a sign doesn’t confirm a specific camera is recording at that moment, it does mean surveillance is in place, and you can request more information from the operator if needed.
👉Related Reading: CCTV Signage Requirements in the UK
What to Do If Your Camera Isn’t Recording?
If your camera’s not saving any footage, it’s important to work through the basics before assuming the worst. Many recording issues have simple fixes.
Check the power and network
Start with the essentials: make sure the camera or recorder is powered on and has a steady connection. For Wi-Fi models, confirm they’re connected to your home network; for wired systems, check cables and plugs. A quick restart of the camera, router, or NVR/DVR can often restore recording.
Look at your storage
If the camera uses local storage, check whether the SD card or hard drive is full, missing, or faulty. For cloud-based systems, make sure your plan includes video history — many free tiers only offer live viewing. Replace or reformat storage if needed but remember this will erase existing clips.
Review your recording mode and schedule
Open your camera’s app or recorder settings to see how it’s set up. If you only record on motion, check that sensitivity isn’t set too low and that detection zones cover the right areas.
If you use a schedule, make sure it includes the times you expect recording. Also watch out for “privacy mode” or “disarmed” settings that can pause recording without you realising.
Update and restart
Install any pending firmware or app updates. These often fix bugs that affect detection and saving. After updating, restart the camera or recorder to refresh the system.
Still not working?
Confirm that your camera actually supports the recording mode you want. Some models only offer continuous recording when wired to mains power and connected to a base hub, and others need a paid plan for any video history.
If you’re still having trouble, reach out to the manufacturer’s technical support. They can help diagnose the issue remotely or guide you through advanced troubleshooting steps.
Conclusion
Knowing how to tell if a security camera is recording puts you in control of your security and privacy. By checking indicator lights, timelines, night-vision cues, and recorder settings—and by troubleshooting power, storage, and schedules—you’ll spot issues before they become blind spots. Whether you’re safeguarding a flat, a shop, or simply curious about cameras in public spaces, these quick checks keep you informed and better protected.
FAQs
How do you know if a security camera is recording?
If it’s your own camera, check its app or recorder for live footage, a red “REC” icon, or new clips in the timeline. Some cameras show a steady or flashing LED, though lights can be disabled, and PTZ models pan or move when it’s actively recording. For public or workplace CCTV, you can’t be sure without access, but many have visible indicator lights. In the UK, clear signs must be displayed where CCTV is operating.
Does green light on camera mean its recording?
Not necessarily. A green light usually shows the camera has power or a network connection, not that it’s recording. Indicator light meanings vary between brands and models. Some cameras may use green, blue, or red lights to signal different statuses, while others may not display any light at all. To know for sure, always refer to the camera’s manual for specific details about what the green light represents.
What is the red light on a CCTV camera?
The red light on a CCTV camera is usually an indicator that the camera is actively powered on and recording, or at least in standby mode ready to record. On many models, it’s an infrared (IR) light used for night vision, which may appear as a faint red glow in low-light conditions. Some cameras keep the red light visible as a deterrent to make people aware they’re being monitored, while others allow you to turn it off for discretion.
How can you tell if a security camera is watching you?
Look for signs it’s active: a steady or flashing LED light, the lens aimed in your direction, a pan/tilt camera that moves, a faint click when it switches to night mode, or a soft red IR glow in the dark. If it’s your camera, the app will show live video or recent clips. Without access, you can’t be certain, but in the UK, any place using CCTV should display clear notice signs.
