It's an awkward situation. Your employee mentions, almost in passing, that "the cameras haven't been working properly for a while." And you're left wondering: is it true? Have they checked? Or do they just prefer there to be no recording?
There's no need to think badly of anyone — but you do need to check it yourself. And it's easier than it seems.
How to check it in under 5 minutes
→ Open the phone app you use to access the system. If the cameras are active, you'll see a live image. If it doesn't connect, something's wrong.
→ Check the recorder physically. Is a light on? Does the screen show the cameras? A recorder that's off or restarting is a clear sign of a problem.
→ Check a recent recording. Look for any moment from the day before and verify there's an image. If there are gaps or the recording cut out, the system has a real fault.
→ See if the drive has space. Many recorders stop recording when the drive is full and don't have overwriting enabled.
The genuinely most common causes
1. Power cut or recorder restart. A one-off blackout can leave the system stopped if it doesn't restart on its own. It's the most common fault and the easiest to fix.
2. The WiFi connection has changed. If you changed the router password or your provider did an update, the cameras may have disconnected without anyone noticing.
3. The drive is full. With no overwriting enabled, when the space runs out the system simply stops recording. Without warning.
The important bit: a CCTV system that no one supervises is like having the door locked but not knowing if the key works. Remote access from the phone exists precisely for this — so you can check from wherever you are, at any time.
If after checking everything it still doesn't work, the problem probably needs a technician. But in most cases, with these steps you'll have it sorted in minutes.
And if what you need is to renew the system from scratch, at Chollobar we have packs designed for each type of business — with remote access included and assisted setup so you never again depend on someone letting you know:
→ Packs for bars and restaurants — designed for the bar, the till and the entrances.
→ Packs for shops and stores — for product areas, till and stockroom.
→ See all available packs — hospitality, retail and home.
A system you can control from your phone
All our packs include remote access and assisted setup so you always know your business is recording.
From €279 + VAT · All included · No fees
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