---
title: "What to Do When Your DVR/NVR Shows \"Storage Full\" | Smart Systems"
description: "How to manage storage on your Luma or Wirepath DVR/NVR and what to do when it fills up."
url: "https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/dvr-nvr-storage-full"
---

[Home](https://www.smartsysinc.com/)/[Support](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support)/What to Do When Your DVR/NVR Shows "Storage Full"

# What to Do When Your DVR/NVR Shows "Storage Full"

How to manage storage on your Luma or Wirepath DVR/NVR and what to do when it fills up.

Security & Cameras

## Understanding DVR/NVR Storage

Your security recorder stores video footage on an internal hard drive. When the drive fills up, the recorder will either stop recording or automatically overwrite the oldest footage, depending on how it is configured.

### Checking Your Storage Status

- Open the Luma app or recorder's web interface
- Navigate to **Storage** or **HDD Management**
- View the capacity and how much is used

### If Your Recorder Stops Recording

Most systems are configured to automatically overwrite oldest footage when the drive is full. If recording has stopped:
1. **Log into the recorder interface** and check HDD status
2. **Verify overwrite is enabled** — Look for a setting called "Overwrite," "Auto-Recycle," or "Loop Recording" and make sure it is turned on
3. **Restart the recorder** — Unplug for 30 seconds and plug back in

### How Long Does Footage Last?

Storage duration depends on:
- **Number of cameras** — More cameras = less time per camera
- **Recording quality** — Higher resolution uses more storage
- **Motion-only vs continuous** — Motion-only recording can extend storage 3-5x
 Typical retention with a 1TB drive and 4 cameras at 1080p with motion-only recording is **14-30 days**.

### Extending Storage

If you need longer retention:
- Switch to motion-only recording (if not already)
- Reduce recording resolution on less critical cameras
- Upgrade to a larger hard drive — contact Smart Systems

### When to Contact Smart Systems

If the recorder shows a hard drive error, if footage appears corrupted, or if you need to upgrade your storage capacity.

## Related articles

- [Viewing Your Security Cameras Remotely](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/viewing-cameras-remotely)
- [Dealing with False Alarms on Your Security System](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/false-alarms)
- [Arming and Disarming Your DSC Alarm via Control4](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/arming-disarming-dsc-alarm)
- [Camera Image Is Blurry or Dark — Quick Fixes](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/camera-blurry-dark)

## Still stuck?

Submit a ticket or talk to our support assistant, and we’ll take it from here.

[Submit a Ticket](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support?tab=ticket)[(423) 877-8195](tel:+14238778195)