Your camera recorder shows the wrong date or time? Fix it before you need the footage
For property managers, building operators and anyone who may need to hand over video. Applies to any recorder brand.
The quick answer
Footage with the wrong timestamp is harder to use as evidence. Clocks drift after power outages and daylight saving changes, or when the recorder can’t reach an internet time server. We can set it to sync automatically.
We’ll do it for you
We’ll correct the clock and set it to sync automatically, remotely where your system allows it, or on site.
Before you start
Works with: Any camera recorder (NVR or DVR)
Who it’s for: Property managers, building operators and front desk staff
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Why it matters
Police and insurers need to match the video to the time of the incident. The wrong time makes searching slow, and the footage can be challenged.
Signs
- The time on screen is off by an hour (daylight saving) or more.
- The date reset to an old date after a power outage.
- Recordings don’t line up with the time someone saw the incident.
Why clocks drift
Power outages
Some recorders lose the time when the power goes out, especially if the backup battery inside is worn.
Daylight saving
The recorder isn’t set to change automatically in March and November.
No time server
The recorder can’t reach an internet time server, so its clock slowly drifts.
What our technicians do
- Set the correct time zone and daylight saving.
- Sync the recorder to an internet time server so the clock stays right.
- Check the recorder’s backup battery.
- Check that the cameras, recorder, alarm panel and door controllers all show the same time.
Alarm panels and door controllers
Alarm panels and door controllers keep their own clocks too, and a wrong clock can make doors unlock at the wrong time. On a DSC PowerSeries Neo keypad you can set the time yourself: see set the time and date on a DSC Neo. For doors, see doors unlocking or locking at the wrong time.
Clock still wrong?
We’ll set it right and make it sync automatically, so your footage holds up when you need it.
Stuck with a system nobody will fix?
We repair and take over cameras, access control, intercoms and alarms installed by other companies, when your current provider has fallen short.
Questions
Does the wrong time make my footage useless?
No, but it makes it harder to use. Note how far off the clock is when you export, and get it corrected.
Why does it change after daylight saving?
The recorder isn’t set to adjust automatically, or it isn’t syncing to a time server.
Can you fix it remotely?
Often, yes, when the system is set up for remote access. Otherwise we book a visit.
More answers: Security camera questionsGlossary: NVRvideo analytics
Get your recorder clock fixed
Tell us the building, the recorder brand and how far off the time is. We’ll follow up to sort it out.
Call and a real person answers, 24/7 for emergencies.