On this page
01. Quick checks you can do first02. What usually causes it03. When to call a technician04. Parts that fix it05. FAQ
Quick answer
If your CCTV shows the wrong date or time, footage is hard to find and weaker as evidence. Set the recorder to the Nairobi (UTC+3) time zone, turn on automatic network time (NTP), and make sure cameras take their time from the recorder. If the time resets after every power cut, the recorder's internal clock battery has likely run flat.
Real products, live prices, in stock now
See the actual productsLive prices from the Qyvea store
Shop all recorders →Key takeaways
- Wrong time weakens footage as evidence.
- Set time zone to UTC+3 (Nairobi), no daylight saving.
- Enable NTP so time corrects automatically.
- Time resetting after blackouts = flat clock battery.
- Sync cameras to the recorder.
01Quick checks you can do first
- 01Set the time zoneUTC+03:00, Nairobi; daylight saving off.
- 02Enable NTPUse a public time server; the recorder needs internet.
- 03Sync camerasSet IP cameras to take time from the NVR.
- 04Check after a power cutIf the clock resets to a default date, the clock battery needs replacing.
- 05Check playback searchSearch a known event to confirm the time is right.
ImportantSwitch off and isolate power before opening any equipment. Batteries, inverters and mains wiring can cause serious injury; leave internal work to a qualified technician.
02What usually causes it
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Off by hours | Wrong time zone | Set UTC+3 |
| Drifts minutes each month | No NTP | Enable NTP |
| Resets after blackout | Flat RTC battery | Replace coin battery |
| Cameras differ from NVR | Cameras not synced | Sync from NVR |
| Date format confusing | Format setting | Set DD-MM-YYYY |
03When to call a technician
- You need footage for police or insurance.
- The recorder has no internet for NTP.
- Many recorders across sites need checking.
- The clock resets after every outage.
When to call a professionalQyvea technicians diagnose and fix this on site across Nairobi and Kenya. Call 0113 301 244 or WhatsApp a technician.
Running this across several sites or branches? A Qyvea maintenance contract catches these faults on scheduled visits, with a written report after each one.
04Parts that fix it
Recorders in stockLive prices from the Qyvea store
Shop all recorders →05Frequently asked questions
Does wrong time make CCTV footage inadmissible?
Not automatically, but it raises questions and makes events harder to locate. Correct time strengthens it.
Why does my DVR reset to 2000 after a power cut?
The small coin battery that keeps the clock has run flat. It's a cheap fix.
Can you check this remotely?
Often, if the recorder is online. Otherwise during a maintenance visit.
