How to Delete Security Camera Recordings?

Security cameras are widely used to ensure security in both personal and corporate settings. However, over time, the footage stored on these recording devices can become full, or some may wish to delete it for legal or personal reasons. So, how do you delete security camera recordings? Here are the step-by-step instructions.

1. Preliminary Information: Why Do You Want to Delete Records?

Security camera recordings may be deleted for the following reasons:

• Because the storage space is full
• Removal of old records for confidentiality reasons
• Improving device performance
• Destruction of expired records

Note : In Turkey, in accordance with the KVKK (Personal Data Protection Law), the storage period for security camera recordings is generally limited to 30 days.

2. Things to Know Before Deleting Records

• Backup: It is recommended to back up important recordings to a medium such as an external disk or cloud before deletion.
• Authorization: Record deletion operations should only be performed by system administrators or authorized users.
• Device Type: Deletion methods vary depending on DVR, NVR or IP camera systems.

3. Deleting a Record from a DVR/NVR Device

Step 1: Login to the Device

Log in to the recorder's user interface (usually via the HDMI/monitor or web interface) with the administrator password.

Step 2: Recording Management / HDD Settings

From the menu, go to a section such as “Recording Management” or “HDD Management”.

Step 3: Format the HDD

To delete all recordings, use the formatting option on the hard drive. This process irreversibly deletes all data on the device.

Warning: This action is irreversible. Instead of a partial deletion, all records are deleted.

4. Deleting Individual Records (On Some Devices)

In some advanced NVR systems, it is possible to select and delete recordings from specific date ranges:

• Go to the recording playback screen
• Select date and time
• Remove specific files using the Delete option

5. Deletion via Computer or Software

Some IP camera systems work with VMS (Video Management Software) programs installed on the computer. These programs include:

• Sign in
• Connect to the device
• Find registration history
• Select the records you want to delete and delete them

Popular software:

• Hikvision iVMS-4200
• Dahua SmartPSS
• Third-party VMS solutions such as Nx Witness, Milestone, QNAP Surveillance Station

6. Automatic Deletion (Cyclic Recording)

Many camera systems use a loop recording system, meaning old recordings are automatically deleted when the disk is full.

To activate this feature, the Recording Loop or Auto Overwrite option must be enabled in the settings menu.

7. Can Deleted Records Be Recovered?

• Formatted or deleted recordings are generally irrecoverable. However, if the HDD is not physically damaged, it can be recovered piecemeal using some data recovery software.
• However, these operations should be performed by professional data recovery companies.

Conclusion

Deleting security camera footage, when done correctly, improves system performance and ensures data security. However, this process requires caution, adherence to legal regulations, and must be performed by authorized personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are camera recordings automatically deleted?
Yes, when the disk is full, old recordings are automatically deleted with the loop recording feature.

Is it possible to recover deleted records?
No, it's generally not possible. However, recovery can be attempted, albeit limited, using data recovery software.

Is deleting records a crime?
If the records are not part of a legal process and there is no violation of the Personal Data Protection Law, deleting the records is not a crime. However, deleting records in a legal case is a crime.