How To Upgrade Firmware on a QCAM NVR

How To Upgrade Firmware on a QCAM NVR.

Any QCAM NVR should always be operating on the latest firmware version available.

If you are experiencing intermittent connectivity to the internet, general bugginess or difficulty using any feature, you must make sure there is no available firmware update which would indicate you are not on the latest version. 

There are 2 ways to check for your NVR firmware version: 
1. On the NVR's built-in interface, from the Main Menu, navigate to System(in the Info row)->Version.

2. On the web interface, log in, then click the "i" icon in the top right corner and you will land on the Version page. 

The NVR cannot be expected to work as advertised unless it is up to date. 

Please always make sure you have the latest version before trying any other troubleshooting steps or contacting support. 

There are 2 methods to update the firmware on your NVR: directly on the NVR or through the web interface.

Method 1: DVR Interface

The safest way to upgrade the NVR is by doing it directly on the device. 

First download the most recent firmware from http://www.amcrest.com/firmware-subscribe.

Now copy the firmware onto a flash drive.

Note: The flash drive must be formatted to FAT32 or exFAT. But do not worry, most flash drives are formatted to this by default.

Insert the flash drive into the USB port on the NVR and a window will appear.

Select the System Upgrade option. You may be required to login. Be sure to use an administrator account. 

The System Upgrade window will now be shown. Click Start.

Select the firmware file that you downloaded and click Start. A progress bar will be shown at the bottom of the window. Once the upgrade has finished the NVR might restart on its own.

Note: Do not turn off the NVR during the upgrade process or it can damage the NVR and make it inoperable. 

Method 2: Web Interface

First download the most recent firmware from http://www.amcrest.com/firmware-subscribe

Next login to the NVR's web interface. Click the setup gear icon in the top right. Then click System on the left panel, then Upgrade below it.

Click the Browse button and select the firmware file you downloaded. 

Click the Upgrade button and the upgrade process will begin. A progress bar will appear showing you the progress of the upgrade. Once the upgrade has finished the NVR might Restart on its own.

Note: Do not turn off the NVR during the upgrade process or it can damage the NVR and make it inoperable.

After upgrading the firmware, it is a good idea to reinstall the plugins. If this is not done automatically, or if you have issues with the web interface, check out this article: Removing Old Plugins