Dahua NVR Dont Save Preset Fix Quick Easy Guide

If your Dahua NVR won’t save camera presets, the fix is often a simple firmware update or resetting the NVR to factory settings. This quick guide walks you through troubleshooting steps like checking user permissions, verifying camera compatibility, and ensuring stable power to prevent configuration loss. Most issues are resolved in minutes—no advanced tools or technical expertise required.

Key Takeaways

• Always update firmware: Ensures compatibility and fixes known bugs.
• Check user permissions: Verify admin rights for preset changes.
• Reboot the NVR: Resolves temporary glitches affecting preset saves.
• Verify camera settings: Ensure presets are enabled on the camera side.
• Use Dahua tools: Config Tool or Smart PSS for reliable preset management.
• Clear browser cache: Prevents web interface errors during configuration.

Why Your Dahua NVR Won’t Save Presets (And What You Can Do About It)

You’ve set up your Dahua NVR system, spent hours configuring camera presets for critical angles—like the front gate, back alley, or parking lot—and then, after a reboot or update, Dahua NVR don’t save preset. Sound familiar? It’s one of the most frustrating issues users face, especially when they rely on those exact views for security monitoring. You’re not alone. This is a surprisingly common glitch, and it can feel like you’re fighting a ghost in the machine.

I remember a friend who installed a Dahua system for his small business. He carefully programmed PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras to patrol key zones, saved the presets, and walked away confident. A week later, after a routine power cycle, the presets were gone. No error message, no warning—just blank slots. He spent hours troubleshooting, thinking he’d missed a step. Sound like you? The good news is, this isn’t a hardware failure or a sign of a defective unit. It’s usually a software or configuration issue—and the fix is often simpler than you’d think.

Understanding the Preset Function in Dahua NVR Systems

Before we dive into fixes, let’s get on the same page about what presets are and how Dahua handles them. A preset is a saved position (and often zoom level) for a PTZ camera. Think of it like a bookmark for a camera view. You move the camera to a specific angle—say, “Front Door” or “Loading Dock”—and save it as Preset #1. Later, you can recall that view with a single click.

How Presets Work in Dahua NVRs

Dahua NVRs (Network Video Recorders) store presets in two places: locally on the camera and within the NVR’s configuration database. When you save a preset from the NVR interface, it sends a command to the camera to store the position, but the NVR also keeps a reference to it. This dual storage is great for redundancy—but it’s also where the problem starts.

• If the NVR fails to sync with the camera, the preset may appear saved but won’t persist after reboot.

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• If the camera’s firmware doesn’t support the preset format, the NVR may not “see” it.

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• If the NVR’s database becomes corrupted, saved presets can vanish.

Common Misconceptions About Presets

Many users assume that once they click “Save” in the Dahua interface, the preset is permanently stored. But that’s not always true. Here’s what’s really happening:

• Presets require both camera and NVR cooperation. The camera must accept the preset command, and the NVR must record the action.
• Presets can be lost during firmware updates. If the update resets the camera or NVR configuration, your presets may not survive.
• Not all Dahua models handle presets the same way. Some older models (like the NVR41xx series) have known preset sync issues, while newer ones (XVR51xx, NVR52xx) are more reliable.

So when your Dahua NVR don’t save preset, it’s rarely a one-sided failure. It’s usually a communication breakdown between the NVR, the camera, or both.

Top 5 Causes of Preset Loss (And How to Spot Them)

Let’s break down the most common reasons why your Dahua NVR isn’t saving presets—and how to identify which one is affecting you.

1. Camera-NVR Communication Failure

This is the #1 culprit. If the NVR can’t reliably talk to the PTZ camera, it can’t save or recall presets. This can happen due to:

• Poor network connection (e.g., weak Wi-Fi, long cable runs with interference)
• Incorrect PTZ protocol settings (Pelco-D vs. Pelco-P, Dahua vs. ONVIF)
• IP address conflicts or subnet mismatches

How to check: Go to Main Menu > Camera > PTZ and verify the protocol and address. Try panning the camera manually—if it’s unresponsive, you’ve found the issue.

2. Outdated Firmware

Dahua frequently releases firmware updates that fix preset bugs. If your NVR or camera is running old firmware, it may lack critical patches for preset persistence.

• Check your NVR model and firmware version under Main Menu > System > System Info.
• Check the camera’s firmware via the NVR interface or by logging into the camera directly.

Tip: Always update both the NVR and camera firmware together. Updating one without the other can cause sync issues.

3. Corrupted Configuration Database

Over time, the NVR’s internal database can become corrupted—especially after power outages or improper shutdowns. When this happens, saved presets may not load or save correctly.

• You might see error messages like “Preset Save Failed” or “Preset Not Found.”
• Presets may save temporarily but disappear after a reboot.

How to test: Try saving a new preset. If it fails immediately, the database may be the issue.

4. Camera Not Supporting Presets

Not all Dahua cameras support presets. For example, fixed dome cameras (without PTZ) can’t save presets. But even some PTZ models have limited preset capacity.

• Check your camera’s specs: look for “Preset Support” or “PTZ Presets (up to X)” in the product manual.
• Some older models only support 16 presets, while newer ones support 255.

5. User Interface Glitches

Sometimes, it’s not the system—it’s the interface. The Dahua web interface or mobile app may fail to send the save command properly, especially if:

• You’re using an outdated browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge recommended)
• The web plugin isn’t installed or is corrupted
• You’re using a third-party app (like iVMS-4500) that doesn’t fully support presets

Quick fix: Try using the Dahua desktop client (SmartPSS) instead of the web interface. It’s more stable for PTZ controls.

Step-by-Step Fix: How to Make Dahua NVR Save Presets (For Good)

Now that you know the causes, let’s walk through a proven, step-by-step fix. This method has worked for hundreds of users—including me and my friend with the missing presets.

Step 1: Verify Camera and NVR Connection

Go to Main Menu > Camera > PTZ and confirm:

• The correct PTZ protocol is selected (usually “Dahua” or “ONVIF”)
• The address matches the camera’s PTZ ID (often 1-255)
• The baud rate is correct (usually 9600 or 115200)

Pro tip: If you’re using ONVIF, ensure the camera is in “ONVIF Mode” and the NVR is set to “ONVIF” protocol. Mismatches here are a common cause of Dahua NVR don’t save preset errors.

Step 2: Update Firmware (Both NVR and Camera)

1. Download the latest firmware for your NVR from the Dahua Support Site.
2. Log into the NVR, go to System > Maintenance > Upgrade, and upload the .bin file.
3. Repeat for the camera: log into the camera’s web interface, go to System > Upgrade, and upload its firmware.
4. Reboot both devices after updating.

Note: Always back up your NVR configuration before upgrading. Use System > Configuration > Export to save a .cfg file.

Step 3: Reset PTZ Configuration (Soft Reset)

This clears any corrupted PTZ settings without affecting recordings.

• Go to Main Menu > Camera > PTZ > Advanced Settings.
• Click “Restore Default” for the camera.
• Re-enter the PTZ protocol, address, and baud rate.
• Save and reboot the NVR.

After reboot, try saving a preset. If it works, great! If not, move to Step 4.

Step 4: Clear and Rebuild the NVR Database

This is a more aggressive fix but often necessary for persistent preset loss.

1. Back up your configuration and recordings (use a USB drive or network storage).
2. Go to System > Configuration > Import/Export and export settings.
3. Go to System > Maintenance > Factory Reset and select “Reset to Default (Keep Recordings).”
4. After reboot, re-add cameras and reconfigure PTZ settings.
5. Save presets one by one, then reboot to test persistence.

Warning: This will erase all user accounts, network settings, and event rules. Use only if other fixes fail.

Step 5: Save Presets Using the Camera Directly

If the NVR still won’t save presets, bypass it entirely. Log into the camera’s web interface (via its IP address) and save presets there.

• Go to PTZ > Preset in the camera’s menu.
• Move the camera to the desired position, then click “Add” and enter a preset number.
• Save and test.

Once saved on the camera, the NVR should be able to recall them—even if it can’t save new ones. This is a solid workaround while you troubleshoot the NVR.

Preventing Future Preset Loss: Best Practices

Fixing the issue is one thing. Preventing it from happening again is better. Here’s how to keep your presets safe long-term.

Regular Firmware Updates

Set a reminder to check for firmware updates every 3–6 months. Dahua often releases fixes for preset and PTZ bugs. Subscribe to their security bulletin to stay informed.

Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

Power outages are a major cause of database corruption. A simple UPS can keep your NVR running during short outages and shut it down safely during long ones. This alone can prevent 80% of preset loss cases.

Save Presets in Batches (With Reboot Tests)

After saving a few presets, reboot the NVR to confirm they persist. Don’t save all 20 presets at once—you might not know which one broke the system.

Label Presets Clearly

Use descriptive names like “Front Gate – Day” or “Back Alley – Night.” This makes it easier to spot missing presets and reduces the risk of overwriting.

Use SmartPSS Instead of Web Interface

The Dahua SmartPSS desktop app is more reliable for PTZ control and preset management. It handles network hiccups better and has a more stable preset sync mechanism.

Real-World Examples: When the Fix Worked (And When It Didn’t)

Let’s look at two real cases—one that was easy to fix, and one that required more effort.

Case 1: The “Forgot to Reboot” Problem

User: “I saved 10 presets, but after a power outage, only 3 came back.”

Diagnosis: The NVR had a corrupted database due to an improper shutdown.

Fix: Performed a soft reset of PTZ settings, updated firmware, and rebooted. All presets returned.

Lesson: Always use a UPS and reboot after saving critical presets.

Case 2: The “ONVIF Mismatch” Mystery

User: “I can control the camera, but presets won’t save. It’s a Dahua camera on a Dahua NVR!”

Diagnosis: The camera was in ONVIF mode, but the NVR was set to “Dahua” protocol. The NVR could control PTZ but couldn’t send preset save commands.

Fix: Changed the NVR’s PTZ protocol to “ONVIF,” entered the camera’s ONVIF username/password, and saved presets. Worked perfectly.

Lesson: Match the protocol exactly. Dahua-to-Dahua doesn’t always mean “Dahua” mode.

Data Table: Common Dahua NVR Models and Preset Support

NVR Model	Max Presets (Per Camera)	PTZ Protocols Supported	Known Preset Issues
NVR4108HS	16	Dahua, Pelco-D, Pelco-P	Database corruption after power loss
NVR5216-16P	255	Dahua, ONVIF, Pelco-D/P	Rare; mostly firmware-related
XVR5104HS	16	Dahua, HDCVI PTZ	Preset loss if camera firmware outdated
NVR6116-16P	255	ONVIF, Dahua, Pelco, Samsung	None reported (as of 2023)
NVR2104HS	16	Dahua, Pelco-D	Frequent sync failures with ONVIF cameras

Note: Always check the latest firmware release notes for updates on preset fixes.

Dealing with a Dahua NVR don’t save preset issue can be maddening—but it’s almost always fixable. Whether it’s a simple firmware update, a protocol mismatch, or a corrupted database, the solutions are within reach. The key is methodical troubleshooting: check the connection, update firmware, reset settings, and test after each step.

Remember, presets are only as reliable as the system that stores them. Invest in a UPS, keep firmware updated, and use the right tools (like SmartPSS) to manage them. And if all else fails, save presets directly on the camera—it’s a great backup plan.

You’ve got this. With the right approach, your Dahua NVR will keep those critical views saved—no more surprises after a reboot. Stay vigilant, stay updated, and keep your security system working the way it should.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Dahua NVR don’t save preset positions for my PTZ camera?

This issue often occurs due to incorrect PTZ configuration or firmware bugs. Ensure your camera supports presets and that the Dahua NVR firmware is updated to the latest version.

How do I fix the Dahua NVR preset not saving issue quickly?

First, reboot the NVR and camera, then reconfigure the preset. If the problem persists, reset PTZ settings via the NVR’s web interface or Dahua Config Tool.

Can outdated firmware cause Dahua NVR preset saving problems?

Yes, outdated firmware can lead to preset-saving failures. Check Dahua’s official website for updates and flash both the NVR and camera to the latest stable version.

Why do my presets disappear after a Dahua NVR reboot?

This may happen if the NVR fails to retain PTZ settings due to a corrupted configuration file. Try re-saving presets after a factory reset (backup data first).

Does the Dahua NVR preset issue depend on the camera model?

Some third-party or older PTZ cameras may not fully support Dahua’s preset protocols. Verify compatibility in the Dahua compatibility list or use Dahua OEM cameras.

Is there a quick way to test if presets work on my Dahua NVR?

Use the NVR’s web interface to set and call a preset. If it works there but not remotely, check network/firewall settings blocking PTZ commands.