Deleting camera footage on Zosi systems is simple once you know the right steps. This guide walks you through deleting recordings from DVRs, NVRs, and the Zosi Smart app—whether you want to clear old files or free up storage space.
Key Takeaways
- Access your Zosi DVR/NVR menu: Use the remote or mouse to navigate to the playback or storage settings where footage is managed.
- Select specific recordings to delete: Choose individual files or entire time ranges instead of wiping everything at once for better control.
- Use the Zosi Smart app for remote deletion: If your system is connected to the internet, you can delete footage directly from your smartphone or tablet.
- Format the hard drive for a full reset: This permanently erases all data and is ideal when repurposing or selling your system.
- Enable auto-overwrite to prevent manual deletion: Set your system to automatically replace old footage when storage is full.
- Always back up important footage first: Once deleted, Zosi recordings cannot be recovered unless backed up externally.
- Check user permissions: Only admin users can delete footage—ensure you have the right access level.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Tip/Question?
Can I recover deleted Zosi footage?
No, once footage is deleted from a Zosi system, it cannot be recovered unless you’ve backed it up externally. Always save important clips to a USB drive or cloud storage first.
Tip/Question?
How often should I delete old footage?
It depends on your storage capacity and needs. Check your hard drive weekly and delete footage older than 30–90 days, or enable auto-overwrite to handle it automatically.
Tip/Question?
Will deleting footage affect my cameras?
No, deleting recordings only removes saved video files. Your cameras will continue to function and record new footage as usual.
Tip/Question?
Can I delete footage from one camera only?
Yes, most Zosi systems let you select specific camera channels during playback. Choose the camera you want, then delete its recordings individually.
Tip/Question?
Is it safe to format the hard drive?
Yes, but only if you don’t need any saved footage. Formatting erases everything, so back up important clips first.
How to Delete Camera Footage Zosi: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you own a Zosi security camera system, you’ve likely recorded hours—or even days—of footage. Over time, that footage can fill up your hard drive, slow down your system, or simply become outdated. Whether you’re cleaning up space, protecting privacy, or preparing your system for a new user, knowing how to delete camera footage Zosi is essential.
This guide will walk you through every method available to remove recordings from your Zosi DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or NVR (Network Video Recorder), including using the local interface, the Zosi Smart mobile app, and formatting the hard drive. We’ll also cover best practices, troubleshooting tips, and how to avoid accidentally deleting important footage.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently manage your Zosi camera footage like a pro—keeping your system running smoothly and your data secure.
Understanding Your Zosi System
Visual guide about How to Delete Camera Footage Zosi
Image source: supports.zositech.com
Before diving into deletion, it’s important to understand how Zosi systems store and manage footage. Most Zosi setups use either a DVR (for analog cameras) or an NVR (for IP cameras), both of which include a built-in hard drive for recording. Footage is typically saved in loops—meaning when the drive fills up, the system automatically overwrites the oldest files unless you’ve disabled this feature.
Zosi systems allow you to:
– Record continuously or based on motion detection
– Save footage locally on the DVR/NVR hard drive
– Access and manage recordings via a monitor, mobile app, or web browser
– Delete individual clips or entire time periods
Knowing your system type (DVR vs. NVR) and whether it’s connected to the internet will help you choose the best deletion method.
Method 1: Deleting Footage Directly from the DVR/NVR
The most direct way to delete camera footage on Zosi is through the system’s local interface—using a monitor connected to your DVR or NVR. This method gives you full control and doesn’t require an internet connection.
Step 1: Connect a Monitor and Input Device
Make sure your Zosi DVR or NVR is connected to a monitor via HDMI or VGA. You’ll also need a mouse (USB) or the included remote control to navigate the menu. If you’re using a mouse, plug it into one of the USB ports on the recorder.
Step 2: Log In to the System
Power on the system and wait for it to boot up. You’ll see the live camera view. Right-click (if using a mouse) or press the “Menu” button on the remote to open the main menu.
Enter your username and password. The default is usually:
– Username: admin
– Password: admin or 123456
Tip: If you’ve changed the password and forgotten it, you may need to reset the system or contact Zosi support.
Step 3: Navigate to Playback or Storage Settings
Once logged in, look for a tab labeled “Playback,” “Record,” “Storage,” or “Event.” The exact name varies by model, but the goal is to access your recorded footage.
Click on “Playback” to view a timeline of recordings. You’ll see a calendar and time bar showing when motion or continuous recording occurred.
Step 4: Select Footage to Delete
Use the calendar to pick a date, then drag the timeline to select a specific time range. You can choose:
– A single clip (e.g., 2:00 PM to 2:15 PM)
– Multiple clips across different cameras
– An entire day or week
Some models allow you to filter by camera channel—useful if you only want to delete footage from one camera.
Step 5: Delete the Selected Footage
After selecting the footage, look for a “Delete” or “Erase” button—usually at the bottom of the screen or in a right-click menu. Confirm the action when prompted.
Important: Deleted footage cannot be recovered unless you’ve backed it up externally (e.g., to a USB drive or cloud storage).
Step 6: Confirm Deletion
The system will process the deletion, which may take a few seconds to several minutes depending on the amount of data. Once complete, the footage will no longer appear in playback.
Tip: To free up space faster, restart the system after deletion. This helps the recorder recognize the newly available storage.
Method 2: Using the Zosi Smart Mobile App
If your Zosi system is connected to the internet and linked to the Zosi Smart app, you can delete footage remotely from your smartphone or tablet. This is ideal if you’re away from home or prefer managing your system on the go.
Step 1: Install and Open the Zosi Smart App
Download the Zosi Smart app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and log in with your Zosi account credentials.
If you haven’t set up remote access yet, you’ll need to add your DVR/NVR to the app first. This usually involves scanning a QR code on the device or entering its serial number and verification code.
Step 2: Select Your Device
Once logged in, tap on the DVR or NVR you want to manage. You’ll see a live view of your cameras.
Step 3: Access Playback Mode
Tap the “Playback” or “History” icon (often looks like a clock or calendar). This will show a timeline of recorded footage.
Step 4: Choose the Date and Time
Use the calendar to pick a date, then scroll through the timeline to find the footage you want to delete. You can pinch to zoom in for more precise selection.
Step 5: Select and Delete Footage
Tap and hold on a recording clip to select it. Some versions of the app allow you to select multiple clips at once.
Look for a trash can icon or “Delete” option. Tap it and confirm the deletion.
Note: Not all Zosi models support remote deletion via the app. If you don’t see a delete option, you may need to use the local DVR/NVR interface instead.
Step 6: Verify the Deletion
Go back to the playback view to confirm the footage is gone. You can also check the storage status in the app’s settings to see if space has been freed up.
Tip: Use the app to back up important clips to your phone before deleting them from the system.
Method 3: Formatting the Hard Drive (Full Reset)
If you want to delete all footage at once—such as when selling your system, upgrading, or troubleshooting—formatting the hard drive is the fastest option. This permanently erases every recording and resets the storage to factory state.
Warning: Formatting cannot be undone. Make sure you’ve backed up any important footage before proceeding.
Step 1: Access the Main Menu
Using a monitor and mouse (or remote), log in to your Zosi DVR/NVR and open the main menu.
Step 2: Go to Storage or HDD Settings
Navigate to “Storage,” “HDD,” or “Device Management.” You’ll see information about your hard drive, including total capacity and used space.
Step 3: Select Format Option
Look for a button labeled “Format,” “Initialize,” or “Erase HDD.” Click it.
Step 4: Confirm the Action
The system will warn you that all data will be lost. Confirm by entering your password or clicking “Yes.”
Step 5: Wait for Completion
Formatting can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on the drive size. Do not power off the system during this process.
Once complete, the system will restart, and all footage will be gone. The hard drive will be empty and ready for new recordings.
Tip: After formatting, reconfigure your recording settings (e.g., motion detection, schedule) to avoid missing important events.
Method 4: Enabling Auto-Overwrite (Prevent Future Buildup)
Instead of manually deleting footage, you can set your Zosi system to automatically overwrite old recordings when the hard drive is full. This is the default setting on most Zosi systems, but it’s worth checking to ensure it’s enabled.
Step 1: Open the Main Menu
Log in to your DVR/NVR and go to the main menu.
Step 2: Navigate to Record Settings
Look for “Record,” “Recording,” or “Schedule.”
Step 3: Find Overwrite Settings
Look for an option like “Overwrite,” “Loop Recording,” or “Auto Delete Old Files.” Make sure it’s set to “Enable” or “On.”
Step 4: Set Overwrite Priority (Optional)
Some systems let you choose whether to overwrite motion events first or continuous recordings. For most users, the default setting works fine.
Tip: If you disable overwrite, your system will stop recording when the drive is full—so keep an eye on storage space.
Best Practices for Managing Zosi Footage
Deleting footage is just one part of managing your Zosi system. Follow these best practices to keep your recordings organized and your system running smoothly:
- Back up important clips regularly: Use a USB drive or cloud service to save critical footage before deleting it.
- Label or tag recordings: Some Zosi models let you add notes or tags to clips for easier identification.
- Set recording schedules: Only record during high-risk hours (e.g., nighttime) to reduce unnecessary footage.
- Use motion detection wisely: Adjust sensitivity to avoid recording false alarms (e.g., moving trees or pets).
- Check storage weekly: Monitor your hard drive usage to avoid unexpected full drives.
- Update firmware: Keep your Zosi system updated for better performance and security.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with clear instructions, you might run into problems when deleting Zosi footage. Here’s how to fix the most common issues:
Problem: Can’t Find the Delete Option
Solution: Not all Zosi models support manual deletion. Check your user manual or contact Zosi support. If deletion isn’t available, formatting the drive is your only option.
Problem: Footage Reappears After Deletion
Solution: This usually means the system is still recording over the same time period. Stop recording, delete the footage, then restart the system.
Problem: App Won’t Let Me Delete Remotely
Solution: Ensure your DVR/NVR is connected to the internet and the app has the latest version. Some older models don’t support remote deletion.
Problem: Formatting Fails or Freezes
Solution: Power cycle the system (turn it off and on), then try again. If it continues to fail, the hard drive may be damaged and need replacement.
Problem: Forgotten Password
Solution: Use the default credentials (admin/admin). If those don’t work, you may need to reset the system using the reset button or contact Zosi support with your device’s serial number.
Conclusion
Knowing how to delete camera footage Zosi gives you full control over your security system’s storage and privacy. Whether you’re clearing space, protecting sensitive data, or preparing your system for a new user, the methods outlined in this guide—using the DVR/NVR interface, the Zosi Smart app, or formatting the hard drive—will help you get the job done safely and efficiently.
Remember to always back up important footage before deleting, enable auto-overwrite to prevent future buildup, and keep your system updated. With these tools and tips, you’ll keep your Zosi system running smoothly for years to come.