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13 May 2025  John Weaver  Senior Program Developer
Last update by Olivia Brown at 29 May 2025

Summary
Retrieve deleted CCTV footage with ease by understanding storage methods and following a step-by-step recovery guide, ensuring enhanced security and peace of mind.



Table of contents

table iconHow CCTV Footage is Stored
table iconDoes CCTV Footage Get Deleted Automatically?
table iconHow to Recover Deleted CCTV Footage
table iconConclusion
table iconFAQ
CCTV cameras have become an essential tool for securing homes and businesses, providing an extra layer of protection against theft and other malicious activities. However, what happens when crucial footage is accidentally deleted? Fortunately, in many cases, it’s possible to retrieve erased CCTV files. In this guide, we’ll explore how CCTV cameras store their data and provide a step-by-step guide on how to restore deleted CCTV footage.

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Different kinds of CCTV

How CCTV Footage is Stored

CCTV cameras employ various storage methods, depending on the model. Some use hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs) that continuously record footage throughout the day. Others have built-in storage that can be expanded with SD cards to save more recordings. Modern CCTV cameras often come with cloud storage features, such as Wyze Cameras, which store surveillance files in the cloud. Additionally, there are digital video recorders (DVRs) and network video recorders (NVRs), which are external devices that save CCTV camera footage. Although older CCTV cameras used cassette tapes, this storage method is now obsolete.
Here’s a comparison of the different CCTV storage options:
Storage MethodDescriptionData Recoverable

HDDs and SSDs

Reliable for continuous recording; used in surveillance systems

Yes, Local Storage

Built-in Storage & SD Cards

Expandable storage depending on SD card capacity; common in portable devices

Yes, Local Storage

Cloud Storage

Enables remote access via cloud services; requires internet connectivity

Yes, Requires Remote Access

Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)

Stores data locally; mainly used with analog cameras

Yes, Local Storage

Network Video Recorders (NVRs)

Records data over a network; typically used with IP cameras

Yes, Local Storage (Depends on Configuration)

Cassette Tapes (Obsolete)

Outdated storage method, rarely used today

Possible, But Limited

Does CCTV Footage Get Deleted Automatically?

CCTV footage stored on physical devices like HDDs, SSDs, and memory card s doesn’t typically get deleted automatically. However, due to the limited capacity of these devices, they eventually run out of storage space. When this happens, older footage is overwritten by new data.

How to Recover Deleted CCTV Footage

You can use various recovery methods to retrieve deleted CCTV footage, depending on the storage method. Here are the top ways to recover deleted CCTV footage from physical storage mediums like DVRs, HDDs, SSDs, and memory cards.

Method 1: Data Recovery Software

If you’ve accidentally deleted CCTV videos or lost them due to formatting or system errors, using reliable data recovery software is often the quickest and most convenient way to attempt recovery—especially if you act before the data is overwritten. Among the many solutions available, Renee Undeleter stands out for its ease of use and high recovery success rate.
Renee Undeleter is a professional tool designed to help users recover lost or deleted files, including CCTV footage, from computers, external drives, memory cards, and more. With support for around 400 file formats and an intuitive interface, it’s a user-friendly option that’s suitable for both beginners and experts in the United States, India, and worldwide.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Renee Undeleter to recover deleted CCTV files:
Step 1: Download, install, and run Renee Undeleter on your Windows computer.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 11,10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8+.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

Step 2: Select the [ Fast Partition Scan ] option from the main interface.
Tip: To avoid overwriting the data you want to recover, do not install the software on the drive containing the lost footage. Also, refrain from saving new files to that drive until recovery is complete.
Renee Undeleter, select Fast Partition Scan
Data Recovery Features
Fast Partition Scan: Recovers files from accidental deletions or recycle bin clearance.
Whole Partition Scan: Restores files from inaccessible or formatted partitions.
Whole Disk Scan: Analyzes partition information for a comprehensive disk scan.
Image Creation: Generates a partition mirror image for backup purposes.
Step 3: Next, choose the partition or drive where your CCTV footage was stored, then click [ Next ] .
select partition to scan for fast partition scan
Step 4: Choose the [ Fast Scan ] mode and click [ Next ] to start scanning.
The Fast Scan option quickly checks the first 30GB of available space on the selected disk. If you don’t find the footage you need, you can use the Deep Scan mode for a more thorough search, which might take longer but covers the entire partition.
Select Fast scan in Fast Partition Scan
Step 5: Wait for the scan to complete
Once the scan is finished, you can preview files by double-clicking them. Simply check the files you want to recover, then click the [ Recover ] button to save the recovered footage to a different drive (not the original one).
preview before recovery
preview video before recover files
Tip: Always install recovery software on a separate disk to avoid accidental overwriting. If the quick scan doesn’t yield results, try the deep scan mode for a more comprehensive search.
By acting quickly and using specialized software like Renee Undeleter, you can significantly improve your chances of recovering valuable CCTV footage. Keep in mind, though, that the longer you wait, the higher the risk of your deleted files being permanently overwritten.

Method 2: Backup

This method works only if you’ve backed up your CCTV camera recordings before they were deleted. If you have a backup, simply:
1. Hikvision – Hik-Connect Cloud Storage
Features:
✅ Secure cloud-based storage to prevent data loss

✅ Remote access via mobile app

✅ Automatic backup when network is restored

How to Recover Data from Backup:
  • Log into Hik-Connect on your mobile or PC
  • Navigate to Cloud Storage and select the desired footage
  • Download or restore the video to a local device
2. Dahua – Dahua Cloud Storage Service
Features:
✅ End-to-end encryption for secure backups

✅ Smart motion detection to optimize storage

✅ Flexible storage plans

How to Recover Data from Backup:
  • Access Dahua Cloud Storage via the Dahua app
  • Search for the required footage using timestamps
  • Download the recovered video to a local drive
3. CP Plus – Cloud Backup & Multi-Device Access
Features:
✅ Real-time video uploads to the cloud

✅ Multi-device access for easy monitoring

✅ Customizable storage plans

How to Recover Data from Backup:
  • Log into CP Plus Cloud Storage
  • Locate the footage using the search function
  • Restore or download the video to a secure location
4. Local DVR/NVR Backup Solutions
Features:
✅ Stores footage on HDDs/SSDs

✅ Can be configured for automatic backups

✅ Supports external storage devices

No Default Backup & Restore method
5. FTP Server & External Backup Drives
Features:
✅ Secure off-site storage

✅ Scheduled automatic backups

✅ Reduces risk of physical damage

How to Recover Data from Backup:
  • Access the FTP server or external drive
  • Locate the backup folder
  • Copy the required footage back to the main storage
Backing up footage not only ensures retrieval when it’s overwritten but also protects against CCTV system failures due to mechanical issues, bad wiring, outdated firmware, or vandalism. For commercial establishments, thieves can destroy and take local storage, effectively losing the footage. You can use various backup options, including cloud storage, FTP servers, and mobile device storage. Be aware that you’re only allowed to retain footage for a certain period, depending on the application and local privacy regulations.

Method 3: Data Recovery Service

If data recovery software fails to recover your deleted CCTV footage and you didn’t create a backup, your best option is to contact a professional data recovery service. These services have skilled technicians who specialize in recovering lost or deleted data from various storage devices and data loss scenarios.

Conclusion

Accidentally deleting crucial CCTV footage can be a nightmare, but there are different ways to retrieve your lost videos. If you have a backup, it’s as simple as copying and pasting the footage back to the storage device. If not, you can try using data recovery software to recover the lost files. If that doesn’t work, you can always reach out to a professional data recovery service for assistance.

FAQ

How to Check Recordings in CCTV?
For systems that use physical storage devices, you can access the drives where the recordings are saved to view the CCTV footage. For cloud-based CCTVs, you can access the footage online through the cloud server.
Can I Get CCTV Footage from 3 Months Ago?
You can retrieve CCTV footage from DVRs, NVRs, HDDs, or other storage devices from three months ago only if your CCTV system was designed to store data for that duration or longer. If your setup can store footage for up to one month, the storage device would have been overwritten multiple times by the time three months have passed.
How Many Days is CCTV Footage Kept?
Most CCTV setups store footage between 30 to 90 days, but this varies depending on the system model and available storage.
Can Overwritten CCTV Footage be Recovered?
If the CCTV recording has only been partially overwritten, there’s a chance you might be able to retrieve at least some of it using data retrieval software or a data recovery service. However, if the footage has been completely overwritten, it’s no longer recoverable.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 11,10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8+.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

User Comments

VO
Voidshatterer
2025-05-17
I need to recover some CCTV footage from a couple weeks back, but my drive only keeps 11 days of recordings. Any chance I can get that overwritten video back using something like Renee Undeleter???
I read it’s good for recovering deleted files from hard drives.
RE
realxeltos
2025-05-17
Sorry, but once data’s overwritten, it’s pretty much gone. The old footage gets replaced with new recordings, so there’s nothing left to recover, even with tools like Renee Undeleter.
VO
Voidshatterer
2025-05-19
Gotcha, thanks for explaining. I found some websites saying they can recover overwritten CCTV footage. Are they using special tools like Renee Undeleter, or is it just a scam?
RE
realxeltos
2025-05-19
There’s recovery software like Renee Undeleter out there, but I’m super skeptical about it recovering overwritten data. Once it’s gone, it’s usually gone for good.
VO
Voidshatterer
2025-05-19
Alright, thanks a bunch for clearing that up!!!
TR
triedtoavoidsignup
2025-05-21
Once the footage is overwritten, it’s toast. Companies claiming they can recover it are probably not legit.
I won’t dive into complex stuff like magnetic signature analysis—that’s way advanced—but your video’s likely gone, even with tools like Renee Undeleter.
DO
Dollbeau
2025-05-21
Hey, don’t give up yet! You might recover overwritten data.
You’d need to pull the drives and use a tool like Renee Undeleter to scan the outer edges where data’s stored.
The recovered files might not play, and CCTV videos can be tricky.
Plus, if it’s on an NVR, the footage could be encrypted.
So yeah, it’s tough, but not totally impossible to get it back.
RE
Reply-1999
2025-05-23
I’m tryin’ to recover some deleted CCTV footage, so I’m wondering, can you store video on a partition?
Also, I found a DMG file in there. Googled it and saw DMG files are macOS disk images.
Can a DMG file be as big as 746.50 GB? Could that be the video I’m after??
Hope y’all can help. Thanks!
DA
DataMedics
2025-05-28
DMG files are macOS disk images and can be any size.
But DVRs usually don’t use standard file systems like a computer. What you’re seeing might be a container file or something else. Hard to tell without more details.
CCTV systems record multiple streams, so they use proprietary formats for efficiency. Tools like DVR Examiner can pull video from some DVRs, but it’s often custom work since new models keep changing. That software’s pricey too.
How long ago was the footage deleted? Has new data overwritten the disk?
RE
Reply-1999
2025-06-10
The footage is from my aunt’s small office. We think the IT guy wiped it ‘cause $50K went missing the day before the CCTV video got deleted. He said the HDD was formatted due to ‘issues.’ We can’t sue without proof, so my aunt asked me to recover the data from the hard disk.
The disk was only used for about a week before formatting, and I don’t think it’s been used since.
I saw a 746GB partition, and since her office has just four cameras, I reckon that size fits the days they were recording.
DA
DataMedics
2025-06-10
With that kinda money on the line, I’d really recommend a professional data recovery service. Just sayin’.
RE
Reply-1999
2025-06-10
Got it, thanks!
FZ
fzabkar
2025-06-12
That’s a weird number. A 746GiB size (= 800 GB) sounds like a 3TB drive on an old SATA driver, a USB enclosure with a 32-bit LBA limit, or maybe a 3TB drive in MBR mode.
3 terabytes - 2 tebibytes = 745.97 gibibytes
RE
Reply-1999
2025-06-12
Could that 746GB partition hold the CCTV videos I’m tryin’ to recover??? I’m using Disk Drill..., but it’s takin’ forever.
I’m thinkin’ about pausing the lost file scan and focusing on that 746GB partition with something like Renee Undeleter instead.
TH
thefanum
2025-06-12
Probably not..... You’d be better off hiring a pro for this.
RE
Reply-1999
2025-06-18
Alright, thanks!
TH
throwaway_0122
2025-06-18
Disk Drill’s not great, even for simple recoveries. This is way too complex—you’re prob’ly wasting time.
DE
DesertDataRecovery
2025-06-21
DVR recovery’s gotten better lately. A few programs work well with most DVR systems.
https://www.sysdevlabs.com/product.php?id=mcctv
TH
throwaway_0122
2025-06-21

https://www.sysdevlabs.com/product.php?id=mcctv

Their licensing’s odd—$150 per case, no subscription or perpetual option? Is its functionality built into their other tools, or do you need separate software for trial and error?
DE
DesertDataRecovery
2025-06-21
It’s $150 per case, not per file—maybe that’s what you meant. UFS Explorer Pro can handle some DVR files. I think the Standard version might too,, but I’d need to double-check.
They’ve got a full video recovery suite that probably covers it all, but I can’t say for sure right now.
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