HOW TO SET UP MOTION DETECTION & MOTION ALERTS ON A SUREVISION NVR
Easy step-by-step setup for motion recording, mobile alerts, and smarter event monitoring
Learn how to enable motion-based recording on your SureVision NVR and turn on mobile alerts so you can save storage space, search events faster, and stay informed when activity matters most.
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SureVision NVR Motion Setup Guide
QUICK ANSWER
Set Up Motion Recording and Alerts in Minutes
To set up motion detection on a SureVision NVR, open the recorder menu from Live View, go to Storage, confirm Enable Schedule is checked, switch to the Motion tab, fill the schedule grid, then copy and apply it to the cameras you want. To set up motion alerts, open the SureVision app, go to Alarm Notifications, enable notifications for your device, then fine-tune which cameras, times, and alert types you want to use.
Why Motion Detection and Motion Alerts Matter
Motion-based recording helps your system focus on the footage that matters most. Instead of reviewing long stretches of uneventful video, motion events are easier to locate and review. Motion alerts add another layer of convenience by notifying your phone or tablet when selected cameras detect activity.
PERFECT FOR HIGH-PRIORITY AREAS
Front doors, gates, loading areas, side entrances, storage rooms, driveways, and other spots where faster review and faster notification matter most.
1
Open the SureVision NVR Motion Recording Schedule
Start from Live View, right click, and open Menu. After logging in, click the Storage tab. Make sure Enable Schedule is checked, then click the Motion tab.
Add your screenshot here: Storage screen with Enable Schedule checked and the Motion tab selected.
2
Fill the Motion Schedule
Once you are on the Motion tab, click and hold in the upper-left box of the schedule grid, then drag down to the lower-right box. When the schedule is filled correctly, the selected motion schedule should turn green.
EXPERT TIP
Fill the full grid for all-day motion recording, or fill only the hours you want, such as evenings, overnight, or weekends.
Add your screenshot here: dragging across the schedule grid.
Add your screenshot here: completed motion schedule highlighted in green.
3
Copy the Schedule to All Cameras or Selected Cameras
After the motion schedule is set, click Copy. You can apply the schedule to All Cameras or only to selected channels. Then click OK and click Apply.
Add your screenshot here: Copy screen with channel selection, OK, and Apply.
4
Open Alarm Notifications in the SureVision App
To receive motion alerts on your phone or tablet, open the SureVision app and tap the menu button at the top left. Then select Alarm Notifications.
Add your screenshot here: app menu with Alarm Notifications.
Add your screenshot here: Allow Notifications screen.
5
Enable Notifications for Your Device
Tap the button next to your device name. When the button is green, alarms are enabled. If it is gray, alarms are disabled.
Add your screenshot here: green notification toggle and Advanced Settings area.
6
Choose Which Cameras Send Alerts
Inside Advanced Settings, you can enable or disable motion alerts by camera. Cameras with the blue check box will send alerts. Remove the check box from cameras you do not want included.
PROFESSIONAL RECOMMENDATION
Start with front doors, gates, receiving areas, and other priority zones so your alerts stay useful and not overwhelming.
Add your screenshot here: camera selection screen with blue check boxes.
7
Set Alert Times and Choose Alert Types
In the SureVision app, the Time tab lets you schedule when alerts are delivered. The Type section lets you choose which alarm events generate notifications.
Add your screenshot here: Time tab for scheduling alerts.
Add your screenshot here: Type settings for motion-related alert options.
Best Practices for Better Motion Performance
USE MOTION WHERE IT MATTERS MOST
Focus on entrances, gates, and important activity zones.
AVOID TOO MANY ALERTS
Choose only the cameras that truly matter for notifications.
SCHEDULE AFTER-HOURS ALERTS
Overnight and after-hours schedules usually make alerts more useful.
SAVE CHANGES BEFORE EXITING
Make sure all NVR and app settings are saved before leaving the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do SureVision systems record 24/7 by default?
Yes. SureVision systems are designed to record continuously out of the box.
Does motion recording help save hard drive space?
Yes. Motion-based recording can help save storage space and make event searches easier.
Do I need remote viewing before using motion alerts?
Yes. Remote viewing should be configured first before enabling motion alerts in the app.
Can I choose which cameras send motion alerts?
Yes. You can enable or disable alerts by camera inside Advanced Settings.
Can I schedule when alerts are delivered?
Yes. The Time tab lets you control when alerts are sent.
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