Reolink App Not Connecting To NVR? (Here’s the Solutions!)

If you’re attempting to view your Reolink security cameras remotely, but notice the Reolink app not connecting to NVR error, it can put the security of your home or office at risk. 

The connection issue often appears due to a network problem, an NVR installation fault, or a server outage.

We’re going to help you tackle each of these possibilities with several methods!

Let’s get started!

How to Fix When the Reolink App Not Connecting to NVR?

Note: Have you tried force-closing the Reolink application on your smartphone?

1. Check the Reolink NVR Network Status

A network fault can prevent the Reolink application from connecting to your NVR and disrupt the remote access to your security cameras.

Whether you are attempting to view your security feed through the Reolink mobile application or the Reolink client, the broadcast will always be offline. 

Checking the network status on your Reolink NVR can help you identify connectivity problems, whether you’re using a new or old generation model.

New Gen Reolink NVR Network Status:

For RLN8-410 (H3MB18/N3MB01/N7MB01/N2MB02), RLN16-410 (H3MB18/N6MB01), RLN36, RLN12W:

• Log in to your NVR via the monitor and head to Live View.
• After that, click the Settings icon in the bottom right corner.
• Select “Network” on the left, and press “Network Status”.

Old Gen Reolink NVR Network Status:

For RLN4-410 (H3MB17), RLN8-410 (H3MB02), RLN8-410-E, RLN16-410 (H3MB02/H3MB06):

• Log in to your Reolink PoE NVR on the monitor.
• Click the menu icon to access the main Menu.
• Now, head to “Network” → “Network Status”.

After checking, the NVR network status should reveal any connectivity issues.

If your system is online, the issue is either with the Reolink app or your phone. If not, check the network router.

2. Soft Reset the Reolink PoE NVR

The soft reset process requires safely powering down, waiting until the hardware drains entirely from leftover electrical charge, and then reconnecting the device. 

Start by unplugging the NVR from the power source to completely shut it down, wait for about ~30 seconds, then plug it back in to restart the system. 

After powering it back on, allow the NVR to boot up fully for several minutes, then check the Reolink app to see if it can now connect to the device successfully.

3. Troubleshoot the Local Network & Wi-Fi

A network problem could be why the Reolink app is unable to scan the NVR and connect with the live feed of your Reolink security cameras. 

Hence, we recommend conducting a thorough inspection of the network condition and all equipment to verify that everything is in order.

3.1 Power Cycle Your Router:

Perhaps a simple soft reset of the Wi-Fi network router can jump-start the network and eliminate underlying issues with the Reolink app connection.

Here’s what to do:

• Unplug the router and wait 30 seconds.
• Allow the router to discharge and replug.
• Wait for the router network LED to flash.
• Check if the Reolink app is connecting.

3.2 Reduce Network Usage:

• Disconnect unused devices like smart TVs or consoles.
• Pause large downloads or streaming on other devices.
• Limit background app activity on your phone or laptop.

3.3 Configure Router Settings:

Adjusting the settings of the router, such as the Wi-Fi channel, the DHCP list, or the MTU, can prevent network connection problems from recurring.

This option can only be configured when you sign in to your router’s GUI, which requires the default gateway address.

You can either try this link or type  “ipconfig” in the CMD (Command Prompt) of a Windows PC that is connected to the router.

Alternatively, on some routers, the gateway is found on a sticker. Now, paste it into the browser and use “admin” to sign in to the GUI.

Then, adjust the following:

• Wi-Fi Channel: Go to “Wireless Settings”, set channel to 1, 6, or 11, and save.
• DHCP List: Check the DHCP list, reserve an IP for the NVR, and save.
• MTU Settings: Set the MTU to 1400 under the “Advanced Settings” tab.
• Reboot Router: Restart the router, wait for it to reconnect, and test the NVR.

Note: Check the performance of your network and get in touch with the ISP if the issue persists!

4. Troubleshoot Reolink App Issues

If ruling out the potential network issues did not help with why the Reolink app is not connecting to the NVR, the problem might lie with the app itself.

Whether it is the firmware, the cache, or the data of the Reolink application, there are several solutions to attempt to resolve your problem.

4.1 Update the Reolink App OS:

• Step #1 Android: Open Google Play Store, find “Reolink” and press on “Update”.
• Step #2 Android: Wait until the confirmation message appears and press “Start”.

• Step #1 iOS: In the App Store, go to “See pending updates and release notes”.
• Step #2 iOS: Find the Reolink app in the list and press “Update” in order to start.

4.2 Offload (iOS) or Clear Cache (Android):

• Android: Go to Settings, Apps, Reolink, Storage, and tap Clear Cache.
• iOS: Go to Settings, General, iPhone Storage, Reolink, and tap Offload App.

4.3 Reinstall the Reolink Mobile App:

• Step #1 Android: Go to Settings, Apps, Reolink, tap Uninstall, and then reboot your device.

• Step #2 Android: Open Google Play Store, reinstall Reolink, sign in, and test the Reolink NVR.

• Step #1 iOS: Press and hold the Reolink app icon, press Remove this app, and then confirm.

• Step #2 iOS: Restart your iPhone, reinstall from the App Store, log in, and check connectivity.

Note:  To maintain the performance of the app, update the OS and clear the cache regularly. 

5. Re-add the Reolink System From the App

If the Reolink application keeps failing to connect to the monitoring system, there could be an issue with the system profile in the app. 

So, we recommend removing and re-adding the Reolink NVR from the application, which will erase all custom user-assigned settings.

How to Remove the NVR From the App:

• Open the Reolink app and navigate to the device list.
• Tap the gear icon to access the NVR Settings page.
• Tap “Delete” to remove the Reolink NVR from the app.
• Confirm the deletion, then close and reopen the app.

How to Re-add the NVR From the App:

• Launch the Reolink app and tap the “+” button in the top right.
• Scan the QR code on the outer panel of the NVR or NVR box.
• (Notice) For NVR Kits, the QR code adds the whole system.
• Follow the prompts to complete the Reolink setup and connect.

Note: Do not adjust any monitoring settings within the app without knowing what they change!

6. Deactivate VPN on your Smartphone

A VPN might block the Reolink app from connecting to your NVR by redirecting your network traffic, leading to connection failures.

Let’s turn off the VPN to fix this issue and get your app communicating with the NVR again.

How to Disable a Built-In VPN:

Access the settings app of your phone, locate the VPN section, and temporarily set the VPN connection to “Off”.

Restart the NVR and check the connection within the Reolink application to determine if the app is still offline. 

How to Disable an External VPN:

Open the VPN app on your smartphone, check for a deactivation feature on the homepage, close the app fully, and remove Reolink from the temporary phone storage.

Double-check that no other VPN services are running in the background.

Note: We also recommend resetting the network settings of your smartphone, which will erase all Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular data. 

7. Reset the Reolink NVR User Settings

If the Reolink app is not connecting to the NVR after attempting all solutions so far, a factory reset might resolve the issue by restoring the DVR to default settings.

The steps below will work for a Reolink NVR for any of these series: RLN8-410, RLN16-410, RLN36, and RLN12W.

How to Reset RLN12W via Reset Button:

• Ensure the RLN12W NVR is powered on before starting.
• Locate the Reset button on the back of the Reolink NVR.
• Next, hold the Reset button until you hear a “beep” sound.
• Wait for the Initialization Wizard to appear on the monitor.

Reset RLN8-410, RLN16-410, RLN36 via Reset Button:

• Power off the NVR and remove the outer case with a screwdriver.
• Locate the reset button on the right or left socket within the panel.
• Now, press the Reset button for 10 seconds until you hear a “beep”.
• After that, check for the Initialization Wizard to confirm the reset.

Note: Do not interact with the NVR while it is still powered off after the reset.