Reolink Doorbell Not Connecting To NVR? (Solve It Now!)

If your Reolink Doorbell not connecting to NVR, it can disrupt your ability to record or view security footage.
Issues like network problems, wrong NVR settings, or power faults might cause the Reolink Doorbell to have a connection fault.
This guide addresses the Reolink Doorbell connection to NVR, which can only be added via the NVR menu when a monitor is attached to the NVR for setup.
Keep reading as we outline professional solutions!
Reolink Doorbell Not Connecting to NVR – 8 Unique Solutions!
Note: Have you tried power cycling the Reolink NVR and Wi-Fi or PoE doorbell camera?
1. Connect the Doorbell Over the NVR GUI (Wi-Fi & PoE)
Whether you have a PoE or Wi-Fi Reolink Doorbell, the only way to register it in your NVR system is through the NVR settings.
The doorbell is identified as a standard Reolink camera in the Reolink Client, and you can only assign the device locally through the NVR settings.
To start the setup, sign in to the NVR, navigate to the IP channel menu, select Auto Add, and click Scan to search for the Reolink Wi-Fi/PoE doorbell.
- You can add both PoE (Ethernet) and Wi-Fi Reolink doorbells to the NVR.
1.1 How to Add PoE Reolink Doorbell to NVR:
- Connect the doorbell to the PoE NVR using an Ethernet cable.
- Ensure the NVR is connected to the router via a network cable.
- In the NVR’s IP channel menu, scan and auto-add the doorbell.
1.2 How to Add Wi-Fi Reolink Doorbell to NVR:
- Connect the doorbell to the router via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Pair the NVR to the same router with a network cable.
- Scan for the doorbell in the NVR’s IP channel menu.
Note: If you have connected a Wi-Fi Reolink camera, all footage will be stored on the microSD storage, while the live feed is accessible through the NVR console monitor.
2. Check the Reolink NVR Compatibility (Wi-Fi PoE)
The Reolink Doorbell could encounter connectivity issues due to an incompatible NVR model.
So, the next step is to check the NVR model and hardware version to ensure it is fully compatible with your PoE or Wi-Fi Reolink doorbell.
The table below lists NVR models compatible with the Reolink Video Doorbell (PoE D340P, WiFi D340W, Battery D340B):
Supported NVR Models and Hardware Versions | |
NVR Model: | Hardware Version: |
RLN8-410 | N2MB02, H3MB18, N3MB01, N7MB01 |
RLN16-410 | H3MB18, N6MB01 |
RLN36 | N5MB01 |
RLN12W | All versions |
Tip: You can either use the Reolink mobile application or the Reolink client to check the system information of the NVR (model and hardware version):
2.1 Check NVR Model and Hardware via Reolink App:
Note: The NVR must be registered as a device in your account to check the details.
Launch the app, log into your NVR, tap the gear icon for NVR settings, scroll up, and select Device Info to view the System Information.
It includes the model and hardware version, so compare with supported models, for example, RLN8-410/H3MB18.
2.2 Check NVR Model and Hardware via Reolink Client:
Open the Reolink Client, log into the NVR, navigate to Device Settings > System > Info, and note the model and hardware number displayed in the tab.
Use the reference table from above to check if the NVR is compatible.
Note: If the information of your NVR does not match either of the supported versions, consider upgrading the firmware or equipment.
3. Pair the NVR & Doorbell to the Same Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi)
If your Wi-Fi Reolink Doorbell is still refusing to connect, it could be on a different network from the NVR, resulting in the so-called Wi-Fi mismatch.
The NVR can be connected via Ethernet and Wi-Fi simultaneously, allowing you to adjust Wi-Fi settings while maintaining a stable Ethernet connection to the router.
3.1 How to Update the NVR Wi-Fi Settings:
- Sign in to the NVR and go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi.
- Click the Settings icon to modify the Wi-Fi configuration.
- Choose the same network as the Reolink Doorbell below.
- Update the Wi-Fi name and password, then press Apply.
3.2 How to Update the Reolink Doorbell Wi-Fi:
- Access the Reolink app, tap the doorbell and go to Wi-Fi Setup.
- Next, choose the same Wi-Fi network as the NVR from the list.
- After that, save the changes and attempt to re-add the doorbell.
Note: Double-check the Wi-Fi connection strength of the Reolink NVR and doorbell.
4. Add the Doorbell Manually Over IP Address (Wi-Fi)
One of the reasons why the NVR won’t connect to Reolink Doorbell is due to limited internet passthrough.
Manually adding the doorbell using the IP address of the device assigned by the network router can direct the connection and bypass existing Wi-Fi congestion.
Step 1: Connect the Doorbell Physically to the NVR
Since the doorbell is still unable to communicate with the NVR wirelessly, you must connect the Reolink Doorbell over an Ethernet cable passed through a PoE switch or an injector to the NVR.
For this purpose, unmount the doorbell and place it next to the NVR PoE inputs.
Step 2: Find the Doorbell IP Address in the App
- Open the Reolink app and go to the doorbell’s settings.
- Next, navigate to Device Info under the settings menu.
- Note the IP address listed under System Information.
Step 3: Add the Doorbell Using the IP Address
- Log in to the NVR via the monitor and go to IP Channel settings.
- Select Add Device Manually, then enter the doorbell IP address.
- Apply the settings and check the NVR monitor for the device feed.
Now, check if the Reolink Doorbell live feed appears under “Devices” and place the device back on your front door mount.
Wait a few seconds, then check the doorbell status in the NVR again.
5. Update the Reolink NVR Firmware (Wi-Fi & PoE)
An outdated firmware might be causing compatibility issues and preventing synchronization between your doorbell and the NVR.
Updating the NVR firmware ensures it supports the doorbell features and maintains a stable connection.
- Reolink NVRs with hardware versions H3MB02, H3MB06, or H3MB16 do not support online upgrades and require manual updates.
5.1 How to Update Firmware via Reolink Client:
- Sign in to your NVR on the Reolink Client and click the gear icon.
- Go to System → Maintenance → Firmware Update in the settings.
- Click Check for Latest Version and follow the on-screen prompts.
5.2 How to Update Firmware via NVR Monitor:
- First, connect the NVR to a monitor via HDMI or VGA and sign in.
- Right-click, select the gear icon, and go to System > Maintenance.
- Now, choose Check for Latest Version, then follow the instructions.
Even if the NVR firmware status says “Up-to-date”, it could sometimes be inaccurate if the client is experiencing connection dropouts or interruptions.
If you are unable to finalize the NVR firmware update, it’s best to get in touch with Reolink customer support.
Note: The NVR will reboot and power off during the update. Do not unplug or interact with the device in any way.
6. Confirm the Reolink NVR Camera Capacity (Wi-Fi & PoE)
Another reason why the doorbell fails to connect is that the NVR has reached the camera capacity limit, as each model has limits based on channels and power constraints.
Understanding the NVR channel limits and power capabilities helps create your security system without exceeding the device limitations.
6.1 How to Verify NVR Channel and Port Limits:
Channels determine how many camera feeds the NVR can display, while ports limit physical connections.
For example, RLN8-410 (H3MB18) has 8 ports but supports 12 channels (8 wired + 4 battery Wi-Fi).
Check the NVR model and hardware version in the Device Information page via the client or application to confirm available capacity for the doorbell and the rest of the Reolink cameras.
6.2 How to Check Special Models and Power Constraints:
Dual-lens cameras like the Reolink Duo (1st gen) take 2 channels, so an RLN8-410 (H3MB18) with 12 channels can only support up to 6 Duo cameras.
High-power models like RLC-823A or Floodlight PoE also strain power, limiting RLN8-410 to 3 such cameras, for example, 1 RLC-823A + 7 PoE cameras.
Verify the power limits of the NVR and channel usage to ensure the doorbell can be added without overloading the system.
7. Reset the Reolink Doorbell To Defaults (Wi-Fi & PoE)
A factory reset might resolve most issues with the Reolink Doorbell by clearing software glitches and restoring default settings.
This process varies slightly depending on whether you have a WiFi/PoE or battery-powered Reolink Doorbell model, but both methods return the device to its initial state.
7.1 How to Reset Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi/PoE:
For WiFi (D340W) or PoE (D340P) models, use the reset button to restore factory settings.
- Locate the Reset button on the back of the Reolink Doorbell.
- Next, press and hold the button using a paperclip or fingernail.
- Release after hearing a short music or voice prompt (WiFi only).
7.2 How to Reset Reolink Video Doorbell (Battery):
For the battery-powered model (D340B), the Power and Reset buttons are the same but function differently based on the press method:
- First, verify that the doorbell is powered on.
- Press the button three times in a row quickly.
- Wait for the device to reset to factory settings.
Note: We do not recommend restoring the NVR to default settings, as this wipes all device profiles, existing recordings, and schedules.
8. Consider a Continuous Wired Solution (Wi-Fi)
If the Reolink Doorbell not connecting to NVR problem persists, consider switching to a wired connection, as the issue can be on a wireless level.
The Reolink wireless doorbell (WiFi D340W) can be converted to a PoE setup since it includes an Ethernet port, allowing a direct connection to the NVR.
Connect the doorbell to a PoE switch or injector using an Ethernet cable, then link the switch to the NVR.
This weird setup bypasses Wi-Fi issues, and you can add the doorbell via the NVR menu, confirming the feed appears on the monitor.
Note: Consider wiring and routing options for the Ethernet cable before starting the conversion.

Finn Wheatley, a Master’s graduate in Computer Science from UCL, London, honed his skills at small data science consultancies. There, he helped large corporations enhance their data capabilities by deploying cutting-edge machine learning analytics and resolving technical hurdles.