Reolink Doorbell Connection Failed? (Simple Fixes!)

If you have ever run into the frustrating error that states your Reolink doorbell connection failed, you’re not alone. 

The problem is a frequent occurrence on both Wi-Fi and PoE doorbells when attempting to connect the doorbell with the NVR or the mobile app.

This guide covers practical solutions to help you restore a reliable connection and ensure your doorbell works and monitors perfectly at all times.

How to Fix the Reolink Doorbell Connection Failed Error?

Note: Have you tried suspending the power supply of the Reolink doorbell temporarily?

1. Reconnect the Doorbell Ethernet (PoE Doorbell)

A Power over Ethernet (PoE) doorbell requires a stable internet connection over Ethernet with the NVR, for both power and data.

A loose or faulty cable can disrupt video, audio, or the NVR notifications. Reconnecting the cable can effectively resolve the issue and restore functionality.

Here’s how to inspect the Ethernet connection of your PoE doorbell:

• Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the PoE doorbell and switch, and check for faults.
• Reconnect the cable securely to both ends, using a compatible Cat5e or Cat6 cable.
• Restart the doorbell by power cycling the PoE switch and confirm it is online in the app.

After reconnecting, inspect the power input of the Reolink NVR switch, as it must be typically 802.3af standard, for proper operation of the connected doorbells and cameras. 

2. Re-add the Doorbell From the App (PoE & Wi-Fi Doorbell)

The Reolink mobile application allows you to manage PoE, battery, and Wi-Fi doorbells, but if your device refuses to connect, you will have to re-add the profile if it is already registered.

This ensures the app can properly recognize and control your device for the NVR or app monitoring.

Here’s how to remove and re-add a Reolink doorbell from the app:

• Open the Reolink App and tap the gear icon to access the device Settings page.
• Press the Delete option to remove the Wi-Fi doorbell from the Reolink application.
• Next, launch the Reolink app and press the “+” button in the upper-right corner.
• Then, locate the QR code on the doorbell side panel and scan it with your phone.

Note: Verify that your smartphone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the one you are connecting the doorbell to.

3. Troubleshoot Network (Wi-Fi & PoE Doorbell)

Your Reolink Wi-Fi or PoE doorbell relies on a stable internet to connect with the Reolink mobile application and NVR.

So, the next step is to identify potential issues with your router or network installation, posing a threat to the doorbell connection. 

Power Cycle the Router (Wi-Fi & PoE):

Unplug your router, wait ~30 seconds, then plug it back in and allow it to fully reboot before testing. Wait until all of the network lamps are illuminated before testing the doorbell.

Reduce the Network Usage (Wi-Fi & PoE):

Reduce the number of devices using your Wi-Fi to free as much of the network resource as well.

This ensures the doorbell connects and stays connected with sufficient resources.

Reposition the Doorbell Unit (Wi-Fi):

If possible, move the Reolink doorbell as close to the router as possible, in less than 100 feet, especially if the doorbell is on the 5 GHz band.

Check for Wireless Interference (Wi-Fi & PoE):

Temporarily disable all nearby electronics that might interfere with the Wi-Fi signal. We also recommended switching most of the devices to the 2.4 GHz band.

4. Assign a Static IP to the Reolink (PoE Doorbell)

The “Reolink PoE doorbell connection failed” error is often the result of an underlying IP address conflict between your doorbell and one of the devices on the network.

The doorbell might also disconnect from the Wi-Fi frequently, as an indication of existing IP occupation.

Step #1: Access the Router GUI

On a PC connected to your network, open the Command Prompt, type “ipconfig” to find the default gateway, then enter that address into your browser.

Sign in using the default credentials like “admin/admin” or “admin/password”, then access the web interface of the router.

Step #2: Find Reolink in the DHCP List

Navigate to Network → DHCP or DHCP List in the router settings and search for “Reolink” or “Doorbell” in the listed devices below.

Note the MAC address and assigned IP for your device, then select “Assign New Address” or “Change DHCP.”

Step #3: Assign a Unique Static IP

The final step is to input a new IP address for the doorbell that must start with “192.168.1” (one of the network’s subnets), followed by a unique MAC address.

Then, save the changes and note that the doorbell will disconnect during this process.

Confirm the doorbell is online within the app and check if the “Connection Failed” error is still there.

If it is, then your doorbell might require a UID for remote access…

5. Activate UID For Remote Access (Wi-Fi Doorbell)

For some Reolink doorbells, it is necessary to activate the UID (Unique Identifier) on your Wi-Fi to allow remote access via the Reolink App.

This ensures you can monitor your doorbell from anywhere, and the feature can be accessed via the Reolink client on your NVR.

Here’s how to set up the UID for any Wi-Fi Reolink doorbell:

• Open the Reolink Client on your PC and navigate to Device Settings.
• Go to Network Settings, then select the Advanced page in the menu.
• Locate the Enable UID option and turn it on, then register the changes.

Test the remote access via the Reolink App on your phone to confirm the connection is secure.

Double-check if the doorbell is online and your phone can view the live feed via the app.

6. Switch the Reolink Wi-Fi Thread (Wi-Fi Doorbell)

Note: Only proceed with this step if you have a dual-band network router with 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz Wi-Fi.

ZontSound recommends switching the Wi-Fi network of the doorbell from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz or vice versa, to determine if the issue is router or network-related.

You can manage the Wi-Fi of the doorbell via the Reolink app and search for new networks there.

Here’s how to adjust the Wi-Fi settings of the Reolink doorbell:

• Open the Reolink App on your phone.
• Tap the Settings icon for your doorbell.
• Tap the Network section from the menu.
• Select a new Wi-Fi network to pair with.
• Enter the Wi-Fi password and tap Save.

After updating, confirm the doorbell reconnects in the app with a working live feed and notifications.

You can also test the Reolink doorbell on your phone’s mobile hotspot.

7. Change the NVR Streaming Format (PoE Doorbell)

When using a PoE doorbell with an NVR, the default streaming format might cause connectivity issues, especially if the doorbell goes randomly offline in the NVR software.

Adjusting the streaming format ensures consistent video and audio performance for monitoring.

Switching from RTSP to HTTP (FLV) streaming in your NVR software, such as Frigate or Blue Iris, can improve connection reliability for third-party integrations.

This format is less demanding on the network and reduces potential dropouts of your Reolink PoE doorbell.

Note: The solution applies to Reolink Client versions with adjustable format or third-party software, such as Frigate or Blue Iris. 

8. Check the A/C Supply & IR Mode (Wi-Fi & Battery Doorbell)

Insufficient power can cause your Wi-Fi or battery-powered Reolink doorbell to disconnect, especially when IR night mode activates, as it requires extra power.

So, you must ensure that the wireless doorbell receives a stable power supply and temporarily deactivate the IR mode.

8.1 Verify the Power Source:

Check the transformer and upgrade to a 24V, 30VA+ model if it is hardwired with your wireless model for consistent power, and always use the original power adapter of Reolink.

The doorbell might refuse to charge when using a third-party unoriginal adapter.

8.2 Disable the IR Mode:

Open the Reolink app, go to the doorbell’s settings, and turn off the IR lights under the Night Vision options to reduce power consumption.

If issues continue, verify that the power source meets the doorbell requirements or check for newer updates of the firmware version.

9. Reset the Doorbell to Default Settings (PoE & Wi-Fi Doorbell)

If the “Reolink doorbell connection failed” error is still there after attempting all solutions so far, ZontSound recommends an initial factory reset.

The reset process differs slightly between Wi-Fi and PoE and battery-powered models, but both have the same results.

9.1 Reset Reolink Video Doorbell Wi-Fi/PoE (D340W/D340P):

• Find the Reset button on the back of your Wi-Fi or PoE Reolink Doorbell.
• Press and hold the button with a paperclip or fingernail for a few seconds.
• Release when you hear a short music or voice prompt (Wi-Fi models only).

9.2 Reset Reolink Video Doorbell Battery (D340B):

• Ensure the battery-powered doorbell is turned on before starting.
• Now, quickly press the Power/Reset button three times in a row.
• Wait until the doorbell device completes the factory reset process.

After resetting, set up the doorbell again in the Reolink App to reconnect it.

Avoid resetting the NVR itself, as this will erase all profiles, recordings, and schedules, which could disrupt your entire monitoring system.