Reolink Camera Not Connecting to WiFi – (Let’s Fix It Fast)

We understand the frustration when your Reolink camera not connecting to WiFi right when you need it most–don’t worry, we got you covered.

Anything from weak signals and network settings to small configuration hiccups could be to blame in this situation.

Before frustration kicks in, there are several effective methods to bring your camera back online and keep your security uninterrupted.

In this guide, you will learn:

How to Fix When Reolink Camera Not Connecting to WiFi? 

Tip: Follow our instructions in consecutive order. 

1. Re-scan Reolink QR Code

You may have accidentally failed to set up your Reolink camera by improperly scanning the QR code on the outer rear panel.

So, to ensure Reolink’s setup carries all the way through without encountering any problems, we recommend re-adding the camera by following our instructions.

Here’s how to successfully re-add the Reolink camera:

1. Launch the Reolink app and tap the “+” symbol.
2. Allow the Reolink app access to the camera app.
3. Now, unmount the Reolink camera from the stand.
4. Scan the QR code on the back of the Reolink unit.
5. Follow the on-screen steps to connect the camera.

If you have a dual-band router, choose the 2.4 GHz SSID of your router’s Wi-Fi during camera setup.

Also, double-check if you haven’t confused the 5 GHz SSID and re-enter your password.

2. Move the Camera Closer

The Reolink camera could refuse to connect due to insufficient distance from the network router!

The indoor and outdoor Reolink cameras both have an approximate range of between 250–300 feet or 80–100 meters, but we always recommend placing them closer than that.

Also, Reolink cameras only function over a metered 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi frequency, so 5 GHz threads won’t work.

Note: 2.4 GHz frequencies cover much more range and extend longer in comparison to 5 GHz.

How to Relocate a Reolink Indoor Cam?

If you have an indoor camera, then you shouldn’t encounter any issues with the relocation.

If, for example, your network router is 2–3 rooms away, verify that the physical distance is under 200 feet, regardless of the physical obstructions such as walls.

How to Relocate a Reolink Outdoor Cam?

Outdoor cameras, on the other end, could be a little more tricky to relocate.

So we recommend relocating your router instead and measuring the average distance between the camera and the router.

The best advice here is simply to elevate your router to a higher level in your room.

3. Optimize Network Accessibility

Your camera requires a consistent and uninterrupted Wi-Fi connection to the network that could be disrupted by a variety of underlying issues. 

So, If you are still wondering why does my Reolink camera not connect, perhaps the Wi-Fi is not accessible or the broadband is down. 

There are several solutions for issues with the network:

• Power circulation: Unplug the network router from the power supply for approximately 60 seconds and check if there are issues with the equipment.
• Bandwidth usage: Unpair unnecessary devices and cease all downloading or uploading through the Wi-Fi network or Ethernet-connected computers.
• Service connection: Check if the network device receives coverage from the ISP by inspecting the RJ-45 connection and the service outlet connection.

Quick Tip: Contact your internet service provider (ISP) if you identify issues with the broadband.

4. Address Application Problems

The Wi-Fi setup failure could indicate a problem with the Reolink application on the smartphone.

Any installation issues that are common for both Android and iOS, such as corrupt cache data, outdated firmware, or missing files, could prevent your Reolink Wi-Fi setup from completing.

Here are several effective tips to resolve Reolink app issues:

Update the Reolink App

Start by navigating into the Google Play or App Store on your smartphone, then navigate to the page of all installed apps.

Locate the Reolink app in the list and press “Update” or “Check for Updates” to begin the procedure.

Clear the Cache/Offload

Proceed with clearing the cache of the Reolink app by navigating to “Settings” → “Storage” → “Apps” → “Reolink” → “Clear Data/Cache” on your Android.

If you’re on an iPhone, you can “offload” the app, which works similarly to clearing the cache through the “Settings” → “General” → “iPhone Storage” → “Reolink” → “Offload”.

Reinstall the App Cleanly

If nothing else worked, a reinstallation would address most of the issues with the Reolink app.

You can uninstall the app through the homepage of your phone and then download the app again through the respective app store on your mobile device. 

Note: Switch the smartphone to Wi-Fi instead of mobile data and verify that the connection is good. 

5. Adjust Network/Wi-Fi Settings

If you’re still seeing the Reolink connection failed WiFi error, it could be related to improper settings management of the network.

The next step is to access the web interface of your router, also referred to as “GUI,” and check if the important settings are configured properly. 

How to Access the Router’s GUI?

Discover the default gateway IP on a sticker located underneath your router, then copy it to your computer.

Launch a web browser, then paste the gateway’s value into the search field.

You can also try visiting http://192.168.0.1/, but if it doesn’t work, you’ll need the exact getaway address.

You should be able to sign in with the default admin/admin or admin/password credentials!

Once you have accessed the GUI, navigate the interface and adjust for the following settings:

Option #1 Band Steering

First, navigate to the “Network” or “Wi-Fi” tab in your router’s GUI and search for “Split Bending,” “Band Steering,” or “Wireless Band”.

Set the feature to “Off” to temporarily split the Wi-Fi network into two individual threads–2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. 

You don’t need to restart the router. Try to connect your Reolink camera to the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.

Option #2 Channel Selection

When the channel of your Wi-Fi is overloaded, especially if there are many other routers in the building where you live, you may need to move to a “less crowded” channel. 

You can manually configure the channel of your router’s 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi to “1”, “6,” or “11” to avoid potential interference with participating wireless devices.

The option is typically located under the “Advanced Wireless Settings” section.

Option #3 SSID & Security

Ensure the “SSID” of your router is set to “Visible” within the “Network” configuration and change the “WPA” to “WPA3” or “WPA2/3-Mixed”.

Option #4 DHCP Management

The DHCP list displays the addresses of all connected devices.

Verify there are no blacklisted IP addresses of the 2.4 GHz DHCP Wi-Fi list and refresh the list. 

If you still can’t connect your Reolink camera, perhaps the issue is not your network!

6. Use the Reolink Client (Workaround)

The Reolink desktop client is an alternative to using the Reolink mobile app for setting up your camera.

The client (software) supports the same functions as the application and functions very well because it’s only available for desktops.

Note: Verify you have a stable Wi-Fi/Ethernet connection on your PC.

Here’s how to use the Reolink Client for Reolink’s setup:

1. Download the client from Reolink’s Download Center.
2. Then, launch the executable and choose a directory.
3. Click the “Plus” symbol right next to “Device” above.
4. Now, select “UID” from the menu under “Add Device”.
5. Unmount your Reolink camera to check the UID value.
6. Input the UID and press “Confirm” from the bottom.
7. Select “Wi-Fi” in the menu and press “Confirm” again.
8. Wait for the Reolink camera to produce a ding noise.
9. Highlight “I have heard ding sounds from the camera”.
10. Press “Next” to create the profile of your Reolink unit.

The UID is the unique identifier of your Reolink camera product.

It can be found on a sticker on the rear-end panel of the Reolink camera, which means it must be taken off from the stand first. 

7. Factory Reset the Reolink Camera

If your Reolink camera is not connecting to WiFi, regardless of what you try, the camera may be facing a critical system failure.

That’s where the factory reset comes into play. 

Similar to other surveillance camera products, Reolink also has a built-in “RESET” button that restores it to default settings.

Warning: ALL data on your camera and app settings will be permanently lost!

Here’s how to access Reolink’s “Reset” button:

1. Unmount the Reolink camera from the stand.
2. Unscrew the SD compartment on the back.
3. Next, press “Reset” right next to the SD slot.
4. Then, release the button after 5–10 seconds.
5. Stop holding after you hear the musical tone.

The musical tone indicates the initiation of the Reolink camera’s factory reset.

So, releasing the button earlier than that, before hearing the musical tone, will not activate the factory restoration.

Note: If your Reolink camera is still not connecting to Wi-Fi, try sharing a mobile hotspot from your smartphone to check whether the camera will connect.