Reolink Camera Keeps Disconnecting? (Let’s Fix It Fast)

reolink camera keeps disconnecting

If your Reolink camera keeps disconnecting, don’t worry and continue reading this guide ahead!

A security camera that’s losing reception can be more than just frustrating – it could unlock a feeling of vulnerability.

If your Reolink camera does not remain connected, this could often be related to the Wi-Fi thread, the Reolink app, or even the network equipment or installation.

Let’s advance further into the guide and discover solutions!

Reolink Camera Keeps Disconnecting – Proven Solutions

Tip: Have you tried rebooting the camera to check if it will reconnect by itself?

1. Switch Reolink’s Wi-Fi Thread (2.4/5 GHz)

switch reolink’s wi-fi thread (2.4/5 ghz)

Dual-band compatibility is an exceptional feature of the Reolink cameras, as it allows them to connect with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency Wi-Fi.

Hence, for this introduction step, we recommend using the Reolink mobile app to switch the camera across your network’s threads.

Follow these steps to set up Reolink with another thread:

  1. Open the Reolink app on your Android or iPhone.
  2. Next, go to “Device Settings” → “Network page.”
  3. Wait for all of the available Wi-Fi networks to load.
  4. Tap on the opposite thread (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.)
  5. Type the Wi-Fi password and press on “Connect.”
  6. Wait until the Reolink camera’s network is changed.

To identify the threads of your network router, search for “2.4” or “5” in the SSID (hostname) of the Wi-Fi.

The SSID should include the network’s name you’ve assigned upon signing up with your ISP along with either of the values.

2. Switch Reolink to your Phone’s Hotspot

switch reolink to your phone’s hotspot

Pairing to a mobile hotspot is a quick and effortless way to determine if the Reolink camera disconnecting is caused by the network or not. 

As you probably know, a fault with the network equipment or Wi-Fi may cause all of your devices to unpair or degrade their connection performance. 

2.1 How to Enable the Hotspot On Android?

  • Open the “Settings” app on your Android, go to “Mobile Data/Cellular” → “Hotspot” → “Enable” and check the SSID and password for the mobile network.

2.2 How to Enable the Hotspot On iPhone?

  • Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone, head to “Personal Hotspot,” enable “Allow Others to Join” and check the “Wi-Fi Password” field below.

Now, follow the instructions in step #1 to change the Reolink camera’s Wi-Fi to the hotspot of your mobile device. 

3. Charge Reolink to Maximum Capacity

charge reolink to maximum capacity

Unlike IP and hardwired cameras, all Reolink surveillance products use a rechargeable battery unit with an integrated USB port for on-demand charging. 

The approximate time it takes for the Reolink camera’s battery to lose power is between 1–2 months, but that is entirely based on the amount of utilization and usage.

Follow these steps to recharge the Reolink camera’s battery:

  1. Remove the Reolink camera from the wall mount.
  2. Place it on a flat surface and find the battery socket.
  3. Next, pull out the battery and find the charging port.
  4. Use the supplied USB cable to connect the battery.
  5. Plug the other end of the cable into an adapter unit.
  6. Wait for the battery indicator to turn orange and wait.

The Reolink camera will keep charging for as long as the battery indicator is colored orange.

We recommend waiting for at least 20–25 minutes and avoiding all operations with the camera while plugged in as this could decrease battery life and lead to other issues. 

4. Identify Issues with the Network

identify issues with the network

If your Reolink camera keeps disconnecting, this could be emerging from an underlying network-related issue.

There are a variety of steps to try that will improve the performance of your Wi-Fi and hopefully prevent the camera from disconnecting any longer.

Try the following on your network:

  • Unplug the router’s power cord for 50–60 seconds.
  • Reduce the number of paired devices to the Wi-Fi.
  • Disconnect the service cable from the router’s back.
  • Check if the router is experiencing wireless conflicts.
  • Use the router’s QoS settings to prioritize the camera.

When it comes to long-range connections, interference should be always kept in mind as a potential troublemaker.

So, verify that there are no other wireless devices in a 10–15 feet radius from the router as well as metallic surfaces that reflect the signal from its path.

5. Check the Camera’s Antenna Alignment

check the camera’s antenna alignment

Some Reolink camera models may come with a built-in retractable antenna for better signal quality.

Since there won’t be an internal modulator that will scan for the Wi-Fi signal from your wireless network, not extending the antenna properly could cause severe connection issues. 

Where to Find Reolink Camera Antenna?

The antenna on your Reolink camera can be either an extension with a jack connector or a built-in.

The best thing to do is make sure that the antenna is both close to the camera and the Wi-Fi router at the same time.

This will optimize the signal distribution and minimize potential faults.

If the antenna is built-in, you will find it either on the back panel of the camera or on the side.

If it uses an extension cord, follow the cable to find the exact spot if Reolink technicians installed it for you.

How to Properly Extend Built-In Reolink Antenna?

properly extend built-in reolink antenna

Once you’ve found the antenna on the rear or side of your camera, get a hold of the retractable end and gently pull it outwards until it is extended fully. 

For this purpose, you may have to remove the camera from the mounting plate if it’s outdoors and mind the antenna’s length and position when placing it back on.

How to Properly Extend Wired Reolink Camera Antenna?

If the antenna does not remain attached to your camera but plugs in instead, you would prefer to position the antenna’s base in an open position, as close to the router as possible.

If, for example, the wireless router is two rooms away, place the antenna plate right next to the wall.

Note: The average wireless range the Reolink antenna provides is between 50 and 100 feet.

6. Check for Potential Reolink App Issues

check for potential reolink app issues

In some rare cases, the repeated reception losses of your Reolink camera may be related to an inconsistency with the Reolink mobile app.

Fortunately, there’s an abundance of easy solutions:

  • Clear the generated excess cache files of the app.
  • Ensure the Reolink app is at the most current OS.
  • Restart your device and reconnect with the Wi-Fi.
  • Ensure your Android/iPhone’s firmware is updated.
  • Reinstall the Reolink app from your phone and test.

Tip: If prompted, allow “Automatic Updates” for the Reolink app during the reinstallation.

7. Factory Reset the Reolink Camera

factory reset the reolink camera

Perhaps, all your camera needs is a factory reset to start working properly again.

All you have to do is remove it from the mount, locate the “RESET” button on the back, and press it for a continuous amount of time until the device’s OS gets erased.

  • Hold the “RESET” button on the back of the Reolink camera for 10–15 seconds until the power indicator goes off, and the device enters the “Resetting” regime.

After about a minute, your camera should start back up with all of its functionalities still intact, but you will be prompted to complete the initial setup within the app.

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