Your Reolink Camera Stopped Working? (Here’s the Easy Fix!)

You’ve set up your trusted home security but suddenly the Reolink camera stopped working? 

The malfunction of your Reolink camera can be a severe threat to your home’s security, and it often happens due to connection, power supply, or storage issues.

So, our quick guide will cover:

• Unique solutions for connection issues
• In-depth, power supply troubleshooting
• Identification and removal of data issues

How to Fix When a Reolink Camera Stopped Working?

Note: Try not to skip any of the solutions!

[Part 1] – Check the Reolink Internet Connection

First, things first–Reolink’s base camera models can connect over Ethernet or Wi-Fi (wireless). Most Reolink cameras function like a standard IP camera and receive power over the Ethernet cable.

In contrast, hardwired Reolink cameras receive both power supply and internet over the Ethernet cable. A connection of this type is also called “PoE” and typically uses a DVR or NVR.

Alternatively, the default way of connecting a PoE camera is to plug it into one of the yellow data ports on your network router.

Hence, using Reolink Wi-Fi NVR for setup only requires physically connecting the camera until the Wi-Fi data is collected. 

1.1 How to Check Reolink Camera PoE Connection?

To check if the Reolink camera is connected to the internet or not is through the Reolink app. 

Launch the app on your Android or iOS device, then go to “Device Settings” → “Device Info” → “Network Info”.

There should be information about the Reolink camera’s connection status.

1.2 How to Check Reolink Camera Wi-Fi Connection?

Checking Reolink’s Wi-Fi requires checking it through the router GUI.

First, open the Reolink app, go to “Device Settings” → “Device Info” and type down the camera’s MAC address.

Then, find the router’s default gateway on a sticker, type it into your browser, and use “admin” for both the username and password fields to connect.

After that, navigate to the Wi-Fi settings page and navigate to “DHCP Server”. 

If the camera is connected, you should be able to find a matching MAC address as the one within the app.

1.3 How to Fix Reolink Camera Ethernet Issues?

Here are some working solutions for Ethernet faults:

• Check if your cable’s adapter is blinking on both ends.
• Ensure the cable is secured with the NVR or the DVR.
• Connecting the cable to a different port on the storage.
• Try installing an alternative Ethernet cable with the unit.

1.4 How to Fix Reolink Camera Wi-Fi Issues?

Follow these steps to address issues with the Wi-Fi:

• Verify the Reolink camera is within the router’s range.
• Connect the Reolink camera only to a 2.4 GHz thread.
• Perform a power cycle on the router for ~60 seconds.
• Check if nearby devices are interfering with the Wi-Fi.
• Reducing the overall bandwidth usage of the network.

Note: Reolink cameras support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi threads.

[Part 2] – Check Reolink for Power Supply Issues

Apart from internet faults, the Reolink camera not working could also be caused by an unstable power supply.

Once again, IP and wireless Reolink security camera models use a different type of connection and thus, the solutions may be different from model to model.

How to Fix Power Issues with a PoE Reolink Camera?

As established, Reolink IP cameras use the Ethernet connection for both the internet and the power supply.

A potential fault with the Ethernet cable connection or the equipment’s installation could cause the camera to behave abnormally.

We recommend the following:

• Check the camera’s Ethernet port on the side.
• Power cycle the DVR, NVR, or the input device.

Troubleshooting power and internet issues on PoE cameras are practically identical, as the cable is used to deliver both power supply and internet to the device. 

How to Fix Power Issues with a Wi-Fi Reolink Camera?

Unlike PoE IP security cameras, wireless models use non-rechargeable batteries instead.

This means that upon losing efficiency, the batteries may cause the camera to reboot periodically, shut down, or stop working for prolonged periods. 

In case of a power problem, try this:

• Remove the camera’s batteries for 15–30 seconds.
• Check if there’s a fault with the terminal’s contacts.
• Ensure the camera battery is inserted appropriately.
• Try installing a new CR123A or an RCR123A battery.

Tip: When browsing for new batteries, take the old battery to purchase an identical replacement. 

[Part 3] – Diagnose Storage Issues with Reolink

IP and Wi-Fi Reolink cameras have different procedures for storing recordings.

Based on your camera’s installation, either Wi-Fi, NVR, or router, the live feed and motion detection recordings are stored differently.

Here are several tips for addressing Reolink storage issues! 

3.1 Power Cycle NVR or Router

So, if you have a PoE camera, proceed to perform a power cycle on the NVR that assigns your camera to the local network.

Unplug the device’s power adapter for approximately 60 seconds and check if the camera’s live feed and recordings storage are now accessible.

3.2 Reinsert Reolink’s SD Card

Well, if the camera works over Wi-Fi, then all of the recordings will be stored on an SD card, whose storage you can view through the mobile app.

Locate the SD compartment on the side, undo the screws to loosen it, and press the release latch to temporarily remove the SD card. 

3.3 Reinstall the Reolink Application

Reinstalling the Reolink app on your smartphone is a proven way to solve any type of storage issues, for both SD and NVR installations.

Remove the app from your smartphone, reinstall it through the App Store/Google Play, and check if you can access the live feed and recordings.

[Part 4] – Reset the Camera to Default Settings

In case your Reolink camera stopped working suddenly, without proper reasoning, maybe you must have performed a factory reset all along.

This is a last resort solution–it erases all data and content on your camera, but will only work if the device is working under any variety.

Here’s how to perform a factory reset on the Reolink camera:

1. Locate the SD compartment on the side of the camera.
2. Use a compatible screwdriver to loosen the side screws.
3. Remove the compartment cover to show the SD card slot.
4. Find the RESET button right next to the SD compartment.
5. Hold the button for roughly ~15 seconds to start the reset.
6. Wait for the camera to blink or flash, based on the model.

Note: Verify the camera is connected to power before initiating the factory reset!