Reolink Account Locked: What to Do Now
If your Reolink account is locked, you're not alone. This can happen after multiple failed login attempts or due to security policy violations. The good news is there are targeted solutions to unlock your account and restore access. This guide covers brand-specific steps, including Reolink's unique diagnostic tools and model-specific reset procedures, to help you regain control.
Quick Fixes for Reolink Account Lockout
These are the fastest actions to take if your Reolink account is locked:
- Check your login credentials: Ensure your email and password match what was registered. Passwords are case-sensitive and may include special characters.
- Use the 'Forgot Password' feature: In the Reolink App, tap Login → Forgot Password and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your account.
- Verify two-factor authentication (2FA): If 2FA is enabled, ensure you have access to your registered phone number or recovery email. Reolink supports SMS, email, or authenticator app-based 2FA.
- Check for account lockout notifications: Look for emails or in-app messages from Reolink about suspicious activity or account lockouts.
- Restart the Reolink App: Force-close the app and reopen it. This can resolve temporary glitches preventing login.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Reolink Account Lockout
1. Check Reolink App Settings for Account Recovery
- Open the Reolink App and navigate to Account → Security Settings.
- Look for options like Password Recovery or Two-Factor Authentication Management.
- If 2FA is enabled but you've lost access, use the Recovery Email option to request a temporary unlock code.
2. Use Reolink's Device Health Diagnostic
- In the Reolink App, go to Device Health → Network Status.
- Check if your camera is online and connected to the correct Wi-Fi network (2.4GHz preferred for most models).
- If the camera is offline, ensure it's within range of your router and there are no obstructions.
3. Reset Reolink Device via Model-Specific Instructions
- For Argus Track (battery-powered): Press and hold the Reset button for more than 5 seconds until the LED flashes. This restores factory defaults and allows re-pairing via the app.
- For Reolink Video Doorbell (PoE): Use a paperclip to press and hold the Reset button until you hear a short music tone. This resets the device to factory settings.
- For RLC-1212A (wired): Press and hold the Reset button for about 10 seconds to restore factory settings. Ensure the PoE transformer is connected during this process.
4. Update Reolink Firmware via the App
- In the Reolink App, go to Device Info → Firmware Update.
- If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it. Firmware updates can resolve security-related account lockouts.
- Ensure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network during the update process.
5. Contact Reolink Support with Diagnostic Logs
- If the above steps fail, collect diagnostic logs from the app: Network Status → Export Logs.
- Visit https://support.reolink.com/hc/en-us/ and submit a support ticket with:
- Your registered email and device serial numbers
- Timestamps of the lockout event
- Screenshots of any error messages
- Include details about recent changes (e.g. password updates, 2FA activation)
Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Reolink Account Lockouts
1. Re-pair Reolink Devices After Factory Reset
- After resetting your device, open the Reolink App and go to Add Device → Scan for New Devices.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to re-pair your camera. Ensure the device is within range of your Wi-Fi network.
- For Argus Track models, ensure the battery is above 20% during re-pairing.
2. Check for Reolink Account Lockout Policies
- Reolink may temporarily lock accounts after 5 failed login attempts within 1 hour.
- If your account was locked due to suspicious activity, wait 24 hours before attempting to log in again.
- For business accounts, contact Reolink support directly for immediate assistance.
3. Use Reolink's Push Notification Test Feature
- In the Reolink App, go to Device Settings → Push Notification Test.
- This verifies that your account is properly linked to the device and can help identify if the lockout is app-specific or device-related.
- If the test fails, restart your phone and retry the test.
Root Causes of Reolink Account Lockouts
Account lockouts typically stem from one of three causes:
- Failed login attempts: Multiple incorrect passwords or login failures trigger automatic account lockouts.
- Security policy violations: Changing passwords or enabling 2FA without proper setup can sometimes cause temporary lockouts.
- Technical issues: Firmware bugs or app glitches may occasionally trigger false lockouts.
In the UK, additional challenges include:
- Virgin Media Hub 5x routers creating double NAT, which can interfere with remote camera access.
- CGNAT on EE/Three/Vodafone mobile broadband preventing port forwarding for remote access.
- Older UK routers using single SSID for both Wi-Fi bands, which may not support Reolink's dual-band connectivity.
Preventing Future Reolink Account Lockouts
- Enable 2FA with backup options: Set up both SMS and email recovery for two-factor authentication.
- Update firmware regularly: Check for updates in the Reolink App under Device Info → Firmware Update.
- Monitor account activity: Use the Reolink App's Account → Security Settings to review login history and device connections.
- Store passwords securely: Use a password manager to avoid forgetting credentials.
Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this—the frustration of cameras that depend on secure account access to function. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via Ethernet, eliminating the need for frequent password resets or account recovery.
When to Replace Your Reolink Device
If your Reolink account lockout is due to hardware failure (e.g. unresponsive device after reset), consider replacement:
- Battery-powered cameras (e.g. Argus Track): Replace after 3–5 years due to battery degradation.
- Wired cameras (e.g. RLC-1212A): Replace after 5–8 years due to sensor or firmware obsolescence.
- NVR systems: Replace if HDDs show signs of failure (e.g. slow performance, error messages).
- UK consumer rights: Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods (5 years in Scotland).