Your Reolink App Is Not Working? Here's What to Do
If your Reolink app is unresponsive, crashing, or failing to load camera feeds, you're not alone. This guide provides UK-specific solutions tailored to Reolink's unique features like Network status diagnostics, Device info menus, and Push notification test tools. Whether you're using a battery-powered Argus Track or a RLC-1212A PoE camera, these steps address common causes like outdated firmware, incorrect Wi-Fi settings, or app cache issues.
Key Takeaways
- Model-specific reset procedures for Argus Track and Reolink Video Doorbell
- Transformer voltage checks for RLC-1212A PoE models
- UK-specific router configurations for single SSID networks
- Firmware update verification via the app's Device info menu
- App cache clearing and reinstallation steps for Android and iOS
Quick Fixes to Try First
Before diving into complex diagnostics, try these 30-second checks to resolve common issues:
- Power cycle your camera: Unplug the device for 30 seconds, then reconnect. For Argus Track, ensure the battery is charged to 20% or more.
- Restart the Reolink app: Force-close the app from your phone's task manager, then reopen it.
- Check LED status: A solid green light on Reolink Video Doorbell indicates proper power; blinking red suggests a connectivity issue.
- Verify power cable/battery: For RLC-1212A, confirm the PoE transformer is supplying 16-24V AC at the junction box.
- Check app login: If the app prompts for re-authentication, ensure your Reolink account credentials are correct and not locked.
Deep Troubleshooting: Step-by-Step Fixes
Check Your Reolink Camera's Wi-Fi Band Settings
Reolink devices like Argus Track and Reolink Video Doorbell support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands. However, UK ISP routers often use a single SSID for both bands, which can cause connectivity issues.
- For battery-powered models (e.g. Argus Track):
- Open the Reolink app, navigate to Device info, and check the Network status.
- If the camera is connected to 5GHz, switch it to 2.4GHz by accessing the Wi-Fi settings in the app.
- For PoE models (e.g. RLC-1212A):
- Ensure the camera is on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.
- Avoid using 5GHz if your router uses a single SSID — this can cause signal instability.
Update Your Reolink Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause the Reolink app to crash or fail to load camera feeds. Follow these steps to ensure your device is up to date:
- Open the Reolink app and go to Device info.
- Tap Firmware update check.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
- Restart the camera after the update completes.
Note: Firmware updates for Reolink Video Doorbell models require a stable Wi-Fi connection and a fully charged battery.
Verify App Cache and Reinstall the Reolink App
Corrupted app cache or outdated app versions can cause crashes or login failures. Clear the cache or reinstall the app as follows:
- Android users:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Reolink → Storage → Clear Cache.
- If the app still crashes, uninstall and reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
- iOS users:
- Open Settings → General → iPhone Storage → Reolink → Offload App.
- Reinstall the app from the App Store.
Reset Your Reolink Camera (Model-Specific)
If basic steps fail, perform a factory reset using model-specific procedures:
- For Argus Track (battery-powered):
- Locate the Reset button on the camera's side.
- Press and hold it for more than 5 seconds until the LED flashes rapidly.
- Re-pair the device via the app's Add Device menu.
- For Reolink Video Doorbell (PoE):
- Use a paperclip to press the Reset button inside the camera's housing.
- Wait for a short music tone to confirm the reset.
- Re-pair the device via the app's Add Device menu.
- For RLC-1212A (PoE):
- Press and hold the Reset button for 10 seconds.
- Ensure the PoE transformer is functioning correctly after the reset.
Check for App-Specific Connectivity Issues
Use the Reolink app's Push notification test to verify backend connectivity:
- Open the app and navigate to Device info.
- Tap Push notification test.
- If the test fails, check your Wi-Fi settings or contact Reolink support via https://support.reolink.com.
Advanced Diagnostics: When Basic Fixes Fail
Review Device Health Logs
If the app still crashes or shows cameras as offline, check the Device Health section for error logs:
- Open the Reolink app and go to Device info.
- Tap Device Health to view system diagnostics.
- Look for errors related to RSSI signal strength, firmware compatibility, or network instability.
Contact Reolink Support
If troubleshooting steps fail, reach out to Reolink's UK support team via https://support.reolink.com. Provide the following details:
- Model of your camera (e.g. Argus Track, RLC-1212A)
- Firmware version (found in Device info)
- Screenshots of the app's Device Health and Network status
- Steps you've already tried
Root Causes of Reolink App Issues
Common causes include:
- Outdated firmware: Ensure your camera's firmware matches the latest version in the app's Firmware update check menu.
- Incorrect Wi-Fi settings: UK routers often use a single SSID for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, which can cause instability.
- Low battery: Argus Track models may fail if the battery drops below 20%.
- Transformer voltage issues: RLC-1212A PoE cameras require 16-24V AC from the junction box.
- App cache corruption: Clearing the app cache or reinstalling the app resolves many crashes.
Prevention and Long-Term Care
Prevent future issues by following these best practices:
- Regular firmware updates: Check the Firmware update check menu monthly.
- Use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: Avoid 5GHz bands unless your router uses separate SSIDs.
- Monitor battery levels: Charge Argus Track models fully before extended use.
- Check PoE transformer voltage: Ensure RLC-1212A models have a stable power supply.
Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this — the frustration of cameras that depend on Wi-Fi to function. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via Ethernet, eliminating connectivity issues caused by unstable Wi-Fi networks.
Replacement Decisions: When to Replace Your Reolink Camera
Most Reolink cameras last 3-5 years for battery-powered models and 5-8 years for wired models. Signs it's time to replace include:
- Battery-powered models (e.g. Argus Track) showing less than 20% battery capacity after 300-500 charge cycles.
- Wired models (e.g. RLC-1212A) with firmware end-of-life (EOL) or sensor degradation.
- NVR HDDs failing after 3-5 years of continuous use.
Under the UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have 6 years to claim faulty goods (5 years in Scotland). If your camera is under warranty, contact Reolink support directly.