Reolink App Won't Connect? Let's Get You Back Online
The Reolink app is the gateway to your security cameras, allowing you to view live feeds, play back recordings, and receive alerts from anywhere. When the app fails to connect, it can be alarming. Whether you're seeing a "Connection Failed" message or the camera simply shows as "Offline," this guide will help you systematically troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Connection problems can originate from your phone, the camera, or the network in between. We'll check all three.
Step 1: Check the Fundamentals (Camera & Network)
Before blaming the app, let's ensure the camera itself is online and accessible.
### Power and Network Check
- Power: Is the camera receiving power? Check for status LEDs on the camera. If there are no lights, check the power adapter, cable, or PoE (Power over Ethernet) source.
- Network Cable: For wired cameras, ensure the Ethernet cable is securely clicked into both the camera and the router/NVR port. Try a different port to rule out a bad one.
- Wi-Fi: For wireless cameras, is it within range of your Wi-Fi router? Have you recently changed your Wi-Fi password? If so, you will need to reconnect the camera with the new credentials.
### The Reboot Sequence
This is the most effective first step for any network device.
- Power off your Reolink camera (unplug it).
- Unplug your internet modem and your Wi-Fi router.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug in the modem first. Wait for it to fully connect.
- Plug in the router. Wait for it to fully boot.
- Power your camera back on. Wait at least 2 minutes for it to initialise and connect to your network.
Now, open the Reolink app and check if the connection is restored.
Step 2: Local vs. Remote Connection Test
This is a crucial diagnostic step.
- Local Connection: Connect your smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network that your Reolink camera is on. Open the app. Does it connect now?
- Remote Connection: Disconnect your phone from Wi-Fi and use your mobile data (4G/5G). Try to connect.
### If it works on Local Wi-Fi but NOT on Mobile Data:
This points to a problem with the camera's remote access (P2P/UID) functionality.
- Check UID Setting: Log into your camera's settings (you may need to use the Reolink desktop client if you can't access it via the app). Navigate to Network > Advanced. Ensure the 'UID Enabled' checkbox is ticked. If it's off, the camera will not be accessible from outside your local network.
- Check DNS Settings: A bad DNS server can prevent the camera from contacting the Reolink P2P server. In the camera's network settings, try changing the DNS server to a public one, like
8.8.8.8.
### If it does NOT work on Local Wi-Fi:
This means the camera itself is not properly on your network. The issue is not with the app, but with the camera's basic connectivity. Go back to Step 1 and re-verify its power and network connection. You may need to reset the camera and set it up again.
Step 3: Troubleshoot the Reolink App
If the camera seems fine and is accessible on the local network, the issue might be with the app on your phone.
### Update the App
Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and ensure you have the latest version of the Reolink app installed.
### Force Quit and Relaunch
A simple restart can clear temporary glitches. Swipe the app away from your phone's recent apps screen, then tap the icon to open it fresh.
### Re-add the Device
As a final step, you can try removing the camera from your app and adding it again.
- In the Reolink app, go to Device Settings for the problematic camera.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap 'Delete'.
- Tap the '+' icon to add a new device.
- Scan the UID QR code on the camera and follow the prompts to add it back to your device list.
By methodically testing the camera's status, your network, and the app, you can efficiently find the point of failure and get your Reolink app connecting reliably again.