Reolink Audio Not Working: Quick Fixes for UK Homeowners
If your Reolink camera or doorbell isn’t capturing or playing back audio, start with these immediate checks. These solutions address the most common causes of audio failure without requiring router changes or advanced diagnostics.
Power Cycle Your Device
Unplug your Reolink device from its power source (or remove the battery if it’s battery-powered) for 30 seconds. Reconnect it and wait 1 minute before testing audio again. This resets the device’s internal circuitry and can resolve temporary audio glitches.
Restart the Reolink App
Close the Reolink App completely and reopen it. On iOS, double-press the home button and swipe up to close the app. On Android, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold, then swipe the app away. A fresh app launch can re-establish audio connections lost during app updates or crashes.
Check LED Status for Battery Issues
For battery-powered models like the Argus Track, look for a red LED on the device. A red light indicates the battery is low and may have disabled audio features. Charge the battery fully via the Reolink App before testing audio again.
Verify Power Cable and Transformer
For wired models like the RLC-1212A, ensure the power cable is securely connected to both the camera and the transformer. Check the transformer’s voltage at the junction box — it must supply 16-24V AC. Use a multimeter to confirm this; incorrect voltage can cause audio failures even if the camera appears online.
Confirm App Login and Permissions
Open the Reolink App and ensure you’re logged in with the correct account. Navigate to Settings → Account to verify your login. Additionally, check that the app has microphone and speaker permissions enabled in your device’s settings. On iOS, go to Settings → Reolink App → Microphone and Bluetooth. On Android, go to Settings → Apps → Reolink → Permissions.
Step-by-Step Audio Troubleshooting
Check Your Reolink Device’s Wi-Fi Band Settings
Ensure 2.4GHz Mode is Enabled
Reolink devices often struggle with audio transmission on 5GHz networks due to higher frequency interference. In the Reolink App, go to Device Settings → Wi-Fi and ensure 2.4GHz mode is selected. For models like the Argus Track (dual-band), this setting is critical for stable audio performance.
For Reolink Video Doorbell (PoE)
If your doorbell is on a 5GHz network, switch it to 2.4GHz. The PoE model only supports Wi-Fi (no Ethernet), so ensure it’s connected to the correct band. If you’re unsure which band your router uses, check the Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone — most routers label 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks separately.
Use the Reolink App’s Device Health Feature
Check Signal Strength (RSSI)
Open the Reolink App and navigate to Device Health → Signal Strength. Look for an RSSI value above -70dBm. Values below this indicate weak signal strength, which can cause audio dropouts or complete failure. If the signal is weak, move the camera closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi extender.
Test Push Notifications
In the Reolink App, go to Device Settings → Push Notifications and select Test. This sends a test alert with audio playback to confirm your device is transmitting sound correctly. If the test fails, the issue may be with the audio codec or a hardware fault.
Update Your Reolink Firmware
Check for Firmware Updates
Firmware updates often resolve audio compatibility issues. In the Reolink App, go to Device Info → Firmware Version and compare it with the latest version on Reolink’s support site. If an update is available, navigate to Settings → Firmware Update and follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure your device remains connected to power during the update to avoid corruption.
For RLC-1212A and Argus Track
These models may require a factory reset before applying a firmware update. For the Argus Track, press and hold the Reset button for more than 5 seconds. For the RLC-1212A, hold the Reset button for 10 seconds. After resetting, reconnect the device to your network and proceed with the firmware update.
Model-Specific Audio Reset Procedures
Argus Track (Battery-Powered)
If audio issues persist, perform a full factory reset. Press and hold the Reset button for more than 5 seconds until the LED flashes rapidly. This clears all settings and allows the device to re-pair with your network. After resetting, enable 2.4GHz mode in the Reolink App and ensure the battery is charged to at least 20%.
Reolink Video Doorbell (Wi-Fi Model)
For Wi-Fi models, use a paperclip to press the reset button until a short music tone plays. This resets the device to factory defaults. Reconnect it to your network and ensure 2.4GHz mode is enabled. If the doorbell is on a 5GHz network, switch bands to improve audio stability.
RLC-1212A (PoE Model)
Hold the Reset button for 10 seconds to restore factory settings. This is necessary for PoE models that may have lost audio functionality due to incorrect network settings. After resetting, ensure the transformer voltage is between 16-24V AC and that the device is connected to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.
Port Forwarding and Network Configuration
Check Port Forwarding Settings
If your Reolink camera is on a private network, ensure the necessary ports are forwarded. Common ports for Reolink devices include 80 (HTTP), 443 (HTTPS), 554 (RTSP), and 8000 (Custom). Access your router’s admin panel (usually via 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and add these ports to the Port Forwarding section. Ensure the destination IP is set to your Reolink camera’s local IP address.
Disable Router Firewalls
Some routers block traffic from Reolink devices due to firewall settings. In your router’s Advanced Settings, disable any firewall rules that apply to Reolink IP addresses or RTSP protocol. This is especially important for models like the RLC-1212A that rely on RTSP streaming for audio transmission.
Advanced Diagnostics and Support
Access Reolink Device Logs
Use the Reolink App’s Diagnostic Tools
Open the Reolink App and navigate to Device Info → Logs. Look for any error messages related to audio transmission or codec failures. These logs can help identify if the issue is software-related (e.g. incompatible firmware) or hardware-related (e.g. faulty microphone). If the logs are unclear, export them to your device and share them with Reolink support via their website.
For RLC-1212A and Argus Track
These models may require hardware diagnostics. For the Argus Track, use the Push Notification Test in the app to confirm the microphone is functioning. If the test fails, the microphone may be damaged. For the RLC-1212A, use a multimeter to check if the microphone port is receiving power. A lack of power indicates a hardware fault.
Contact Reolink Support
If basic troubleshooting fails, visit Reolink’s support site and submit a detailed support ticket. Include the following:
- Model number (e.g. RLC-811A, Argus Track)
- Firmware version
- Reolink App version
- Error logs or screenshots
- Steps you’ve already tried Reolink’s support team can provide model-specific guidance and may request a diagnostic video to assess the issue further.
Root Causes of Reolink Audio Failures
UK-Specific Network Challenges
UK homes with solid brick walls, cavity walls, or double-glazed windows often experience poor Wi-Fi signal penetration. This can cause audio dropouts on Reolink devices like the Argus Track, which rely on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. In such cases, consider wired connections (e.g. RLC-1212A) or Wi-Fi extenders to improve signal strength.
Device-Specific Limitations
Some Reolink models, like the Reolink Video Doorbell (PoE), do not support 5GHz Wi-Fi and may struggle with audio transmission on 2.4GHz networks with high interference. Additionally, battery-powered models like the Argus Track may disable audio features when the battery drops below 20%, as indicated in the Reolink App.
Firmware and Codec Compatibility
Outdated firmware can cause audio issues on Reolink devices. Ensure your camera is running the latest firmware version, as updates often fix audio codec incompatibilities. If the issue began after an update, perform a factory reset and re-pair the device to restore audio functionality.
Prevention and Long-Term Care
Regular Maintenance Checks
- Battery-Powered Models: Charge the battery fully every 3 months, even if not in use. Low battery levels can disable audio features on models like the Argus Track.
- Wired Models: Inspect the power cable and transformer annually for wear or damage. Replace if necessary to avoid voltage fluctuations.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Ensure your Reolink device is on a 2.4GHz network for optimal audio transmission. Avoid placing the camera near metal objects or Wi-Fi extenders that may cause interference.
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.
When to Replace Your Reolink Device
Device Lifespan and Replacement Signs
- Battery-Powered Cameras: Replace after 3-5 years, as battery capacity degrades over time. If the battery no longer holds a charge or audio fails despite full charging, consider upgrading.
- Wired Cameras: Replace after 5-8 years, as sensors may degrade or firmware may reach end-of-life (EOL). Check Reolink’s support site for EOL notices.
- NVR Systems: Replace storage drives every 3-5 years. Use surveillance-rated HDDs (e.g. WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk) for extended durability.
UK Consumer Rights Context
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, UK consumers have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods (5 years in Scotland). If your Reolink device is under warranty and experiencing hardware failures, contact Reolink support for a replacement or repair.