How to Tell if Your Reolink Camera is Actually Broken
When your Reolink camera stops working, it's easy to assume the worst: that the camera is broken and needs replacing. However, many issues that seem like catastrophic hardware failures are actually caused by simpler problems with power, cables, or network connections. Before you declare your camera broken, it's essential to perform some structured troubleshooting.
This guide will help you diagnose the problem, distinguish between a fixable issue and a true hardware failure, and determine your next steps.
Step 1: The First Rule - Check the Power Source
A camera that won't turn on is the most common symptom, and the issue is often not with the camera itself.
### For DC-Powered (Plug-in) Cameras:
- Test the Power Outlet: Plug a different device, like a lamp or phone charger, into the same electrical socket to confirm the outlet is working.
- Inspect the Power Adapter: Check the power adapter and its cable for any visible signs of damage, such as cuts, kinks, or frayed wires.
- Try a Different Adapter: If you have another device that uses the same type of power adapter (check the voltage and amperage ratings to ensure it's compatible), try using it to power the Reolink camera. If the camera powers on with a different adapter, you've found the problem.
### For Power over Ethernet (PoE) Cameras:
- Check the NVR/Switch Port: Look at the port on your Reolink NVR or PoE switch where the camera is connected. Is the link light illuminated? If not, try plugging the camera into a different port.
- Test the Ethernet Cable: The Ethernet cable itself could be faulty. Try using a different, known-good Ethernet cable to connect the camera.
- Isolate the Camera: If possible, connect the camera directly to the NVR or PoE switch with a short patch cable to rule out any issues with long cable runs installed in your walls or ceiling.
Step 2: Look for Signs of Physical or Water Damage
A thorough physical inspection can often reveal if the camera has suffered irreparable damage.
### Inspect the Housing and Lens
- Look for any cracks in the camera's casing or on the lens dome/cover. A significant impact can damage the delicate internal components.
- If the camera has an adjustable bracket, check that it is intact and not broken.
### Check for Water Ingress
- This is a major cause of failure for outdoor cameras. Look for condensation or moisture on the inside of the lens.
- Examine the seals and gaskets around the camera body and where the cables enter. Are they dry and intact?
- If you have a camera with an SD card slot, open the cover and check for any signs of moisture or corrosion in the compartment.
- A water-damaged camera is often permanently broken due to short circuits and corrosion on the mainboard.
Step 3: Assess Night Vision and Image Quality Issues
Sometimes the camera powers on but the image is poor, which can indicate a hardware problem.
- Failed IR Lights: In a dark room, look at the front of the camera. You should see a faint red glow from the infrared (IR) LEDs when night vision is active. If there is no glow and the night vision image is completely black, the IR board may have failed.
- Image Discolouration: If the image has a strong pink, purple, or green tint that doesn't go away after power cycling, the camera's IR-cut filter may be physically stuck. This is a mechanical failure inside the camera.
- Blurry Image: If the image is permanently out of focus and cannot be adjusted (on models with manual focus), the lens mechanism could be damaged.
When to Conclude the Camera is Broken
You can be reasonably certain your Reolink camera is broken if:
- It will not power on after you have definitively confirmed that the power source (adapter, PoE port) and cables are working correctly.
- There are clear signs of physical damage or water ingress.
- Key hardware features (like IR lights or the IR-cut filter) are not functioning, and a factory reset does not resolve the issue.
If you determine your camera is broken, check your warranty status with Reolink. If it's out of warranty, it is usually more cost-effective to replace the unit than to attempt a repair.