How to Fix a Reolink Camera That Keeps Going Offline
A security camera that constantly goes offline is unreliable and defeats its purpose. If your Reolink camera is frequently disconnecting, showing an "offline" status in the app, or failing to provide a live feed, the problem is almost always related to one of three things: the power supply, the Wi-Fi connection, or the network hardware.
This guide will provide you with a systematic way to troubleshoot your offline Reolink camera and restore a stable, reliable connection.
## 1. Start with the Power Source
Before you blame the network, it's essential to rule out any power-related issues. An unstable power supply can cause the camera to reboot or disconnect randomly.
- Check All Connections: Ensure the power cable is securely fastened to the camera and the power adapter is firmly plugged into a working wall outlet. If the camera is outdoors, check that the connections are protected from moisture.
- Inspect the Equipment: Look for any visible damage to the power cable or adapter. A frayed cable can cause intermittent power loss.
- Test the Outlet: Plug another device (like a lamp or phone charger) into the same power outlet to confirm that the outlet itself is providing consistent power.
- Swap the Power Supply: If you have another compatible Reolink camera, try swapping the power adapter and cable. If the problem moves to the other camera, you know you have a faulty power supply that needs to be replaced.
## 2. Diagnose the Wi-Fi Signal
An unstable Wi-Fi connection is the single most common cause of cameras going offline.
- Check Signal Strength: The Reolink app allows you to check the Wi-Fi signal strength of your camera. If it's consistently low (one or two bars), the camera is struggling to maintain a connection.
- Location is Everything: The distance and number of obstacles between your camera and your Wi-Fi router directly impact signal strength. Thick walls (brick, concrete), metal siding, and even large appliances can block the signal.
- The Relocation Test: To determine if a weak signal is the culprit, temporarily bring the camera inside and place it next to your router. If it stays online without any issues, you've confirmed the problem is with the Wi-Fi signal at its original location.
- The Solution for Weak Wi-Fi: If the signal is too weak, you need to strengthen it. You can either move your router to a more central location or, more effectively, install a Wi-Fi range extender or a mesh Wi-Fi system to provide better coverage to the area where the camera is installed.
## 3. Reboot and Update Your Network Gear
Sometimes the issue isn't the camera, but a temporary glitch in your network hardware.
- Reboot the Camera: The simplest first step is to reboot the camera itself. You can usually do this through the Reolink app, or by simply unplugging it from power for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
- Reboot Your Router: This is a crucial step. Your router manages all the connections in your home, and rebooting it can clear memory leaks or minor errors that may be affecting the camera. Unplug your router from power, wait a full minute, and then plug it back in.
- Update Firmware: Ensure both your camera and your router are running on their latest firmware. Manufacturers release updates to fix bugs that can improve stability and performance. Check for camera firmware updates in the Reolink app and check your router manufacturer's website for instructions on updating its firmware.
## 4. The Final Resort: Factory Reset
If you have exhausted all the options above, a factory reset will return the camera to its original settings.
- How to Reset: Locate the physical reset button on your camera. You will typically need to press and hold it for about 10-15 seconds until you hear a sound or see the status lights change.
- Re-run Setup: After a reset, you will need to delete the camera from your Reolink app and go through the entire initial setup process again, including reconnecting it to your Wi-Fi network.
By following these steps methodically, you can identify the root cause of the disconnections and get your Reolink camera back online for good.