Reolink Firmware Update Failed? Try These 7 Fixes First

Reolink Firmware Update Failed? Try These 7 Fixes First

Firmware updates are essential for keeping your Reolink cameras secure and functional. If your update fails midway or doesn't start at all, it's likely due to a combination of network instability, low battery power, or incorrect firmware versions. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to resolve the issue, tailored specifically to Reolink's ecosystem. We'll cover quick fixes, in-depth troubleshooting, and model-specific reset procedures to get your camera back online.

First Steps for Your Reolink Issue

If your Reolink camera's firmware update is failing, start with these 30-second checks to address the most common causes without changing router settings or app configurations:

• Power cycle your camera: Unplug the camera or remove the battery (for battery-powered models like the Argus Track) for 30 seconds, then reconnect. This clears temporary glitches that may interfere with the update process.
• Restart the Reolink App: Close the app completely and reopen it. This refreshes the connection between your phone and the camera, which may resolve app-side issues.
• Check LED status: For models like the Reolink Video Doorbell, a red LED during the update may indicate insufficient power. Ensure the camera is fully charged or connected to a stable power source.
• Verify power cable/battery: For battery-powered models, ensure the battery is above 20% charge. For wired models, check that the transformer at the junction box supplies 16-24V AC.
• Check app login: Ensure you're logged into the Reolink App with the correct account. If you're using a guest account or a third-party app, try logging in with your main account.

These quick steps address the majority of firmware update failures without requiring advanced troubleshooting.

Deep Troubleshooting: Step-by-Step Fixes

If the quick fixes don't resolve the issue, proceed with the following detailed steps tailored to Reolink's ecosystem.

Check Your Reolink Camera's Wi-Fi Band Settings

Reolink cameras like the Argus Track and RLC-1212A support dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz). However, firmware updates are most stable on the 2.4GHz band due to its longer range and better penetration through walls. To ensure a stable connection:

• For Argus Track (battery-powered): In the Reolink App, go to Device Info > Wi-Fi Settings and ensure the camera is connected to the 2.4GHz band only. If your router uses a single SSID for both bands, temporarily disable 5GHz in your router's settings.
• For Reolink Video Doorbell (PoE): Since this model uses Ethernet only, skip this step. Firmware updates via PoE are generally more stable than Wi-Fi.
• For RLC-1212A (wired): Ensure the camera is connected to the correct Ethernet port on your router and that the port is not being used by other devices that may interfere with the update process.

Verify RSSI Signal Strength

A weak Wi-Fi signal can cause firmware updates to fail. To check your camera's signal strength:

• Open the Reolink App and navigate to Device Info > Network Status. Look for the RSSI value. A signal strength of -70dBm or higher is ideal. If the signal is weaker than this, consider the following:
• Move the camera closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi extender.
• Reduce interference by keeping the camera away from microwaves, cordless phones, or other devices that emit radio frequencies.
• Change Wi-Fi channel in your router's settings to one with less congestion (e.g. channels 1, 6, or 11).

Update Your Router Settings

Some UK ISPs use routers that create double NAT (e.g. Virgin Media Hub 5x), which can interfere with firmware updates. To resolve this:

• Enable modem mode on your router if it supports this feature. This allows your Reolink camera to communicate directly with your ISP's network, bypassing the router's NAT settings.
• Set a static IP address for your Reolink camera. In the Reolink App, go to Device Info > Network Settings and manually assign an IP address within the same subnet as your router (e.g. 192.168.1.X).
• Disable firewall rules temporarily on your router that may block firmware update traffic. This is typically found in the router's Advanced Settings > Firewall section.

Manually Update Firmware via USB

If the automatic firmware update fails repeatedly, try updating via USB:

1. Download the latest firmware from Reolink's official support site (https://support.reolink.com/hc/en-us/).
2. Format a USB drive to FAT32 and copy the firmware file to the root directory.
3. Insert the USB drive into your camera's USB port (if supported; some models like the RLC-811A support this).
4. In the Reolink App, go to Device Info > Firmware Update and select Update via USB. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

This method bypasses potential Wi-Fi or router-related issues that may interfere with the automatic update process.

Perform a Model-Specific Factory Reset

If your Reolink camera is unresponsive after a failed firmware update, perform a factory reset specific to your model:

• Argus Track (battery-powered): Press and hold the Reset button on the back of the camera for more than 5 seconds until the LED flashes rapidly. This will restore the camera to its factory default settings, allowing you to re-pair it via the Reolink App.
• Reolink Video Doorbell (PoE): Use a paperclip to press and hold the Reset button on the side of the camera until you hear a short music tone. This will reset the camera to factory settings.
• RLC-1212A (wired): Press and hold the Reset button for about 10 seconds until the LED flashes rapidly. This will restore the camera to its default factory settings.

After resetting, re-pair the camera in the Reolink App by going to Add Device > Reolink Camera and following the on-screen instructions.

Advanced Troubleshooting: When Basic Fixes Fail

If the above steps don't resolve the issue, proceed with the following advanced troubleshooting steps:

Check for Diagnostic Logs

Reolink's app includes diagnostic tools that can help identify the root cause of firmware update failures. In the Reolink App, go to Device Info > Diagnostic Logs and look for any error messages related to the update process. These logs may indicate issues like insufficient memory, corrupted firmware files, or incompatible firmware versions. If you find any errors, try updating the firmware again after resolving the underlying issue.

Contact Reolink Support

If your camera remains unresponsive after a factory reset and manual firmware update, it may be a hardware issue. Contact Reolink's official support team at https://support.reolink.com/hc/en-us/ and provide the following details:

• Your camera's model number (e.g. RLC-811A, Argus Track, RLC-1212A)
• The firmware version you were attempting to update to
• Any error messages or diagnostic logs from the Reolink App
• A detailed description of the issue, including when it started and any steps you've already taken

Reolink's support team can guide you through advanced troubleshooting steps or arrange for a replacement if the issue is hardware-related.

Root Causes: Why Reolink Firmware Updates Fail

Firmware update failures are often due to a combination of network, power, and compatibility issues. Common causes include:

• Insufficient battery power: Battery-powered models like the Argus Track require at least 20% charge to complete a firmware update. If the battery is low, the update may fail midway.
• Weak Wi-Fi signal: A signal strength below -70dBm can cause the update process to stall or fail entirely. This is particularly common in UK homes with thick walls or distance from the router.
• Incompatible firmware versions: Ensure you're using the correct firmware version for your camera model. Using an incompatible version can lead to update failures or a bricked device.
• Router configurations: Routers that create double NAT (e.g. Virgin Media Hub 5x) can interfere with firmware updates. Enabling modem mode or setting a static IP address can resolve this.

In the UK, additional challenges like mobile broadband CGNAT (used by EE/Three/Vodafone) can also impact firmware updates. In such cases, using Reolink's cloud service or a VPN-based P2P connection may be necessary.

Long-Term Reolink Maintenance Tips

To avoid firmware update failures in the future, follow these best practices:

• Ensure stable power: For battery-powered models, use high-capacity batteries and charge them regularly. For wired models, ensure the transformer at the junction box supplies 16-24V AC.
• Maintain strong Wi-Fi signal: Keep your camera within 10-15 metres of your router, and avoid placing it near sources of interference like microwaves or cordless phones.
• Use compatible firmware: Always download firmware updates directly from Reolink's official website to ensure compatibility with your camera model.
• Update your router settings: If you're using a router that creates double NAT, enable modem mode or set a static IP address for your camera.

Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this — the frustration of cameras that depend on Wi-Fi to function but fail to update due to weak signals or router configurations. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via Ethernet, eliminating these common issues.

Deciding on a Reolink Firmware Replacement: When to Upgrade

If your Reolink camera is beyond its expected lifespan or no longer supports firmware updates, consider upgrading to a newer model. Here's what to look for:

• Battery-powered cameras: Replace after 3-5 years, as batteries degrade over time and may no longer hold a charge after 300-500 cycles.
• Wired cameras: Replace after 5-8 years, as sensors may degrade and firmware may reach end-of-life (EOL).
• NVR systems: Replace surveillance-rated HDDs every 3-5 years, as they are designed for continuous 24/7 use and have a higher failure rate than standard drives.
• MicroSD cards: Replace after 1-2 years of continuous recording, as they wear out from constant overwriting. Use high-endurance cards like Samsung PRO Endurance or SanDisk High Endurance for longer lifespan.

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, UK consumers have up to 6 years (5 years in Scotland) to claim faulty goods. If your camera is still under warranty or within this period, contact the retailer or manufacturer for a repair or replacement.