Reolink & Google Home: A Troubleshooting Guide
It can be frustrating when your smart home devices don't communicate as expected. If your Reolink camera isn't working with Google Home, you're missing out on the convenience of voice commands and seamless viewing on your Google devices. This guide will walk you through the common causes and solutions to get your Reolink camera and Google Home working together perfectly.
Why Won't My Reolink Camera Connect to Google Home?
Several issues can prevent a successful connection. These typically fall into a few categories:
- Account Syncing Problems: The link between your Reolink and Google accounts might be broken or may not have been established correctly.
- Network Issues: An unstable Wi-Fi connection for either your camera or your Google Home device can disrupt communication.
- Compatibility: Not all Reolink cameras are designed to work with Google Home.
- Firmware Glitches: Outdated firmware on your camera can lead to compatibility problems.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Follow these steps in order to diagnose and fix the problem.
### 1. Verify Camera Compatibility
First and foremost, ensure your specific Reolink camera model supports Google Home integration.
- Check the Product Page: Visit the official Reolink website and find the product page for your camera model. The specifications will list Google Assistant or Google Home compatibility.
- Supported Models: Generally, newer Reolink smart cameras like the Argus series, E1 series, and Lumus are compatible. However, it's always best to check the official list.
If your camera is not compatible, it will not be able to connect to Google Home.
### 2. Check Your Network Connection
A stable internet connection is crucial for smart home devices.
- Camera's Wi-Fi Signal: In the Reolink app, check the Wi-Fi signal strength for your camera. A weak signal can cause the stream to fail when requested by Google Home.
- Reboot Your Router: A simple reboot of your Wi-Fi router can often resolve underlying connectivity issues. Unplug it for 30 seconds and then plug it back in.
- Device Proximity: Ensure your camera and Google Home device are reasonably close to your router to ensure a strong signal.
### 3. Relink Your Reolink and Google Accounts
Often, the issue lies with the authorisation between the two services. Refreshing this link is a common fix.
- Open the Google Home App.
- Tap the '+' icon in the top-left corner.
- Select 'Set up device'.
- Choose 'Works with Google'.
- If you see Reolink already linked, tap on it and select 'Unlink account'.
- Once unlinked (or if it wasn't there), search for 'Reolink' in the list.
- Sign in with your Reolink account credentials and authorise the connection.
After relinking, try a voice command like, "Hey Google, show my [Camera Name] on [Chromecast/Hub Name]."
### 4. Update Camera Firmware
Manufacturers release firmware updates to fix bugs and improve compatibility.
- Open the Reolink App.
- Go to Device Settings for the camera in question.
- Tap on Device Info or a similar menu.
- Check for a 'Firmware Update' option. If an update is available, proceed with the installation.
### 5. Use Correct Voice Commands
Ensure you are using the correct phrasing. Google Assistant can be particular about commands.
- Be Specific: Use the exact name you assigned to your camera in the Reolink and Google Home apps.
- Clear Commands: Try variations like:
- "Hey Google, show the [Camera Name]."
- "Hey Google, play [Camera Name] on my [Living Room TV]."
- "Hey Google, what's on the [Camera Name]?"
By systematically working through these steps, you can identify and resolve the root cause of the connection issue between your Reolink camera and Google Home. If problems persist, reaching out to Reolink's official support for further assistance is the next best step.