Diagnosing and Resolving a Reolink Hardware Failure
Reolink offers a wide range of reliable security cameras and Network Video Recorders (NVRs), but like any electronic device, they can sometimes encounter hardware problems. A hardware failure can be daunting, but many issues can be resolved with some systematic troubleshooting.
This guide will help you identify the symptoms of a hardware failure with your Reolink device and walk you through the steps to diagnose and potentially fix the root cause.
## Common Symptoms of Reolink Hardware Failure
Hardware issues can appear in various forms depending on whether you have a camera or an NVR. Pinpointing the symptom is the first step.
For Reolink Cameras:
- No Power: The camera shows no signs of life—no status LEDs, no infrared (IR) lights at night, and it's completely inaccessible via the app.
- Constant Rebooting: The camera powers on, the LEDs flash, you might hear the click of the IR filter, but then it immediately reboots in a continuous loop.
- Connection Issues: The camera cannot connect to your network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, even after confirming your network is working correctly.
- Image Distortion: The video feed is black, has severe colour distortion, or is covered in static lines that are not related to a poor network connection.
- Physical Damage: There are visible signs of damage, such as a cracked lens, broken casing, or water ingress inside the housing.
For Reolink NVRs:
- No Power/No Boot: The NVR will not turn on, or the power and HDD lights do not illuminate.
- Continuous Beeping: A series of beeps on startup can be an error code indicating a problem with the hard drive or another internal component.
- No Video Output: The NVR powers on, but there is no signal to the connected monitor via HDMI or VGA.
- Hard Drive Not Detected: The system boots up but shows a "No HDD" or "Hard Drive Error" message.
## Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Follow these steps logically to isolate the problem.
### 1. Verify the Power Supply
Power issues are the most common culprit.
- For Wi-Fi/Standalone Cameras: Use a different, compatible power adapter and plug it into a wall socket you know is working. Inspect the full length of the power cable for any cuts or damage.
- For Power over Ethernet (PoE) Cameras: Try a different Ethernet port on your NVR or PoE switch. Use a different, known-working Ethernet cable. If possible, test the camera with a separate PoE injector or a 12V DC power adapter (if the camera supports it) to rule out the NVR's PoE supply as the issue.
- For Battery-Powered Cameras: Remove and reinsert the battery. Ensure it is fully charged using the correct charger. Check the battery contacts for dirt or corrosion.
### 2. Check All Physical Connections
A loose cable can easily mimic a hardware failure.
- Ethernet Cables: Ensure the cable is securely clicked into place at both the camera and the NVR/router. Check the cable for any visible damage.
- NVR Connections: For an NVR, double-check the power cable, HDMI/VGA cable, and the Ethernet cable connecting it to your router.
### 3. Isolate the Device
To confirm the issue is with the Reolink device itself, you need to isolate it from other network components.
- Direct Connection: Try connecting the camera directly to your main router instead of through the NVR or a network switch.
- NVR Hard Drive: If you suspect an NVR hard drive failure, you can (if you are comfortable doing so) power down and unplug the NVR, open the case, and temporarily disconnect the hard drive. If the NVR then boots up successfully (even with an error message about the missing drive), it strongly suggests the hard drive has failed.
### 4. Perform a Factory Reset
As a last resort for cameras, a factory reset can resolve deep-seated firmware issues that cause hardware-like symptoms.
- Locate the small, recessed reset button on the camera's pigtail cable or body.
- With the camera powered on, press and hold this button for 10-15 seconds using a paperclip or SIM-eject tool.
- The camera should announce that the reset is successful and will reboot. You will need to set it up again in the Reolink app.
## When to Contact Reolink Support
If you have completed all the steps above and the device is still not functioning, it is time to contact Reolink's official support team. They can provide more advanced diagnostics and determine if your product is eligible for a warranty claim. Be sure to provide them with your product's model number, serial number, and a detailed description of the troubleshooting steps you have already taken.