Troubleshooting Reolink Camera Microphone and Audio Issues
Audio recording is a vital feature of modern security cameras, providing crucial context to your video footage. If you're having problems with your Reolink camera's microphone—whether it's no sound at all, muffled audio, or distortion—this guide will help you diagnose and resolve the issue.
### Problem 1: No Audio is Being Recorded
This is the most common issue and is often related to a simple setting.
#### Solution: Enable 'Record Audio' in Settings
By default, for privacy reasons in some regions, the audio recording feature might be disabled. You need to manually enable it.
- Launch the Reolink App or Client: Connect to the camera you want to configure.
- Go to Device Settings: Tap the gear icon to open the settings menu for that camera.
- Find Audio Settings: Look for a menu item labelled 'Audio', 'Audio and Light', or similar.
- Enable the Toggle: You will find a toggle switch for 'Record Audio'. Ensure this switch is in the 'On' or 'Enabled' position.
If this setting was off, enabling it will solve the problem for all future recordings. It will not add audio to previously recorded clips. Also, when playing back footage, double-check that the volume on your phone or computer is turned up and not muted.
### Problem 2: Audio is Muffled, Quiet, or Unclear
If you can hear sound, but it's poor quality, the cause is often physical or environmental.
#### Solution 1: Check for Obstructions
The camera's built-in microphone is very small and can be easily blocked.
- Inspect the Microphone Opening: Carefully examine the camera's housing to locate the tiny hole for the microphone.
- Clean the Area: Use a soft brush or a can of compressed air to gently clean away any dust, dirt, spiderwebs, or other debris that might be covering the microphone.
- Check Camera Position: Ensure the camera isn't mounted in a way that pushes the microphone opening right up against a wall or bracket, which would block sound.
#### Solution 2: Reduce Wind Noise
If your camera is in an exposed, windy location, the wind blowing across the microphone will create loud, disruptive noise that can drown out other sounds.
- Reposition the Camera: If possible, move the camera to a more sheltered spot, such as under a roof eave.
- Use a Windshield: For DIY-savvy users, it's possible to fashion a small windshield out of foam (like that found on lapel microphones) and place it over the microphone hole. This can significantly reduce wind noise.
### Problem 3: Audio is Distorted, Static, or Excessively Loud
If the audio is present but unusable due to loud static or distortion, the issue is more likely technical.
#### Solution 1: Restart the Camera
The classic "turn it off and on again" can often resolve temporary software glitches.
- Power Cycle: Disconnect the camera from its power source for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This will force a full reboot of the camera's internal systems, which can clear up audio processing errors.
#### Solution 2: Update the Firmware
Reolink periodically releases firmware updates for their cameras to fix bugs and improve performance. An audio issue could be a known bug that has been resolved in a newer firmware version.
- Check for Updates: In the Reolink app, go to 'Device Settings' -> 'Device Info'. The app will tell you if a new firmware version is available and allow you to install it.
If you have tried all of the above steps and your microphone issues persist, there may be a hardware fault with the camera itself. In this case, the best course of action is to contact Reolink's official customer support for further assistance.