Are You Missing Features on Your Reolink Camera? Here’s Why
Reolink offers a wide array of cameras with various features, from advanced AI-powered smart detection to customisable recording settings. However, you might find that a specific feature you've read about, like pet detection or time-lapse, doesn't seem to be available for your camera. This can be confusing, but it's usually due to model differences, firmware versions, or simple settings.
This guide will help you understand why certain features might be missing and show you how to ensure you are getting the most out of your Reolink device.
Common Reasons for Missing Reolink Features
Not all Reolink cameras are created equal. The feature set can vary significantly from one model to another. Here are the most common reasons a feature might seem to be missing:
- Model-Specific Capabilities: Advanced features like person, vehicle, and pet detection are hardware-dependent and are only included in specific, newer camera models.
- Firmware Is Outdated: Reolink frequently adds new features and improvements via firmware updates. An older firmware version may not support newer functionalities.
- App/Client Version: You need to be using the latest version of the Reolink app on your phone or the client on your computer to see and control all the available features.
- Incorrect Settings: Some features need to be manually enabled in the camera's settings menu before they become active.
- Hardware Limitations: Features like optical zoom are only present on cameras with a varifocal lens (PTZ cameras), while colour night vision requires specific sensor and spotlight hardware.
How to Find and Enable Your Reolink Camera's Features
Follow these steps to ensure your camera is configured to its full potential.
Step 1: Verify Your Camera's Specifications
This is the most important step. Before you start troubleshooting, you need to know what your camera is capable of.
- Find the exact model number of your Reolink camera. This is usually printed on a sticker on the camera itself.
- Go to the official Reolink website and search for your model number.
- On the product page, look for the "Specs" or "Specifications" section.
- Carefully review the list of features. It will explicitly state if the camera supports functionalities like "Person Detection," "Vehicle Detection," "Pet Detection," "Time-Lapse," etc.
If a feature is not listed in the official specifications, your camera model does not support it.
Step 2: Update to the Latest Firmware
If you've confirmed your camera should have a feature but you can't see it, the next step is to update the firmware.
- Open the Reolink App or desktop client.
- Go to Device Settings for the camera you want to update.
- Tap on "Device Info" or a similar menu.
- You will see the current firmware version and an option to "Check for updates".
- If a new version is available, follow the prompts to download and install it. The camera will restart during this process.
Step 3: Update Your Reolink App or Client
An outdated app might not have the user interface elements to control newer firmware features.
- On your smartphone: Go to the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS) and check for updates for the Reolink app.
- On your computer: Visit the Reolink website's software section and download the latest version of the Reolink Client.
Step 4: Check the Camera's Settings
Many features need to be turned on manually.
- Enable Smart Detection: In the camera's settings, go to the "Detection Alarm" menu. Here you can enable and configure settings for person, vehicle, or pet detection, including setting the sensitivity.
- Enable UID for Remote Access: For full remote access, you must enable the UID (Unique ID) setting. Go to Settings > Network > Advanced Settings. Make sure "UID" is enabled. Without this, you can only access the camera on your local network.
- Configure Recording Settings: In the "Recording" menu, you can set up schedules and choose whether to record continuously or only when motion is detected.
By verifying your camera's capabilities and ensuring all your software is up to date, you can be confident that you are using all the features your Reolink device has to offer.