Troubleshooting Your Reolink Camera's Night Vision
Effective night vision is a critical feature of any security camera, allowing you to see what's happening even in complete darkness. When your Reolink camera's night vision fails, it leaves a significant gap in your security coverage. This guide will help you diagnose and resolve the most common issues, from a completely black screen to a blurry or foggy image.
### Problem 1: Night Vision Not Turning On (Black Image)
If your camera's view is pitch black at night, it means the infrared (IR) LEDs are not activating to illuminate the scene.
- Check the IR Lights Setting: The most common cause is a simple settings issue.
- Open the Reolink app or client software.
- Go to Device Settings > Display.
- Find the option for "Infrared Lights" or a similar setting.
- Ensure it is set to Auto. This allows the camera's light sensor to automatically turn the IR lights on when it gets dark. If it's set to "Off" or "Disable", it will never enter night mode.
- Cover the Light Sensor: Locate the ambient light sensor on the face of the camera. It's a small, round sensor, usually near the lens. During the daytime, completely cover this sensor with your thumb for about 10-15 seconds. You should hear a faint "click" sound as the IR filter moves, and you may see the small red IR LEDs around the lens begin to glow faintly. If this works, the sensor is functioning correctly.
- Check for Conflicting Light Sources: If the camera is installed near another light source, like a porch light or a bright streetlamp, the camera might think it's still daytime. This can prevent it from switching to night mode. Try temporarily turning off nearby lights to see if the night vision activates.
## Problem 2: Blurry, Foggy, or Hazy Night Vision
A common complaint is a night vision image that looks washed out, has a white haze, or is generally blurry. This is almost always caused by IR light reflection.
- Clean the Lens Dome: The number one cause of blurry night vision is a dirty lens. Over time, dust, pollen, and water spots accumulate on the camera's dome. The IR light reflects off this dirt, creating a glare that blinds the camera. Use a clean, soft microfibre cloth to thoroughly wipe the lens and the surrounding area. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
- Check for Obstructions: Ensure there are no nearby surfaces that could be reflecting the IR light. A common mistake is mounting the camera directly under the eave of a roof or too close to a wall. The invisible IR light bounces off this surface and straight back into the lens. Try tilting the camera down and away from any overhangs.
- Remove the Sun/Rain Shield: If your camera has an adjustable sun shield, try sliding it back slightly. If it's pushed too far forward, it can sometimes creep into the edge of the IR light's beam, causing a reflection.
### Problem 3: Night Vision Image is Too Dark
If the night vision is on but the image is still too dim to see anything useful, consider the following:
- Check the Power Supply: IR LEDs require a significant amount of power. If you are using a very long power extension cable, there might be a voltage drop that prevents the LEDs from reaching full brightness. Ensure you are using the original Reolink power adapter and that the connection is secure.
- Understand the Range: Every camera has a maximum night vision range (e.g., 30 metres). Objects beyond this range will appear dark or invisible. Ensure your expectations are aligned with your camera model's capabilities.
- Firmware Update: Finally, always ensure your camera's firmware is up to date. Reolink often releases updates that can improve image quality and fix bugs related to night vision performance. You can check for and install updates directly from the Reolink app.