How to Fix Reolink No Local Storage and SD Card Recording Issues
One of the best features of Reolink cameras is their ability to record footage directly to a local microSD card, saving you from mandatory monthly subscription fees. However, it can be alarming if you discover that your camera has not been recording events as you expected. This troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose and solve problems related to local storage on your Reolink camera.
### Step 1: Verify and Reseat the MicroSD Card
The first and most simple step is to ensure the SD card is physically installed correctly.
- Power Off the Camera: Before handling the SD card, always disconnect the camera from its power source to prevent data corruption.
- Eject and Inspect: Carefully eject the microSD card from its slot. Inspect the card for any physical damage.
- Re-insert Securely: Re-insert the card, making sure it goes in the correct orientation. Push it in until you hear and feel a distinct 'click', which indicates it is properly seated and locked in place.
- Power On: Reconnect the power and allow the camera to boot up completely.
### Step 2: Format the SD Card Using the Reolink App
Even if an SD card is new, it must be formatted by the camera itself to ensure it uses the correct file system and is ready for recording. Formatting will erase all data on the card.
- Open the Reolink App/Client: Connect to your camera.
- Navigate to Storage Settings: Go to 'Device Settings' and find the 'Storage' or 'SD Card' menu.
- Check the Status: The app should show you the status of the card, including its total capacity and remaining space. If it shows an error or 'Not Formatted', this is your problem.
- Format the Card: Select the 'Format' option. The process will take a minute or two. Once complete, the status should show as 'Normal', and you should see the correct capacity available.
### Step 3: Check Your Recording Schedule and Settings
If the SD card is working correctly, the issue might be with your recording settings. You may have inadvertently disabled recording.
- Go to Recording Settings: In the camera's 'Device Settings', find the 'Recording' or 'Surveillance' menu.
- Enable Recording: Ensure the main 'Record' toggle is switched on.
- Check the Schedule: Go into the 'Schedule' settings. This shows a grid of hours and days. Make sure the time blocks are set to your desired mode ('Timer' for continuous recording or 'Motion' for motion-activated recording). If the grid is all blank ('None'), the camera is instructed not to record anything.
### Step 4: Ensure You Are Using a High-Quality SD Card
The quality of your microSD card is incredibly important for security cameras, which are constantly writing data.
- Use Reputable Brands: Stick to well-known, high-endurance brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston.
- Check the Class: You need a card that is at least Class 10 or UHS-1 (U1). This indicates the card has the necessary write speed to handle high-definition video streams without errors.
- Beware of Fakes: The market is flooded with counterfeit SD cards. These are low-quality cards labelled as famous brands. They often have fake capacities and are very slow, leading to recording failures. Always buy from an authorised and trusted retailer. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If you have tried all the steps above with a card and it still fails, the card itself is likely faulty. Try a different, known-good SD card to confirm if the issue is with the card or the camera itself. If a new, high-quality card also fails, you may need to contact Reolink support to investigate a potential hardware issue with the camera.