Reolink Recording Failed? Here Is the Solution

How to Fix the 'Recording Failed' Error on Reolink Cameras

A "Recording Failed" error on your Reolink system can be alarming, as it means your camera is not saving crucial footage. This issue is almost always related to the storage medium, whether that's a microSD card in the camera or a hard disk drive (HDD) in a Reolink NVR. This guide will help you diagnose and fix the problem.

Common Causes for Recording Failures

Before diving into solutions, let's understand what typically causes this error:

• Storage is Full: The microSD card or HDD has run out of space, and the "Overwrite" function is disabled.
• Corrupted File System: The storage device's file system may have errors, preventing the camera from writing new data.
• Faulty or Incompatible Storage: The microSD card or HDD might be damaged, low-quality, or not compatible with the Reolink device.
• Poor Connection: The storage device may not be properly connected to the camera or NVR.
• Firmware Glitch: A temporary software issue could be interfering with the recording process.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Reolink Recording Errors

Follow these steps in order to identify and resolve the issue.

1. Check Storage Status and Enable Overwrite

First, check if your storage is simply full.

• Open the Reolink App or NVR Interface: Navigate to the storage settings for your device.
• Check Capacity: Look at the storage usage. If it's at or near 100%, this is likely the problem.
• Enable Overwrite: Find the "Overwrite" or "Loop Recording" option and make sure it is enabled. This allows the system to automatically delete the oldest recordings to make space for new ones. If it was disabled, enabling it should solve the problem.

2. Format the Storage Device

If storage isn't full, or if enabling overwrite doesn't help, the next step is to format the storage device. This will erase all data and fix any file system corruption.

• IMPORTANT: Back up any important video files before formatting.
• In the Reolink App/NVR: Go to Settings > Storage. Select the microSD card or HDD.
• Format: Click the "Format" button. The system will re-initialise the disk, which may take several minutes. After formatting, the camera should be able to record again.

3. Re-seat the Storage Device

A poor physical connection can prevent the camera from accessing the storage.

• For microSD Cards:
  1. Power off the camera.
  2. Carefully eject the microSD card.
  3. Inspect the card and slot for any debris.
  4. Firmly re-insert the card until it clicks into place.
  5. Power the camera back on.
• For NVR Hard Drives:
  1. Power off the NVR completely.
  2. Open the NVR's casing and disconnect the SATA and power cables from the HDD.
  3. Reconnect the cables securely.
  4. Close the case and power the NVR back on.

4. Test and Verify the Storage Device

If the error persists, the storage medium itself may be faulty.

• Test the microSD Card: Remove the card and test it in a computer using a card reader. Try to copy a large file to it. If you get errors, or if the card is not recognised, it needs to be replaced.
• Test the NVR HDD: You can use HDD diagnostic software on a computer to check the health of the hard drive (this is an advanced step). Listen for any unusual clicking or grinding noises from the NVR, which can indicate a failing drive.

5. Update Firmware

Ensure your camera or NVR is running the latest firmware from Reolink. A firmware update can fix bugs that may be causing recording issues. Check the Reolink website for the latest version for your specific model.

By systematically working through these steps, you can resolve the vast majority of "Recording Failed" errors and ensure your Reolink security system is reliably capturing footage.