How to Fix and Reduce Reolink Two-Way Audio Delay
The two-way audio feature on Reolink cameras is an excellent tool for communicating with visitors, family members, or even deterring intruders. However, a significant delay or lag between when you speak and when your voice is heard can make conversations impossible and frustrating. This guide explains the common causes of audio delay and what you can do to fix it.
### Understanding the Cause: Network Latency
The primary culprit behind audio delay is network latency. Think of it as the travel time for your voice. When you press the 'talk' button on your phone, your voice is digitised, sent over your phone's connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to the internet, routed through Reolink's servers, sent back across the internet to your home router, and finally transmitted via Wi-Fi to your camera. The person's response then takes the same complex path back to you. Any weak link in this chain will increase the total travel time, resulting in a noticeable delay.
### Step 1: Optimise Your Network Connection
A strong and stable network is the foundation for good two-way audio performance.
- Check Camera's Wi-Fi Signal: A weak Wi-Fi signal at the camera is a common cause of lag. In the Reolink app, go to your camera's settings and find the network status to check its signal strength. If it's weak, try moving your Wi-Fi router closer to the camera or installing a Wi-Fi extender.
- Use a Wired Connection: If your Reolink camera model supports it, connecting it directly to your router with an Ethernet cable will provide the most stable connection and the lowest possible latency, often significantly improving audio performance.
- Check Your Phone's Connection: The network your phone is on matters just as much. A slow mobile data connection or a congested public Wi-Fi network will introduce a delay. Try switching between your home Wi-Fi and mobile data to see which offers better performance.
### Step 2: Adjust Stream Quality
High-quality video streams require a lot of bandwidth. Sometimes, prioritising the video can leave fewer resources for the audio stream, causing it to lag.
- Switch to Fluent Mode: Before you activate the two-way talk feature, try changing the camera's live view from the high-quality 'Clear' mode to the lower-bandwidth 'Fluent' or 'Balanced' mode. This frees up network resources, which can lead to a much smoother and more responsive audio conversation. You can easily switch back to 'Clear' mode for viewing and recording afterwards.
### Step 3: Update Firmware and App
Manufacturers like Reolink often release firmware updates for their cameras and updates for their mobile app. These updates can include performance improvements and bug fixes that may address audio processing and latency.
- Update Camera Firmware: In the Reolink app, go to 'Device Settings' -> 'Device Info' and check for any available firmware updates.
- Update Reolink App: Visit your phone's app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) to ensure you have the latest version of the Reolink app installed.
### Step 4: Minimise Other Network Traffic
If other devices in your home are heavily using your internet connection (e.g., streaming 4K video, downloading large files, online gaming), it can create congestion and increase latency for all other devices, including your camera. If you need to have a clear conversation, try to pause these other activities temporarily.
While a small fraction of a second delay is inherent to the technology, by following these troubleshooting steps, you can significantly reduce frustrating audio lag and make your Reolink's two-way talk feature a reliable and useful tool.