Reolink Water Damage: What to Do If Your Device Fails
Water damage is a common issue for Reolink cameras, especially in the UK's wetter regions like Wales and the Lake District. This guide covers brand-specific fixes, from checking IP ratings to using Reolink's unique diagnostics. If your camera has been submerged or exposed to rain beyond its IP rating, follow these steps to restore functionality or determine if replacement is needed.
Quick Fixes for Reolink Water Damage
When water damage occurs, act swiftly to prevent further corrosion. These steps should take less than 30 seconds:
- Check LED status: For the Argus Track, a flashing red LED indicates a power failure — this may occur if the battery compartment has been flooded. For the RLC-1212A, a solid green LED means the device is receiving PoE power; if unlit, the junction box may be compromised.
- Verify power supply: For the Reolink Video Doorbell (PoE model), ensure the RJ-45 Ethernet cable is securely connected. For battery models, check the battery level in the Reolink App — if below 20%, the camera may shut down during rain events.
- Restart the Reolink App: Close and reopen the app to refresh the connection. This can resolve temporary disconnections caused by moisture affecting the Wi-Fi module.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Reolink Water Damage
Check Your Reolink Camera's Wi-Fi Band Settings
Water damage can interfere with Wi-Fi connectivity, especially for dual-band models like the Argus Track. Follow these steps:
- Open the Reolink App and tap the Device icon for the affected camera.
- Navigate to Wi-Fi settings and ensure the camera is using 2.4GHz mode. The 5GHz band has a shorter range and may fail if the device is submerged or in a damp location.
- If the camera is offline, try reconnecting it to the same Wi-Fi network. If the signal strength is weak, move the camera to a drier location or install a waterproof enclosure.
Update Reolink Firmware for Water Damage Recovery
Firmware updates can sometimes resolve hardware issues caused by water ingress. To check for updates:
- Open the Reolink App and go to Device Health → Firmware update check.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure the camera is connected to a stable power source during the update to avoid further damage.
- After updating, restart the camera and test its functionality. If the issue persists, proceed to advanced troubleshooting.
Factory Reset for Reolink Devices
If water damage has caused persistent connectivity issues, a factory reset may be necessary. The process varies by model:
- For the Argus Track: Press and hold the Reset button for more than 5 seconds until the LED flashes rapidly. This will erase all settings and allow the camera to reconnect to Wi-Fi.
- For the Reolink Video Doorbell (WiFi model): Use a paperclip to press and hold the Reset button until you hear a short music tone. This will restore default settings.
- For the RLC-1212A: Press and hold the Reset button for about 10 seconds. The camera will reboot and require reconfiguration.
After resetting, re-pair the camera using the Reolink App and ensure it is installed in a location that complies with its IP rating (e.g. IP66 for the Argus Track, IP67 for the RLC-1212A).
Use Reolink's Diagnostic Tools
Reolink provides specific diagnostic features to identify water damage-related issues:
- Network status: In the Reolink App, go to Device Health → Network status. This will show if the camera is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network and if there are any signal strength issues.
- Push notification test: This feature allows you to verify if the camera is receiving alerts. If it fails, water damage may have affected the internal sensors.
- Device info: Check the Device info section for firmware version and connectivity status. If the camera shows as 'offline' or 'unreachable', water damage may have disrupted the internal circuitry.
Contact Reolink Support
If all troubleshooting steps fail, contact Reolink support via their website (https://support.reolink.com/hc/en-us/). Provide the following details:
- Model number (e.g. RLC-1212A, Argus Track)
- Serial number (found in the Reolink App under Device info)
- A description of the water damage incident (e.g. flood, submersion, or exposure to rain)
- Photos of the affected device and installation location
Reolink support will guide you on whether the device can be repaired or if replacement is necessary.
Root Causes of Reolink Water Damage
Water damage to Reolink devices typically occurs when the camera is exposed to conditions beyond its IP rating. For example, the Argus Track (IP66) is designed to withstand water jets but should not be submerged. The RLC-1212A (IP67) can be submerged up to 1m for 30 minutes, but prolonged exposure may still cause corrosion. In the UK, where annual rainfall can exceed 200 days, improper sealing or installation in coastal areas (where salt air accelerates corrosion) increases the risk of water ingress.
Another common cause is using non-waterproof enclosures for PoE models. The RLC-1212A requires a waterproof junction box to protect the Ethernet cable from moisture. If the junction box is not sealed properly, water can seep into the camera's internal components, causing permanent damage.
Prevention and Long-Term Care for Reolink Devices
To prevent future water damage, follow these best practices:
- Use waterproof enclosures: For PoE models like the RLC-1212A, install a weatherproof junction box to protect the Ethernet cable.
- Apply sealant: Use self-amalgamating tape on all cable glands and apply silicone to the battery compartment of the Argus Track to prevent moisture ingress.
- Monitor signal strength: In the Reolink App, check Device Health → Signal Strength regularly. Weak signals may indicate water damage affecting the Wi-Fi module.
- Check IP ratings: Ensure the camera is installed in a location that matches its IP rating. For example, the Argus Track should not be used in coastal areas without additional protection.
Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this — the frustration of cameras that depend on Wi-Fi to function but fail due to water damage. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via ethernet, eliminating the risk of water ingress in the UK's wetter regions.
When to Replace Your Reolink Device
If troubleshooting steps fail and the camera is unresponsive, replacement may be necessary. Signs that replacement is needed include:
- The camera no longer powers on (e.g. Argus Track LED remains unlit)
- Persistent connectivity issues after resetting and updating firmware
- Physical damage to the housing or lens (e.g. cracks or corrosion)
Under the UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods (5 years in Scotland). However, this applies only if the device was defective at purchase — water damage due to misuse or improper installation is not covered. For replacement options, visit Reolink's website or consult a professional installer (costing £150-£300 per camera in the UK).