What to Do When Your Reolink Camera Won't Connect
A Reolink camera that won't connect to your network is a common but solvable problem. Whether you're setting it up for the first time or it has suddenly gone offline, the "Connection failed" message can be a real headache. The issue usually lies within one of three areas: Wi-Fi credentials, network settings, or physical signal strength.
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to help you identify the reason for the failure and get your Reolink camera back online.
Understanding Reolink Connection Errors
Before diving into solutions, let's understand what's likely going wrong. The most frequent causes include:
- Incorrect Wi-Fi Password: A simple typo is the number one reason for connection failure. Passwords are case-sensitive.
- Wrong Wi-Fi Frequency: Most Reolink cameras operate exclusively on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band. Attempting to connect to a 5GHz band will fail.
- Weak Wi-Fi Signal: If the camera is too far from the router, the signal may be too weak to maintain a stable connection.
- Router Firewall or Port Blocking: Some advanced router security settings can inadvertently block the camera from accessing the internet.
- QR Code Scanning Issues: The camera needs to successfully scan the QR code from your phone's screen during setup. Poor lighting or screen glare can cause this to fail.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Reolink Connection Issues
Let's work through the troubleshooting process logically, from the simplest fixes to more advanced steps.
1. Re-examine the Basics of Setup
Many connection problems happen during the initial setup. Let's double-check the fundamentals.
- Check the Voice Prompts: Listen carefully to the camera's voice prompts. It will often tell you exactly what's wrong, such as "Wi-Fi password may be incorrect" or "Connection to the router failed."
- Verify Your Wi-Fi Password: This is the most common mistake. Carefully re-enter your Wi-Fi password in the Reolink app. Tap the 'eye' icon to view the password and ensure there are no typos.
- Confirm the 2.4GHz Network: Make sure your smartphone is connected to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network before you start the setup process in the app. If your router uses the same name for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, you may need to temporarily disable the 5GHz band in your router's settings.
2. Improve QR Code Scanning
The camera reads your Wi-Fi settings from the QR code generated by the app.
- Screen Brightness: Turn your phone's screen brightness up to the maximum level.
- Avoid Glare: Hold the phone in a way that prevents reflections or glare on the screen.
- Correct Distance: Hold your phone about 20cm (8 inches) away from the camera lens. Slowly move it back and forth until you hear a beep, which indicates a successful scan.
3. Optimise Your Wi-Fi Environment
If the basic setup is correct, the problem is likely your network environment.
- Bring the Camera Closer: During setup, perform the process with the camera in the same room as your router. This eliminates weak signal as a variable. Once it's connected, you can move it to its final location. If it disconnects there, you know you have a signal strength problem.
- Reboot Your Router: Unplug your router from power, wait 60 seconds, and plug it back in. This can clear up temporary network glitches that might be preventing new devices from connecting.
- Check for Signal Blockers: Ensure the camera and router are not placed near dense materials like concrete walls, large metal appliances (like refrigerators), or electronics that can cause interference (like microwaves).
4. For PoE (Power over Ethernet) Cameras
If you are using a wired Reolink camera, the troubleshooting steps are different.
- Check the Ethernet Cable: Ensure the cable is securely plugged into both the camera and the NVR or router. Try a different Ethernet cable that you know is working.
- Verify Port Lights: Look for blinking lights on the Ethernet port on both the camera and the NVR/router. This indicates a physical connection. If there are no lights, you may have a faulty cable or port.
By following these steps, you can systematically address the most common reasons a Reolink camera fails to connect, whether it's a simple password typo or a more complex network issue.