When setting up a Reolink camera, you might encounter an issue where the camera fails to obtain configuration information.
When you try to access the Camera settings, you cannot load the settings preventing you from accessing the required information. The error is usually because of the interruption that occurred during set-up.
In this blog, let’s see step-by-step troubleshooting issues on the Reolink camera that failed to obtain configuration information and fix the error.
Why Reolink Camera Failed To Obtain Configuration Information Error Occurs?
The “Failed to obtain configuration information” error on a Reolink camera can occur due to several reasons:
1. Network Issues
The camera might not be properly connected to the network, or there could be a problem with the network settings. This can prevent the camera from communicating with the Reolink app or the NVR.
2. Incorrect WiFi Settings
If the WiFi settings on the camera are not configured properly, the camera won’t be able to connect to the WiFi network.
3. Power Supply Problems
Insufficient power supply to the camera can cause it to malfunction and not initialize properly.
4. Firmware Issues
Outdated or corrupted firmware can lead to various issues, including configuration errors.
5. Factory Reset Needed
Sometimes, the camera may need a reset to clear previous configurations that could be causing conflicts.
How to Fix Reolink Camera Failed To Obtain Configuration Information
If the Reolink camera fails to load, first power cycle the camera and NVR, Inspect the cables, check WiFi Settings and update the Firmware. Finally, consider testing the Reolink devices.
1. Restart Reolink NVR And Camera
Restarting Devices can clear any temporary connectivity issues that may be causing the configuration problem.
Sometimes, the issue can be with the router or the camera itself. Try restarting both devices.
Via Reolink App: Launch “Reolink App” > “Device Settings” > “Advanced” > “Reboot” > “Yes” to confirm. It will restart both NVR and Camera.
2. Power Cycle The Camera
If the camera is not configuring, try power cycling it. This simple step can sometimes resolve the issue by refreshing the camera’s state and allowing it to obtain configuration information upon reboot.
- Disconnect the power supply for about 10 seconds and then reconnect it.
3. Examine The Physical Connections
Make sure the camera is powered up properly. In some cases, the camera may not start up correctly, which can lead to it failing to obtain configuration information.
- Check For physical damage to Power cables and Ethernet cables.
- Unplug the cables, wait 10 minutes and replug it tight.
- Try plugging in alternate outlets or Ethernet ports if you have,
- Replace the cables if you suspect that there might be an issue with the connections.
4. Check Reolink WiFi Settings
If you’re using a WiFi camera and it’s failing to add to your network, ensure that the camera’s WiFi setting is configured properly. Incorrect WiFi settings can prevent the camera from connecting to the network and obtaining configuration information.
To change the WiFi network for your Reolink camera using the Reolink App, follow these simple steps:
- Open the “Reolink App” and log in to your camera. Make sure your camera is online and go to “Device Settings” and then to the Network page.
- Choose the WiFi network you want to connect to, enter the WiFi password, and then tap “‘Save“.
- After saving, your camera will be connected to the new WiFi network. If your camera was previously connected with a network cable, you can safely remove it now.
5. Check Reolink Compatibility
Ensure that the firmware version of your camera is compatible with the device you are trying to connect it to. If you’re connecting the camera to a Reolink NVR, check for the latest firmware for the NVR and update if necessary.
1. Find Camera Model
To find the model number of your Reolink device using the Reolink App or directly on the device itself, follow these simple steps:
- For the Reolink App: Open the “Reolink App” > Tap on ‘‘Device Settings’‘ > Select ‘‘Device Info’‘ > Look for the ‘‘Model’‘ to see your device’s model number.
- For NVRs (Network Video Recorders): On the NVR, go to the ‘‘Menu’‘ >Navigate to ‘‘System’‘ > Select ‘‘System Information’‘ to find the model number.
- For Reolink Cameras: On the “NVR” > Go to the ”Menu” > Go to ”IP Channel” > Select and click on the camera you want information for > Click ”Detail” to view the model number and other details.
2. Download The Reolink Firmware
- Visit the Reolink Download Center > Select your camera or NVR model.
- Download the latest firmware version if it’s newer than the one currently on your device.
- Transfer the downloaded firmware file to a USB drive and plug the USB drive into the NVR’s USB port.
3. Upgrade the Firmware To The Latest
- Log in to the “NVR” > Go to “Device Settings” > “System” > “Maintenance page” > “Upgrade“
- Select the “correct .pak file” from your USB drive, and then click on the “Upgrade” button again to start the process.
- For upgrading the firmware of cameras connected to the NVR,
- Click on “Upgrade IPC” > choose “Local Upgrade” (avoid the online upgrade option as it’s not supported yet),
- select the correct firmware file, and then click on “Upgrade” to initiate the upgrade.
- During the process, you’ll be prompted to decide whether you want to restore the cameras and NVR to default settings. If you prefer not to restore, make sure to uncheck the “Restore to Default Settings” option.
Remember to wait patiently while the firmware is being upgraded, and avoid turning off the NVR or disconnecting the USB drive during the process to prevent any issues.
6. Reset The Reolink And Camera
Resetting devices will help you to reboot the Reolink devices in a clean state and remove any glitches caused by corrupted data as well as the issues caused by electric flow.
To reset different types of Reolink cameras by pressing the Reset button, follow these simple steps:
- For Bullet Camera: Power off the camera. Press and hold the reset button for 10 sec, which is usually located at the white button and will be in the centre of the button.
- For Reolink PoE & WiFi cameras (excluding C & E series): Press and hold the reset button for a few seconds until the camera resets.
- For Argus, Argus 2, and Argus Pro: Press and hold the reset button, which is located at the side of the camera, until you hear “Factory reset succeeded!” or a beep sound.
- For Reolink Go: Remove and reinsert the battery and power off the camera. Press the reset button on the camera for a few seconds to reset it, which is usually present on the side of the camera.
- For Argus Eco: Power on the camera. Insert a reset needle into the reset hole located near the speaker of the camera. Press and hold the reset button for a few seconds until you hear a prompt.
- For Argus PT: Power On the camera and rotate the lens to find the reset hole. It is next to the microSD card slot. Use the reset needle to press the reset button on the camera. Hold for a few seconds until the camera resets.
- For Reolink E series cameras: You can see the reset button below the camera. Press the reset button on the camera for several seconds to complete the reset.
- For Reolink Lumus: Power On the camera and rotate the lens to find the reset hole. It is next to the microSD card slot. Press and hold the reset button until the camera resets.
How to Hard Reset Reolink NVRs:
- For RLN12W: Press and hold the reset button on the back until you hear a “bee” sound.
- For RLN8-410, RLN16-410, and RLN36: Remove the NVR’s outer casing with a screwdriver. Press the reset button for 10 seconds until you hear a “bee” sound.