Experiencing connectivity issues with your Reolink camera can be frustrating, especially when you rely on it for your home or business security.
Whether you’re facing intermittent connection drops, failure to connect to the WiFi network, or your camera is not showing up in the Reolink app, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through various methods to fix a Reolink camera not connecting to WiFi, ensuring that you maintain uninterrupted surveillance and peace of mind.
Why Reolink Camera Not Connecting To WiFi
Reolink cameras may not connect to WiFi due to several reasons, including:
1. Power Issues
The camera might not be powered up properly. Ensure it’s plugged in and receiving power.
2. Signal Strength
The camera could be too far from the router or have obstructions in the way that weaken the signal.
3. Antenna Problems
If your camera has external antennas, make sure they are firmly attached and positioned correctly.
4. Incorrect Password
An incorrect WiFi password will prevent the camera from connecting to the network. The camera’s WiFi settings may not be configured correctly. Double-check the SSID and password.
5. Outdated Firmware
Cameras with outdated firmware may have compatibility issues with your WiFi network.
How To Fix Reolink Camera Not Connecting To WiFi
If you face any issue with Reolink camera, first adjust the IP camera antennas, check the power supply, verify the WiFi Settings and check for signal interference. Finally, consider updating the reolink camera Firmware.
1. Adjust the IP Camera Antennas
Ensure the antennas are securely attached to the camera. If they were not connected when you received the camera, you need to manually install them and tighten them properly to ensure a good connection.
2. Check The Camera Power Supply
Verify that the wireless IP camera is powered on. If it’s a wired power supply, make sure the adapter is plugged into a working outlet. For battery-powered cameras, check if the battery is charged or needs replacement. You can also consider using 4G/5G LTE security cameras as they can operate without a WiFi connection.
3. Check The WiFi Credentials
If your IP camera is not connecting to WiFi, or if you’re experiencing a camera connection failure, it’s essential to verify that the WiFi password you’re entering is correct. Incorrect passwords are a common issue that can prevent your camera from establishing a connection. To resolve this:
- Check your list of passwords to confirm you’re using the correct one for your WiFi network.
- If you have multiple passwords, ensure you’re not mixing them up, and use the one specifically associated with your WiFi’s SSID (network name).
- If you have recently changed your WiFi password, update the camera settings with the new password.
- Pay attention to case sensitivity and special characters, as WiFi passwords are typically case-sensitive.
- If you’re unsure of the password, you can check it on another device that’s already connected to the network or look at the settings on your WiFi router.
By ensuring the password is correct, you increase the likelihood of a successful connection between your IP camera and your WiFi network.
4. Verify The WiFi Setting Of Camera
Confirm that you are using the correct WiFi password. It’s easy to confuse passwords if you manage multiple networks or devices.
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:
- Connect the Camera to the router using an Ethernet cable.
- Open the “Reolink App“
- Click on the “+” button in the “Device” and the software automatically scans the camera and log into your camera.
- Now to “Device Settings” and then to the “WiFi Settings.“
- 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 For Signal Interference Between Camera And Router
Make sure the IP camera is within a good range of the router and there are minimal barriers causing interference.
The WiFi signal should be strong (ideally more than one bar). If necessary, move the camera closer to the router or use a WiFi extender to improve signal strength.
6. Check The IP Address Of The Cameras
Ensure the IP camera has the correct IP address, especially if you’re connecting it via LAN cable and WiFi simultaneously, which might cause an IP conflict. Use network commands to verify the camera’s IP address.
- Go to “Device Setting” > Click on the “Network Set up” tab
- Verify the IP conflicts and check if two cameras are using the same IP address. If so change the IP address to avoid the connection issue.
7. Try Switching The WiFi Channel Setting
To alleviate this problem, consider using dual-band WiFi security cameras that can operate on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies.
If you have a dual-band router, you can switch your camera’s connection to the 5 GHz band, which typically offers a higher data transmission rate and less interference, improving the stability and reliability of your IP camera’s connection.
To Turn Off 2.4 GHZ, so the cameras will automatically connect to 5 GHz Band
- Access your router’s web interface by entering its IP address into a web browser.
- Log in with your administrator username and password.
- Navigate to the “wireless settings” section.
- Look for the wireless network settings for the 2.4GHz band.
- Find the option to disable or turn off the 2.4GHz wireless network.
- Save your changes and reboot the router if necessary to apply the new settings.
- Restart the NVR and cameras.
8. Update Reolink Camera Firmware
Check for firmware updates from the camera manufacturer and update if available. Also, ensure that the camera software or app on your phone is up-to-date.
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.
