Adding a Reolink 5MP PoE camera to your security system is a seamless, plug-and-play process that delivers ultra-clear 5MP video and reliable night vision. With Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, you can power the camera and transmit data using a single cable—simplifying installation and reducing clutter. Just connect it to your PoE switch or NVR, follow the Reolink app setup, and you’re ready to monitor in minutes.

How to Add Reolink 5MP PoE Camera to Your Security System

Key Takeaways

• Verify compatibility: Ensure your NVR supports 5MP PoE before setup.
• Use Cat 5e/6 cables: For stable power and data transmission.
• Connect via PoE switch: Simplifies cabling and powers the camera directly.
• Access Reolink app: Scan QR code for quick device registration.
• Adjust camera angle: Secure optimal coverage during physical installation.
• Update firmware immediately: Ensures latest features and security patches.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

Home security is more than just locks and alarms—it’s about seeing what’s happening, even when you’re not there. If you’re upgrading your setup or installing your first surveillance system, knowing how to add Reolink 5MP PoE camera to your security system can make a big difference in clarity, reliability, and ease of use.

Many homeowners struggle with messy wiring, weak Wi-Fi signals, or confusing setups when trying to expand their security. The Reolink 5MP PoE camera solves these issues by offering crisp 5-megapixel video, power and data through a single cable, and plug-and-play compatibility with most NVRs and switches. Whether you’re monitoring your front porch, backyard, or garage, this camera gives you sharp night vision, weather resistance, and remote access—no tech degree required.

But here’s the catch: even the best gear won’t help if it’s not installed correctly. That’s why we’ve created this clear, no-nonsense guide to walk you through how to add Reolink 5MP PoE camera to your security system—from unboxing to viewing live feeds on your phone.

Whether you’re pairing it with a Reolink NVR, a third-party recorder, or using it standalone, this guide covers all the bases. Let’s get started.

What You Need

Before you dive into the setup, gather these tools and materials. Having everything ready saves time and avoids mid-installation trips to the store.

• Reolink 5MP PoE Camera (e.g., Reolink RLC-520, RLC-522, or similar model)
• PoE Switch or PoE NVR (must support 802.3af/at standard; 15–30W per port)
• Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet Cable (up to 300 ft / 90 meters; outdoor-rated if exposed)
• Power outlet or UPS (for the PoE switch or NVR)
• Drill and drill bits (for mounting; use masonry bits for brick/concrete)
• Screws and wall anchors (usually included with the camera)
• Smartphone or tablet (to install Reolink app and configure settings)
• Computer (optional) – useful for firmware updates or advanced settings via web interface
• Ethernet tester (optional but helpful) – to verify cable integrity
• Zip ties or cable clips – for neat cable management

Pro Tip: If you’re using a non-PoE NVR, you’ll need a separate PoE injector (like Reolink’s PoE-100) to power the camera over Ethernet. Don’t skip this—connecting directly without power will damage the camera.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Add Reolink 5MP PoE Camera to Your Security System

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Start by picking where you want the camera. Good spots include entry points (front/back doors), driveways, garages, or high-traffic outdoor areas. Avoid direct sunlight on the lens (causes glare) and make sure the field of view isn’t blocked.

Use the camera’s field of view (FOV) to plan coverage. Most Reolink 5MP PoE cameras have a 90°–110° FOV—ideal for wide-angle monitoring. For example, a camera mounted 8 feet high on a corner can cover a 20-foot-wide area clearly.

Warning: Don’t install the camera too high—above 10 feet makes it hard to identify faces. Also, avoid pointing it directly at bright lights (e.g., streetlamps), which can wash out night vision.

Step 2: Mount the Camera Securely

Use the included mounting template (or print one from Reolink’s website) to mark drill holes. Drill pilot holes, insert wall anchors, and screw the base into place. Make sure it’s level—use a bubble level or your phone’s level app.

For outdoor installations, ensure the camera is under an eave or overhang to protect it from rain and direct sunlight. The Reolink 5MP PoE camera is IP67-rated, so it can handle rain, snow, and dust—but minimizing exposure extends its life.

Attach the camera to the base and tighten the locking screw. Adjust the angle so it covers your target area, but don’t over-tighten—this can crack the housing.

Pro Tip: If you’re mounting on stucco, vinyl siding, or brick, use the correct drill bit and anchors. Masonry anchors are a must for brick—plastic anchors won’t hold.

Step 3: Run the Ethernet Cable

Now, run a Cat5e or Cat6 cable from your PoE switch or NVR to the camera location. For indoor runs, you can hide the cable under baseboards or in walls (if you’re comfortable with drywall work). For outdoor runs, use conduit or bury the cable (minimum 6 inches deep) with outdoor-rated cable.

Keep the cable away from power lines to avoid interference. Use zip ties or clips to secure it every 12–18 inches. If you’re running through a wall, use a fish tape to pull the cable through.

At the camera end, leave about 2 feet of slack—this gives room for adjustments and future maintenance.

Common Mistake: Using old or damaged Ethernet cables. Test with an Ethernet tester before installing. A bad cable can cause flickering, disconnections, or no power delivery.

Step 4: Connect to the PoE Switch or NVR

Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into a PoE port on your switch or NVR. If you’re using a PoE injector (for non-PoE NVRs), connect the injector between the NVR and the camera: NVR → Injector → Camera.

Turn on the power to the PoE switch or NVR. Wait 1–2 minutes for the camera to boot up. You’ll hear a soft beep or see the LED on the camera blink red (initializing), then turn solid green (online).

If the LED stays red or blinks rapidly, there’s a power or connection issue. Check the cable, port, and injector (if used).

Pro Tip: Label each cable at both ends with the camera number or location (e.g., “Back Gate”). This saves headaches when troubleshooting later.

Step 5: Add the Camera to Your Network (via Reolink App)

Download the Reolink App (iOS/Android) and create an account (or log in). Tap the “+” icon and select “Add Device.” Choose “PoE Camera” and follow the prompts.

The app will scan your network for new Reolink devices. When it finds your 5MP camera, select it. You may need to enter the default password (usually “123456” or found on the camera label).

Set a strong, unique password—this is critical for security. Avoid using “password” or “123456” in real life.

Once connected, name the camera (e.g., “Front Door”) and choose a location. The app will now show a live feed.

Warning: Never skip changing the default password. Hackers often target cameras with weak credentials. Use a password manager to create and store a secure one.

Step 6: Pair with NVR (If Using a Reolink NVR)

If you have a Reolink NVR (like the RLN8-410 or RLN16-410), plug the camera into an NVR PoE port. The NVR will auto-detect it—no app setup needed.

Go to the NVR’s main menu, then “Device Management” → “Add Device.” It should appear in the list. Select it and click “Add.” The camera will appear on the live view screen.

You can adjust recording settings, motion detection zones, and schedules directly from the NVR. This is ideal for multi-camera setups.

Pro Tip: For best performance, connect the NVR to your router via Ethernet (not Wi-Fi). This ensures stable video streaming and remote access.

Step 7: Configure Motion Detection & Alerts

Open the Reolink app and tap on your camera. Go to “Settings” → “Detection Alarm.” Enable “Motion Detection.”

Draw detection zones on the screen—this lets you ignore areas like trees or busy roads. For example, set a zone only over your front door to avoid alerts from passing cars.

Set sensitivity (Medium is good for most homes). Enable “Push Notifications” to get alerts on your phone. You can also set a schedule (e.g., only at night).

For extra security, enable “Email Alerts” and “Sound Alarm” (if your camera has a built-in siren).

Common Mistake: Setting detection zones too wide or sensitivity too high. This leads to false alarms (e.g., from shadows, pets, or wind). Test and adjust after installation.

Step 8: Enable Night Vision & Adjust Video Quality

Reolink 5MP PoE cameras have IR night vision (up to 100 ft). In the app, go to “Settings” → “Display.” Ensure “Night Mode” is set to “Auto”—it switches to IR when light drops below a threshold.

Adjust “Video Quality” to “5MP (2560×1920)” for the sharpest image. Lower it to “3MP” or “2K” if your network is slow or you’re storing long recordings.

For color night vision (on models like RLC-522), enable “Color Night Vision” and set the IR light to “Smart.” This uses ambient light or white LEDs for full-color video at night.

Pro Tip: If night vision is grainy, clean the lens with a microfiber cloth. Dust or smudges reduce clarity.

Step 9: Test Remote Access & Cloud Storage (Optional)

To view your camera from anywhere, enable “Cloud Service” in the app. Reolink offers free 7-day cloud storage (with a 1GB trial). Paid plans start at $3.49/month for 30 days.

For no monthly fees, use “SD Card Recording” (if your camera has a slot) or “NVR Recording.” Insert a 256GB microSD card (Class 10 or U3 recommended) and set it to record continuously or on motion.

Test remote access: close the app, switch to mobile data (not Wi-Fi), and reopen. You should see your camera feed within 10–15 seconds.

Warning: Avoid public Wi-Fi for remote access. It’s less secure and can expose your camera to hackers. Use a VPN or stick to home/mobile networks.

Step 10: Final Check & Maintenance

Do a full system check: verify live feed, motion alerts, night vision, and recording. Test the speaker (if your camera has one) by speaking through the app.

Set a monthly reminder to:

• Clean the lens and housing
• Check cable connections
• Update firmware (in app: “Device Info” → “Firmware”)
• Review storage (replace SD card if full)

This keeps your system running smoothly and prevents surprises.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a great camera, small mistakes can ruin your experience. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Don’t ignore firmware updates. Reolink regularly releases updates to fix bugs, improve security, and add features. Update monthly via the app.
• Avoid daisy-chaining PoE switches. Use one central switch. Multiple switches can cause voltage drops and camera failures.
• Don’t use cheap Ethernet cables. Stick to Cat5e or Cat6 from trusted brands (e.g., Amazon Basics, Cable Matters). Avoid “CCA” (copper-clad aluminum) cables—they break easily.
• Skip Wi-Fi extenders for PoE. PoE is more reliable than Wi-Fi. If you must use Wi-Fi, get a Reolink Wi-Fi camera instead.
• Don’t forget about privacy laws. In some areas, you can’t record audio or point cameras at neighbors’ homes. Check local regulations.
• Use a surge protector. Lightning strikes or power surges can fry your camera. Plug the PoE switch into a quality surge protector.
• Label everything. Use labels or color-coded tags on cables, ports, and cameras. This makes troubleshooting 10x faster.

Pro Tip: For large properties, use a managed PoE switch with VLAN support. This isolates camera traffic, improving security and performance.

FAQs About How to Add Reolink 5MP PoE Camera to Your Security System

Q1: Can I use a Reolink 5MP PoE camera without an NVR?
Yes! You can use it standalone with the Reolink app. Connect it to a PoE switch, add it to the app, and use microSD card recording or cloud storage. No NVR needed.

Q2: What if my router doesn’t have PoE ports?
No problem. Use a PoE switch (like Reolink’s 8-port PoE switch) or a PoE injector. Both provide power and data to the camera over Ethernet.

Q3: How far can I run the Ethernet cable?
Up to 300 feet (90 meters) for reliable power and data. Beyond that, use a PoE extender or fiber converter. Never exceed 328 ft (100 m) without signal boosting.

Q4: Why is my camera not connecting to the app?
Check these:

• Is the camera powered? (LED should be green)
• Is the Ethernet cable plugged in at both ends?
• Is your phone on the same network? (App won’t find cameras on different networks)
• Is the firewall blocking Reolink? (Temporarily disable it)

If all else fails, reset the camera (hold reset button for 10 sec) and re-add it.

Q5: Can I view multiple Reolink cameras on one screen?
Yes! In the Reolink app, go to “Live View” and tap “+” to add more cameras. You can view up to 9 cameras in a grid (on tablets). NVR users can see all cameras on one screen.

Q6: Is the Reolink 5MP PoE camera compatible with other brands?
Yes, but with limits. It works with any ONVIF-compatible NVR (e.g., Hikvision, Dahua). However, advanced features (like AI detection) may not work. For full functionality, use a Reolink NVR.

Q7: How do I prevent false motion alerts?

• Set narrow detection zones
• Lower sensitivity
• Use “AI Human Detection” (if available) to ignore animals and cars
• Schedule alerts (e.g., only at night)

Test after each change and adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts

Adding a Reolink 5MP PoE camera to your security system isn’t rocket science—it’s about following a few smart steps. From picking the right spot to setting up motion zones, this guide walks you through how to add Reolink 5MP PoE camera to your security system with confidence.

Remember: clean installation, proper cabling, and regular maintenance are key. Don’t rush—take time to test each step. And if you hit a snag, Reolink’s customer support is responsive and helpful.

Your home deserves protection that’s reliable, clear, and easy to use. With a Reolink 5MP PoE camera, you get all three. Now go enjoy peace of mind—and maybe check your front porch from the beach.

Ready to expand? Consider adding more cameras, a doorbell, or smart sensors. Your security system grows as your needs do.