Reset your Reolink PoE camera in seconds by pressing and holding the reset button for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes. This quick, tool-free process restores factory settings, fixes connectivity issues, and gets your camera back online with minimal downtime.

How to Reset Reolink Poe Camera Quick and Easy Guide

Key Takeaways

• Locate the reset button: Find the small hole on your Reolink PoE camera.
• Use a paperclip: Press and hold the button for 10 seconds.
• Wait for reboot: Camera restarts automatically after reset completes.
• Reconfigure settings: Reset erases all custom configurations and passwords.
• Check power: Ensure stable PoE connection during the reset process.
• Verify status lights: Solid red light confirms reset initiation.

Why This Matters / Understanding the Problem

You’re watching your front porch on the Reolink app when suddenly—nothing. The camera feed is frozen, the status light is blinking red, or you can’t log in after a password change. Sound familiar? Many Reolink PoE (Power over Ethernet) camera owners hit a wall when their device stops responding, loses connection, or behaves oddly. That’s where learning how to reset Reolink PoE camera quick and easy guide comes in.

Whether you’re troubleshooting network issues, preparing to sell the camera, or just want to start fresh, a reset can fix a surprising number of problems. A factory reset clears all custom settings—like Wi-Fi passwords, user accounts, and motion detection zones—and returns the camera to its default state. This guide walks you through the entire process, whether you’re using the Reolink app, a web browser, or a hard reset button.

Don’t worry—resetting doesn’t damage your camera. It’s a safe, reversible step that often solves connection glitches, login issues, or firmware hiccups. And with this how to reset Reolink PoE camera quick and easy guide, you’ll get back up and running in minutes—no tech degree required.

Real-life example: Sarah, a homeowner in Texas, couldn’t access her Reolink RLC-520 camera after a router upgrade. The camera showed “offline” in the app. After a quick reset using the physical button, she reconnected it in under 10 minutes—no customer support needed.

What You Need

Before you begin, gather these tools and materials. Most are probably already nearby.

• Your Reolink PoE camera (e.g., RLC-410, RLC-520, NVR-compatible models)
• A PoE switch or PoE injector to power the camera during reset
• Ethernet cable (Cat 5e or higher)
• A computer, smartphone, or tablet with the Reolink app or web browser
• A paperclip or small pin (for hard reset)
• Access to your local network (Wi-Fi or LAN)
• Your Reolink account login (email and password)

Optional but helpful:

• Reolink NVR (if your camera is part of a system)
• Laptop with Ethernet port (for direct browser access)
• Router access (in case of IP conflicts)

All Reolink PoE cameras use standard PoE (802.3af or 802.3at), so any compatible switch or injector will work. If you’re unsure, check your camera’s model number and refer to Reolink’s compatibility list.

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reset Reolink PoE Camera Quick and Easy Guide

Step 1: Identify Your Reolink PoE Camera Model

Not all reset methods work the same for every model. Start by checking the camera’s label (usually on the back or bottom). Common PoE models include:

• RLC-410, RLC-420 (4MP)
• RLC-520, RLC-522 (5MP)
• RLC-810A, RLC-820A (8MP)
• Argus 3 Pro (PoE version)

Most use the same reset process, but firmware updates and app features vary. Knowing your model helps you follow the right steps and avoid confusion. This is the first step in our how to reset Reolink PoE camera quick and easy guide—because the right info saves time.

Tip: Take a photo of the model number and serial number. You’ll need it if you contact Reolink support later.

Step 2: Power Down the Camera Safely

Before touching the reset button, turn off the power. Unplug the Ethernet cable from the PoE switch or injector. This prevents electrical surges and ensures a clean reset.

If your camera is connected to a Reolink NVR, power down the NVR first. Never reset a camera while it’s actively recording or streaming—this can corrupt the microSD card (if used).

Wait 10 seconds after unplugging. This lets any residual power drain and resets the internal memory.

Warning: Skipping this step can cause firmware corruption or incomplete resets. Always power down first.

Step 3: Perform a Hard Reset Using the Reset Button

This is the most reliable method—especially if the camera isn’t responding to the app or browser.

Locate the reset button on your camera. It’s usually a small hole on the back, side, or bottom, labeled “Reset” or marked with a circle.

Here’s how to do it:

• Insert a paperclip or pin into the reset hole.
• Press and hold the button for 10–15 seconds.
• While holding, plug the Ethernet cable back into the PoE switch.
• Keep holding for 5 more seconds after power returns.
• Release the button.

The camera’s LED will flash rapidly (usually red or blue) for 30–60 seconds. This means the reset is in progress. When it stabilizes to a steady light, the reset is complete.

Pro tip: If the light doesn’t flash, try again. Make sure you’re holding long enough and that the camera is getting full PoE power.

Step 4: Reconnect the Camera to Your Network

After the reset, the camera will boot up with default settings. It will have a new IP address (usually 192.168.1.108) and no password.

Now, reconnect it to your network:

• Plug the Ethernet cable back into your PoE switch or injector.
• Wait 1–2 minutes for the camera to fully boot.
• Check the LED: a steady green or blue light means it’s online.

If the light stays red, there’s a network or power issue. Try a different Ethernet port or cable.

This step is crucial in any how to reset Reolink PoE camera quick and easy guide—because reconnecting properly prevents future disconnections.

Step 5: Access the Camera via the Reolink App or Web Browser

Now it’s time to set up the camera again. You have two options:

Option A: Reolink Mobile App (iOS/Android)

• Open the Reolink app.
• Tap “+” > “Add Device”.
• Select “PoE Camera” and follow the prompts.
• Choose “Wired (PoE)” when asked.
• The app will search for cameras on your network.
• When it finds your camera, tap it and set a new admin password.

Option B: Web Browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)

• On a computer, open your browser.
• Type the default IP: http://192.168.1.108
• Press Enter. You’ll see the Reolink login page.
• Username: admin
• Password: leave blank (or set a new one)
• Follow the on-screen setup wizard.

Both methods work, but the app is faster and more user-friendly. Use the browser if you’re troubleshooting or prefer desktop control.

Common mistake: Typing “192.168.1.108” without the “http://” prefix. Always include it, or the browser won’t load the page.

Step 6: Reconfigure Your Settings

After logging in, you’ll need to set everything back up. Here’s what to do:

• Set a strong admin password (8+ characters, mix of letters, numbers, symbols).
• Update the firmware (Settings > System > Maintenance > Firmware Update).
• Adjust video quality (Resolution, frame rate, bitrate).
• Re-enable motion detection and set zones.
• Set up push notifications (if desired).
• Format the microSD card (if using one) to avoid playback errors.
• Add to NVR (if part of a multi-camera system).

This is the longest part, but it’s worth it. Skipping firmware updates can leave your camera vulnerable to bugs or security flaws.

Pro tip: Take screenshots of your old settings before resetting next time. It makes reconfiguration much faster.

Step 7: Test the Connection and View Live Feed

Don’t assume it’s working until you test it. Here’s how:

• Open the Reolink app or browser.
• Tap the camera to view the live feed.
• Move in front of the camera to test motion detection.
• Check if alerts arrive on your phone.
• Verify night vision and audio (if supported).

If the feed is frozen, blurry, or lagging, try these fixes:

• Reboot the PoE switch.
• Restart the camera (unplug and replug).
• Check for IP conflicts (use Reolink’s IP scanner tool).

A successful test means your how to reset Reolink PoE camera quick and easy guide worked perfectly.

Step 8: (Optional) Set a Static IP Address

By default, the camera uses DHCP (dynamic IP), which can change over time. For stability, assign a static IP.

• Go to Settings > Network > IP.
• Choose “Static” instead of “DHCP”.
• Enter an IP address outside your router’s DHCP range (e.g., 192.168.1.200).
• Set subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0).
• Enter your router’s IP (gateway) and DNS (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
• Save and reboot.

This prevents disconnections when the router assigns new IPs. Great for NVR systems or remote viewing.

Warning: Don’t assign an IP already used by another device. Use your router’s admin page to check active IPs.

Step 9: Reconnect to Cloud or Remote Viewing

If you used Reolink Cloud or remote access before, set it up again.

• Open the app, go to Settings > Network > Cloud.
• Sign in with your Reolink account.
• Enable cloud storage (if subscribed).
• Test remote viewing by turning off Wi-Fi and using mobile data.

Without cloud, you can still access the camera via DDNS or port forwarding, but it’s more complex. The app’s cloud feature is the easiest way to watch your camera from anywhere.

Step 10: Document Your New Settings

After everything works, write down or save your new settings. Include:

• Camera IP address
• Admin username and password
• Firmware version
• Motion detection zones
• Cloud subscription details

Store this info in a password manager or secure note. It’ll save you hours next time you need to troubleshoot.

Real-life scenario: Mark reset his RLC-820A after a power outage. He forgot his password and had to reset again—but because he documented his settings, he only spent 5 minutes reconfiguring.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a perfect guide, things can go wrong. Here’s how to stay ahead:

Pro Tip #1: Always update firmware after a reset. Outdated firmware is the #1 cause of post-reset glitches. Go to Settings > Maintenance > Firmware Update and check for new versions.

Pro Tip #2: Use the Reolink IP Scanner Tool. If your camera doesn’t appear in the app, download Reolink’s free IP scanner. It finds all Reolink devices on your network—even if they have no password.

Pro Tip #3: Reset during off-peak hours. If you’re using the camera for security, do the reset when no one is home. That way, you’re not missing critical footage.

Common Mistake #1: Forgetting to re-enable motion detection. After a reset, motion zones and alerts are off. Always double-check under Settings > Alarm.

Common Mistake #2: Using a weak password. The default login is admin with no password. Set a strong one immediately to avoid security risks.

Common Mistake #3: Not testing night vision. After reconfiguration, test the camera at night. Infrared LEDs can fail silently, and you won’t notice until it’s too late.

Common Mistake #4: Skipping the microSD card format. If you use local storage, format the card after reset. Old files can cause errors or slow performance.

Following this how to reset Reolink PoE camera quick and easy guide with these tips ensures a smooth, error-free reset every time.

FAQs About How to Reset Reolink PoE Camera Quick and Easy Guide

Q1: How long does a Reolink PoE camera reset take?

A full reset and reconfiguration takes 10–15 minutes for most users. The hard reset itself takes 2–3 minutes. The rest is setting up the app, password, and preferences. If you’re reusing old settings, it’s faster—under 5 minutes.

Q2: Will resetting delete my recorded footage?

Only if you have a microSD card. The reset clears the card’s settings but doesn’t delete files. However, it’s best to format the card after reset to avoid playback issues. Cloud footage (Reolink Cloud) is safe—it’s stored remotely.

Q3: Can I reset a Reolink PoE camera remotely?

Only if it’s still connected to the internet. Use the Reolink app: go to Device Settings > System > Reset to Factory Default. But if the camera is offline, you must use the physical reset button.

Q4: What if the reset button doesn’t work?

Try these fixes:

• Hold the button longer (up to 20 seconds).
• Use a stiffer pin (paperclips can bend).
• Ensure the camera is powered during the reset.
• Try a different PoE switch or injector.

If it still fails, contact Reolink support. The button or internal circuit might be damaged.

Q5: Does resetting void the warranty?

No. Resetting is a standard troubleshooting step. It doesn’t damage the hardware or void the warranty. In fact, Reolink recommends it for most connection issues.

Q6: Can I reset multiple cameras at once?

No. Each camera must be reset individually. However, you can use the Reolink NVR to reset all connected cameras at once (Settings > System > Reset All). This is faster for multi-camera systems.

Q7: Why does my camera keep disconnecting after a reset?

Usually due to:

• Weak PoE power (use a higher-wattage injector).
• Faulty Ethernet cable (swap it out).
• IP conflict (assign a static IP).
• Router blocking traffic (check firewall settings).

Test each one step by step. Most disconnections are network-related, not camera issues.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your Reolink PoE camera doesn’t have to be scary. With this how to reset Reolink PoE camera quick and easy guide, you’ve got a clear, step-by-step plan that works every time. From the hard reset button to reconfiguring settings and testing the feed, you’re now equipped to handle any glitch.

Remember: resetting is a tool—not a last resort. Use it early when you spot issues like login failures, frozen feeds, or network errors. The sooner you reset, the less downtime you’ll have.

Keep this guide bookmarked or saved. Share it with family or neighbors who use Reolink cameras. And if you ever sell or donate your camera, reset it first to protect your privacy.

Now that you know how to reset Reolink PoE camera quick and easy guide style, you’re not just fixing problems—you’re mastering your security system. Stay safe, stay connected, and keep an eye on what matters most.

Actionable advice: Next time your Reolink camera acts up, don’t panic. Grab this guide, follow the steps, and reset it in minutes. You’ve got this!