Reolink Video Doorbells support two distinct operating modes: Battery Power Mode and Wired Power Mode. Understanding the difference helps you choose the setup that best fits your home and get the most out of your doorbell.

Applies to: Reolink Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), Reolink Doorbell SE, and D340B.

Battery Power Mode

When your doorbell runs on battery power alone with no additional wiring required, it operates in Battery Power Mode. In this mode, the doorbell draws power exclusively from the built-in battery and relies on a PIR motion sensor to trigger recording and alerts.

Key Features:

  1. Wire-Free Installation: No wiring is required, making installation flexible and convenient. Ideal for renters or areas where wiring is difficult.
  2. Motion-Triggered Recording: The camera stays in standby mode to save power and wakes up instantly when the PIR sensor detects motion.
  3. Battery Life: The battery life depends on the frequency of triggers, detection sensitivity, and environmental conditions.

  4. Working Modes: Supports four operational modes, they are Power Saving Mode, Smart Power Mode, Optimal Surveillance Mode, and Custom Mode.

    doorbell  go to battery settingssmart battery mode  select one mode under battery power mode

    For more information about the working modes, please refer to Introduction to Battery Modes for Reolink Doorbell Battery.

Hardwiring & Mechanical Chime Compatibility:
While configured in Battery Power Mode, you can also connect the doorbell to your existing doorbell wires (8-24V AC/DC):

  1. Trickle Charging: When wired, the doorbell enters a trickle charging state, slowly and continuously recharging the internal battery.

  2. Mechanical Chime Compatibility: Under this specific wired setup, the doorbell is compatible with traditional mechanical chimes. Your existing mechanical chime will work and ring normally.

    trickle charges

Wired Power Mode

If you connect the doorbell to an existing wired doorbell wiring, you can configure it to "Wired Power Mode". In this mode, the doorbell operates similarly to a standard plug-in security camera, fully supporting 24/7 continuous recording.

Key Features:

  1. Continuous Power: Powered continuously by your existing doorbell wiring, eliminating the need to manually recharge/replace the battery.
  2. Continuous Recording: Supports 24/7 continuous recording or timer recording.

  3. Working Modes: Supports three operational modes: Alarm Recording Mode, Continuous Recording Mode, and Custom Mode.

    switch to wired power  select one mode under wired power mode

Hardwiring & Mechanical Chime Compatibility:

In Wired Power Mode, the doorbell requires a 16-24V AC/DC wired connection. Furthermore, it must be paired with either a Jumper Cable or a Reolink Power Kit RLA-PK1（Sold Separately).

Depending on the accessory you use, the compatibility with your mechanical chime will vary:

  1. When using the Jumper Cable, the mechanical chime is bypassed and will not ring when the button is pressed.

    jumper cable

  2. When using the RLA-PK1, the power kit regulates the power supply and eliminates humming noise. In this setup, your mechanical chime can be used normally and will ring when the doorbell is pressed.

    power kit

    For more information, please refer to RLA-PK1 Power Kit Installation Guide: Fix Mechanical Chime Buzzing with Reolink Doorbells.

Reolink Video Doorbells are designed to flexibly adapt to your installation environment. Whether you prefer a simple, wire-free setup in Battery Power Mode or the 24/7 continuous recording capabilities of Wired Power Mode, you have full control. By selecting the correct power mode and pairing it with the appropriate accessories, you can ensure your mechanical chime functions exactly as you need while securing your home.

If you have any questions, click “Submit a request” below to contact the Reolink Support Team.