Reolink devices can be accessed in two ways: as a Local Device or an Account Device. The access method depends on the device model and its account-binding settings.
This article will be introduced to you in four parts:
3. How to Switch Between a Local Device and an Account Device
What Is a Local Device?
A Local Device is a Reolink device that does not need to be bound to a Reolink account.
You can add and access a Local Device directly in the Reolink App or Client using the device's UID, username, and password. You do not need to log in to a Reolink account to access the device.
What Is an Account Device?
An Account Device is a Reolink device that is bound to a Reolink account. Unlike a Local Device, an Account Device can ONLY be accessed through the Reolink App, because the Reolink App supports logging in to a Reolink account.
To access an Account Device, you must first log in to the Reolink account that the device is bound to. Once logged in, you can directly access and manage all Account Devices associated with that account without adding each device to the app individually using its UID, username, and password.
For example, if you have multiple Account Devices associated with the same Reolink account, you can simply log in to that account on another phone and access all associated devices without adding them one by one.
In addition to simplifying device access, a supported Account Device may enable additional account-based features on the Reolink App only.
- Automatic Smart Home Integration: It is automatically associated with Smart Home services, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home, making it easier to connect and manage the device through these platforms.
- Share device via your Reolink Account: It allows you to share a device with other Reolink accounts and manage their access permissions. See How to Share Devices Using Your Reolink Account to share devices via Reolink account.
- System Notification Center: The new System Notifications feature helps users stay informed about important service updates. See Reolink App System Notifications Feature Overview to learn more details.
- Automation Feature: On certain supported models, you can use Add Rule to create automation between devices. For example, one device can trigger an action on another account device based on a defined rule.
Note: Account Device features and automation capabilities may vary depending on the device model.
Account Devices can be divided into two types: Mandatory Account Devices and Switchable Account Devices.
Mandatory Account Devices
Applies to: Reolink Go PT S Lite, Go Series G420S
Some devices are designed to work only as Account Devices. These are called Mandatory Account Devices. They must be bound to a Reolink account and cannot be used as Local Devices. Refer to How to Initially Set up Reolik Go PT S Lite Camera.
Switchable Account Devices
Applies to: Reolink Argus MagiCam, Elite Floodlight WiFi, Argus Solar, Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), Argus Eco Ultra (Hw. BIPC_560MIX16M35B238MP)
Some devices can be used either as an Account Device or a Local Device. These are called Switchable Account Devices. You can follow the steps below to switch between the two types depending on how you want to access and manage the device.
How to Switch Between a Local Device and an Account Device
Only Switchable Account Devices can switch between Local Device and Account Device modes. Mandatory Account Devices can only be used as Account Devices and cannot be switched to Local Devices. Switching between Local Device and Account Device is only supported in the Reolink App. Reolink Client, the web interface, and the NVR's local interface do not support this feature.
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1. Switch from a Local Device to an Account Device
If your device supports switching, you can bind the device to your Reolink account through the Reolink App. Follow the steps below to add the device as a local device and then switch to account device.
Step 1. Upgrade the Reolink App to the latest version and open the Reolink App.
Step 2. Register or log in to your Reolink Account. Then add a switchable account device to Reolink App, and it'll be listed under Local Device.
Step 3. Tap
to go to the Device Settings > Advanced.
Step 4. Tap Set Up as Account Device and then Switch.
Step 5. Done! This device has been switched to Account Device, and it will be removed from the Local Device list and added to your Account Device list.
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2. Switch from an Account Device to a Local Device
If the device supports switching, firstly, you need to unbind the device from the Reolink account by restoring or resetting it. Then add the device to the app again as a Local Device.
Step 1. If you can still access and view the device on the Reolink, it suggests going to Device Settings > Advanced > Restore to restore it in the Reolink App.
Step 2. After restoring or resetting, this device displays Access Error under the Account Devices List, prompting you to delete the device . Tap the device and follow the on-screen instructions to tap Delete.
Step 3. Tap
to add the device again as a local device by scanning the QR code, manual input, or LAN.
Step 4. The device will proceed with the initial setup process, including selecting a network connection, creating a password, and a device name.
Note: If your device is a Wi-Fi camera, you need to select a network connection during initial setup. On the Select Your Network Connection page, select Wi-Fi Already Configured after restoring it in Step 1 ; select Configure Wi-Fi by scanning QR code after resetting it.
Step 5. Done! This device has been switched to a local device. You can check it under not only the All Devices List but also the Local Devices List.
Important Notes
1. A device cannot be used as both an Account Device and a Local Device at the same time. Once a device is switched to an Account Device, you cannot add it again as a Local Device. If you try to add it by tapping and scanning its QR code/manual inputting/LAN in Reolink software, the connection will fail and Connection Failed will be displayed. This is normal because the device is already associated with a Reolink account.
2. Previous sharing methods will no longer work after a device is switched to an Account Device. This includes sharing the device directly using its password, creating password-protected accounts for device access, and generating password-free sharing links. These access methods will become invalid. Instead, use Reolink Account/Email sharing to share the device with others.