Reolink NVR allows you to record videos from Reolink IP cameras and manage multiple cameras at once. To achieve that, you need to add the camera to the NVR first. This article will guide you to add different models to a NVR across the following three product lines.

Applies to: All Reolink IP cameras and NVRs (new UI)

1. Reolink Camera Connection Methods to NVR

Depending on the model, we divide the cameras into Reolink PoE cameras, Plug-in Wi-Fi cameras, and Battery-powered Wi-Fi cameras. Based on your camera type, select the corresponding section for the connection process.

  • Reolink PoE Cameras

    Method 1: Direct Connection to PoE Port

    Directly connect the camera to the PoE port of the Reolink NVR. In this case, the NVR will provide power to the camera.

    connection diagram

    Method 2: Connecting to the Same Router
    Connect the camera to the same router that the Reolink NVR is connected to. In this scenario, additional power is needed for the camera, such as through a PoE switch or an adapter. Refer to specific instruction for this setup: How to Power on Reolink PoE Cameras.

    nvr link poe

  • Reolink Plug-in Wi-Fi Cameras

    These cameras require a separate power supply.

    Method 1: Connecting to the Same Router
    Configure the camera and connect it to the same router that the Reolink NVR is connected to. Make sure the cameras you want to add to the NVR are connected to the same network (LAN) as the NVR. Otherwise, the cameras won’t be shown on the Add device list and cannot be automatically added to the NVR.

    nvr link poe

    Method 2: Direct Connection to PoE Port
    For Reolink Wi-Fi cameras with an Ethernet port, the camera can be directly connected to the PoE port of the NVR. Note that this method still requires a separate power supply to power the camera.

  • Reolink Battery-Powered Wi-Fi Cameras

    Ensure that the camera has power and it is turned on. Configure the camera and connect it to the same router that the Reolink NVR is connected to, refer to: How to Initially Set up Reolink Battery-powered WiFi Cameras via Reolink App.

    Note: After the battery-powered Wi-Fi camera is added to the NVR, the NVR takes over, and the standalone access to this battery-powered Wi-Fi camera through the App/Client is no longer possible. If standalone access is needed, delete the camera from NVR.

2. Adding Reolink Cameras on the Reolink NVR

Adding cameras to the Reolink NVR can only be performed on the connected monitor. This monitor needs to be connected to the NVR using an HDMI or VGA cable.

Step 1: Adding a Camera via Preview Screen or Settings

Ensure there are available channels on the NVR for adding a new camera.

To add a camera, you can either:

Move your mouse to the empty channel space on the live view screen and click the "+" icon to add the camera.
new UI add device

Alternatively, go to Settings > Channel, find the empty channel space, and click the "+" icon to add the camera.
new UI channel add device

Step 2: Complete the Camera Addition in the Add Device Window

In the pop-up Add Device window, you will see two sections: Devices to Add and Added Devices.

  • Devices to Add represents the cameras that are detected and ready to be added to the NVR.

  • Added Devices shows cameras that have already been added to the NVR.

Select the camera from the Devices to Add section, click the "+", and then enter the camera's password to complete the addition. The default account name for the camera is admin (all lowercase). For battery-powered cameras, there is no account name.

Note: The layout may vary slightly depending on the NVR hardware version. Follow the actual on-screen instructions.

click add

camera log in

If your NVR is RLN12W or NVS12W, you can also refer to Part 4. How to Change Camera's Wi-Fi in this article How to Add Reolink IP Cameras to Reolink WiFi NVR (New UI) to sync NVR's Wi-Fi for your cameras.