Introduction to Reolink's File Encryption Feature

In response to growing customer demand for enhanced data security, Reolink has introduced a powerful File Encryption feature. This feature is currently supported on the Reolink Home Hub series, part of the Reolink NVRs, and selected camera models, and it will be extended to more products in the future.

Applies to: Reolink Home Hub Pro, Hub P1, Reolink Home Hub, Hub 1, Reolink Altas series, RLN8-410 (hardware version N7MB01), RLN16-410 (hardware version N6MB01), RLN36, NVS36, NVS8, NVS16.

This article includes the following sections：

1. What is Video File Encryption? 
2. How does Reolink File Encryption encrypt a video?
3. How to encrypt a video on Reolink App?
4. How to encrypt a video on Reolink NVRs?

What is Video File Encryption?

File Encryption is a technology that encrypts video recordings, preventing unauthorized access to the content. It is a crucial tool for protecting private data and sensitive information.

How does Reolink File Encryption encrypt a video?

Once File Encryption is enabled on a compatible device, all video recordings are encrypted when saving.

If someone removes the SD card or hard drive and attempts to play the recordings on a computer, a decryption password will be required.

If the device (e.g., Home Hub, NVR, or camera) is lost or stolen, an attacker would need to pass the device login to access its interface.

Even if the device is reset to factory settings and paired with the app again, the previously recorded files will remain encrypted and inaccessible without the correct password.

This means only authorized users with the password can view the recordings, offering a secure barrier even in case of theft or unauthorized device access.

How to encrypt a video on Reolink App?

• Via Reolink App

  Step 1: Log in to the device on Reolink App and then navigate to the settings interface of the device, and then tap on "File Encryption."

  

  Step 2: Enable the File Encryption feature, enter the default admin password for your Reolink device, and then tap "Confirm".

  

  Step 3: Set a password code and a password hint. Both fields are mandatory. The password must be at least 8 characters long and include a minimum of three character types from the following: uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Tapping "Save" will activate the file encryption feature, and new video recordings will be encrypted.

  

  Step 4: To disable the feature, tap "Close" and enter the default admin password of your Reolink device. Alternatively, you can reset the password code by tapping "Reset Code."

  

  When the File Encryption feature is enabled, normally, you don’t need a code to access your video via your app because the code is remembered once you set it.

  However, if your Hub/NVR/camera is reset to factory settings, the encryption code will be cleared and not remembered by the App. After the Hub/NVR/camera finishes reinitialization, people who want to access the previously encrypted videos will be prompted with "The file is encrypted" and will need to enter the password code to access the video content.

  

• Via Reolink Client

  Note: This does not apply to NVRs. If you are using an NVR, please configure it via the Reolink mobile app or directly on the NVR monitor.

  Step 1: Click and navigate to the settings interface of your device on the Reolink Client, and then tap on "File Encryption."

  

  

  Step 2: Enable the File Encryption feature, enter the default admin password for your Reolink device, and then click "Confirm".

  

  Step 3: Set an encryption code and a code hint. Both fields are mandatory. The password must be at least 8 characters long and include a minimum of three character types from the following: uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Clicking "Confirm" will activate the file encryption feature, and new video recordings will be encrypted.

  Step 4: To disable the feature, click on "Disable File Encryption" and enter the default admin password of your device. Alternatively, you can reset the password code by clicking on "Reset Code."

  

  When the File Encryption feature is enabled, normally you don’t need a code to access your video via your Reolink Client because the code is remembered once you set it.

  However, if your Hub/camera is reset to factory settings, the encryption code will be cleared and not remembered by the Reolink Client. After the Hub/camera finishes reinitialization, people who want to access the previously encrypted videos will be prompted with "The file is encrypted" and will need to enter the encryption code to access the video content.

  

  

• Via Reolink NVR (Monitor)

  Applies to: RLN8-410 (hardware version N7MB01), RLN16-410 (hardware version N6MB01), NVS8.

  Step 1: Click Settings > Surveillance buttons, find the Record section in the interface and click the Settings button below this section.

  Step 2: Toggle the File Encryption switch to set the password according to the rules as well as the password prompt.

  

  Step 3: When file encryption is turned on, the button turns blue with a pop-up window to indicate this. Please note: when the file encryption function is turned on, if the NVR screen lock is not activated, the super admin password will still be required every 24 hours when accessing the playback, event history, and backup pages—even if the screen lock is disabled.

  

  When the File Encryption feature is enabled, normally, you don’t need a code to access your video via your NVR because the code is remembered once you set it.

  However, if your NVR is reset to factory settings, the encryption code will be cleared and not remembered by the system. After the NVR finishes reinitialization, people who want to access the previously encrypted videos will be prompted with "The file is encrypted" and will need to enter the password code to access the video content.
  

  

  Turn off the Encryption Function

  To turn off the encryption function, you need to click the File Encryption button again and enter the NVR‘s login password. When the function is turned off, no new files will be encrypted, but the already encrypted files will not be affected.

  

  Reset the Encryption Code

  If you want to reset your encryption password, make sure that file encryption is turned on and click the Reset Code button below. Resetting the password and password hint will allow you to turn file encryption on or off with the new password.

  

Note about File Encryption

When setting up File Encryption for the first time, keep the password properly. If you forget the password, you cannot retrieve it.

By implementing File Encryption, Reolink ensures that customers' video recordings remain secure and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals, providing peace of mind with an encrypted home security system.