A properly formatted microSD card ensures stable recording and smooth performance of your Reolink device. It clears old files, removes potential errors, and prepares the card in the correct file system so that recordings can be saved properly. This guide explains how to check and format the card, and answers some frequently asked questions about SD card usage.

Applies to: Reolink Home Hub, Hub 1 and all Reolink cameras except the add-on cameras like B400, B500, P321C, B500W, W320C, B800, P331C, B800W, W330C, B1200, P341C, D400, D500, P325C, D800, P335C, D1200, P345C, V500, V800, V800W, W337C, V1200.

Step-by-Step Instructions 

  • Via Reolink App

    Step 1: Access the Storage Settings

    For Reolink Cameras:
    Tap the settings of the camera to go to Camera Settings > Camera Information > Storage.

    elite camera's setting camera infostorage option

    For Reolink Home Hub:
    Tap the settings of the Home Hub to open Home Hub settings page, tap Settings and then navigate to Storage to access the microSD card.

    hub settings setting optionhub storage

    Step 2: Check and Format the SD Card.

    On this page, you can check the information about the SD card, such as used space and total capacity. Tap Format > Confirm to format it.

    Note: Formatting will erase all data on the card. Make sure to back up any important recordings before proceeding.

    formatconfirm format

    Step 3: Wait for Reboot and Check SD Card.

    After format, please wait a few minutes for the camera or Hub to reboot. Once the device has restarted, check the SD card information to ensure that the storage has been cleared and is ready for use.

    You can also refer to the video tutorial for formatting the camera’s SD card for step-by-step guidance.

  • Via Reolink Client

    Step 1: Access the Storage Settings.

    For Reolink Cameras:
    Click the settings icon of the camera to go to Camera Settings > Storage.

    find storage

    For Reolink Home Hub:
    Click the triangle icon of the Home Hub to open Home Hub settings, then navigate to Customize > Storage to access the microSD card settings of the Home Hub.

    home hub

    Step 2: Check and Format the SD Card.

    On this page, you can check the information about the SD card, such as used space and total capacity. To format the SD card: Click the SD card > Format, then confirm the action. 

    Note: Formatting will erase all data on the card. Make sure to back up any important recordings before proceeding.

    format SDconfirm

    Step 3: Wait for Reboot and Check SD Card.

    After format, please wait a few minutes for the camera or Hub to reboot. Once the device has restarted, check the SD card information to ensure that the storage has been cleared and is ready for use.

    You can also refer to the video tutorial for formatting the camera’s SD card for step-by-step guidance.

  • Via Reolink Web Browser

    Applies to: All Reolink cameras except battery-powered cameras, E1, E1 Pro, Lumus, and the add-on cameras like B/D/V series.

    Step 1. Log in to your camera via the web browser.

    Step 2. Go to Device Settings > Storage page, then click Format > Confirm button.

    format sd card web

Format FAQ

  • How can I delete only part of the recordings?

    Currently, only a few models support partial deletion of recordings. Most models only allow formatting the card to remove all recordings. Learn Can I Delete Certain Video Footages That Stored in Micro SD Card and HDD via Reolink Software.

  • What if I don’t see the "storage" option, or "format" option appears greyed out?

    1. Make sure you are logged in the Reolink device with the original admin account, as user accounts cannot access the storage settings.

    2. Check if your camera is connected to a Reolink NVR or Reolink Home Hub:

    • On Reolink NVRs, you can only format the NVR’s HDD. The camera’s SD card cannot be accessed through the NVR interface. To format the camera’s SD card, connect to the camera directly via the App or Client as a standalone device.

    • On a Reolink Home Hub, ensure you are accessing the Hub settings. The camera’s SD card cannot be accessed through the Hub interface directly. To format it, either remove the camera from the Hub and access it individually via the App or Client, or take out the SD card and format it on a computer.

  • What happens when the SD card is full? Do I need to format the SD card?

    Reolink cameras support loop recording if the Auto Overwrite option is enabled. When the card is full, the oldest recordings will be automatically overwritten by new ones, so manual formatting is not necessary for normal use.

Common Situations for SD Card Formatting

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