If you're planning to change your Wi-Fi network, router, or password, or have already done so, you may be wondering how to reconnect your Reolink camera to the new settings. Whether you're upgrading your router or simply updating your Wi-Fi details, here’s how to quickly get your camera back online.

Applies to: All Reolink WiFi cameras

When you change your Wi-Fi password or SSID, your Reolink Wi-Fi camera may fail to reconnect to the network. This happens because the camera is configured to connect to a specific Wi-Fi network with a certain SSID (network name) and password. If either of these details is changed, the camera will no longer recognize the Wi-Fi network, resulting in a disconnection.

To resolve this and restore the connection, you need to make sure that the Wi-Fi settings on your camera match the updated network details. Below are 5 methods that can help restore the camera’s Wi-Fi connection after changing the router’s settings:

Method 1: Change the Wi-Fi Settings on Your Camera Before Changing the Router’s Wi-Fi SSID/Password

Best for: Preparing before changing ISP or router settings.

One of the easiest ways to avoid losing your Wi-Fi connection is to update the camera’s settings to match the new Wi-Fi network before you change the Wi-Fi password on the router. Here’s how:

  1. Change the SSID and Password on the Camera: Use the Reolink App or Client to access the camera’s Wi-Fi settings. Update the SSID (network name) and password to match the new details you plan to use for the router. Refer to: How to Change Wi-Fi for Reolink Wi-Fi Cameras.

  2. Make sure you input the correct details: You only get one chance to input the correct SSID and password on the camera. If the details are incorrect, the camera will disconnect, and you’ll need to reconnect it manually via a cable (if your camera has an Ethernet port) or reset it for cameras that don’t have a network port.

  3. Set the Router’s Wi-Fi Settings: Once the camera’s settings are updated, set up your new router’s settings (typically accessible via its web interface or app), and set the Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password to match what you set on the camera.

  4. Reconnect the Camera: The camera should automatically reconnect to the router once the settings match.

Note: It’s normal for the camera to disconnect momentarily when the SSID and password are updated, as it is trying to connect to the updated Wi-Fi network. Once the router settings are set to match the camera, it should reconnect.

Method 2: Use a Mobile Hotspot with the Same SSID and Password as Your Old Wi-Fi

Best for: A temporary solution to reconnect the camera to Wi-Fi when it has lost connection after ISP/router changes.

  1. Set Up a Mobile Hotspot
    Set up your mobile device as a hotspot with the same SSID and password as your old Wi-Fi network. This creates a temporary network that matches the old details.

  2. Connect the Camera to the Hotspot
    The camera should automatically detect and connect to this temporary Wi-Fi network. Once the camera is connected to the hotspot, access the camera via the Reolink App or Client.

  3. Update the Wi-Fi Settings
    Now that the camera is connected, go into the Wi-Fi settings and update the camera to your new Wi-Fi network. Once updated, the camera should automatically reconnect to the new network.

Refer to: How to Connect Reolink Cameras to Phone's Hotspot.

Method 3: Change the New Router’s Wi-Fi SSID and Password to Match the Old Wi-Fi Settings

Best for: Restoring connection when the camera has lost Wi-Fi after the router or ISP change.

If you prefer not to update the camera’s settings manually, you can change the router's Wi-Fi settings to match the old Wi-Fi settings that you’ve already configured on the camera. Here’s how:

  1. Access your router’s settings: Log into your router’s web interface. For instructions on how to log into your router's settings, refer to the router’s manual or contact router support for assistance.

  2. Update the Wi-Fi SSID and Password: On the router’s Wi-Fi settings page, change the SSID and password to match what you’ve set on the Reolink camera.

  3. Save and Apply the Changes: Once the settings are updated on the router, the camera should automatically reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.

Method 4: For Cameras with Ethernet Ports — Wired Connection

Best for: Restoring Wi-Fi connection on cameras with Ethernet ports after losing connection due to router or ISP changes.

You can restore the connection by temporarily using a wired connection. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Connect the Camera to the Router Using an Ethernet Cable: This will establish a direct connection to the router and bypass the Wi-Fi settings temporarily.

  2. Select the New Wi-Fi Network on the Camera: Open the Reolink App or Client and go to the camera’s Wi-Fi settings. Choose your updated Wi-Fi network from the available options and enter the correct password.

  3. Reconnect the Camera: After the camera successfully connects to the Wi-Fi network, you can disconnect the Ethernet cable. The camera should now use Wi-Fi.

Refer to: How to Change Wi-Fi for Reolink Wi-Fi Cameras.

Method 5: For Cameras without Ethernet Ports — Reset the Camera and Reconfigure Wi-Fi Settings

Best for: If the camera is unable to reconnect after an ISP or router change and other methods don’t work.

You can reset the camera to its factory settings and set it up again. Here’s how:

  1. Perform the Reset: Look for the reset button on your Reolink camera and reset it. Refer to: How to Hard Reset Device by Pressing the Reset Button. This will erase all previous settings, including Wi-Fi configurations.

  2. Reconfigure the Wi-Fi Settings: After the reset, you will need to go through the initial setup process again. Ensure you input the correct SSID and password for your new Wi-Fi network. If you input the wrong details, the camera will fail to connect to your network.

With these steps, you can easily reconnect your Reolink camera to your new Wi-Fi or router settings. If you need further help, click Submit a request below to contact support.