Many customers with surveillance systems wonder whether Reolink NVR compatible cameras include third-party cameras. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to add a third-party camera to a Reolink NVR, along with important considerations to ensure successful integration.

Applies to: All Reolink NVRs

Table of Content

  1. Reolink NVR Compatible Cameras
  2. How to Add 3rd Party Camera to Reolink NVR
  3. Possible Reasons Why Adding May Fail

Reolink NVR Compatible Cameras

Reolink NVRs are designed primarily for use with Reolink cameras, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. However, some third-party cameras can be integrated into Reolink NVR systems under certain conditions. Before proceeding, it's crucial to understand that compatibility cannot be guaranteed, and the process might require advanced technical knowledge.

How to Add 3rd Party Camera to Reolink NVR

Preparation: Connect a TV/Monitor to the NVR via HDMI/VGA cable.

monitor.jpg

Step 1: Confirm ONVIF support on the third-party camera

  • Verify that the third-party camera supports the ONVIF protocol.

  • If the camera has an ONVIF enable/disable option in its settings, make sure it is enabled.

Step 2: Confirm ONVIF is enabled on the Reolink NVR

  • Go to NVR Settings > Network > Advanced > Port Settings, ensure its ONVIF service is enabled and apply the setting.

port settings

onvif port

Step 3: Connect the third-party camera to the same network

  • Connect the third-party camera to the same local network as the Reolink NVR. Plugging the camera directly into the NVR won't work.

Step 4: Add the third-party camera to the NVR

  • Check automatic detection: In the NVR’s Channel Management, click the “+” on an available channel to open the Add Device window. If the camera is detected, click "+", enter the username and password, and complete the setup.

addAdd devicesonvif

  • If the camera is not detected, proceed to Manually add the camera:
    • Click Manual Adding at the top.
    • Select the ONVIF protocol and enter the ONVIF port number configured on the third-party camera.
    • Input the camera's IP address, username, and password. Click "OK" to complete the setup. Afterward, verify that the camera feed is visible on the NVR and that the camera is functioning properly.

manually adding

onvif protocol

Possible Reasons Why Adding May Fail

A. Possible Reasons on the Reolink NVR Side

1. The ONVIF service on the NVR is turned off

  • If ONVIF is disabled, the NVR cannot detect any third-party camera. Make sure the ONVIF service is enabled in the NVR settings.

2. Firmware is outdated

  • Newer firmware version generally includes performance improvements and feature enhancements. Update the NVR to the latest firmware available on Reolink Download Center.

B. Possible Reasons on the 3rd-Party Camera Side

Because UI layouts vary by brand, if you are unsure where these settings are located, please consult the 3rd-party camera’s support for detailed instructions.

1. ONVIF is disabled on the camera

  • Third-party cameras may have ONVIF turned off by default. Make sure ONVIF is enabled in the camera settings.

2. The camera and NVR are not on the same LAN

  • If the camera and NVR are on different subnets or VLANs, the NVR cannot detect the camera. Ensure both are on the same local network.

3. The camera triggered “illegal login lockout”

  • Some cameras temporarily block ONVIF access after multiple authentication attempts. This can occur even with a single login, as multiple ONVIF commands may be sent. Wait for the lockout to clear or disable “illegal login lockout” in the camera’s settings.

4. Camera wsse authentication disabled

To integrate with a Reolink NVR, third-party cameras need to have WSSE authentication enabled (WS-Username Token), as shown in the figure below. Settings vary by manufacturer.

wsse on

5. Unsupported video encoding format

  • Reolink NVRs do not support certain formats such as MJPEG or enhanced codecs like Smart Encode, H.264+, or H.265+. For compatibility, use standard H.264 and disable enhanced encoding options.

If all steps above have been checked and the camera still cannot be added, it is likely due to a protocol incompatibility between the devices. Suggested action:

  • Contact the 3rd-party camera’s support team for more suggestions.
  • Use a Reolink camera for the best guarantee of compatibility.

Integrating Reolink NVRs with other cameras can be achieved through careful configuration and adherence to the guidelines outlined in this article. However, it's important to note that Reolink cameras are the only guaranteed cameras compatible with Reolink NVRs. If you encounter difficulties during the process, you can contact our support team for further assistance.