If you find that the capacity of Reolink NVRs can’t meet your use, you may refer to the following 3 methods to expand the storage of your NVRs.

Applies to: All Reolink NVRs.

Important Considerations for Expanding Storage

  1. Check NVR’s Maximum Supported HDD Storage: Confirm how much HDD storage your NVR can support, either through internal or external drives. Refer to: How Many HDDs Can I Connect with Reolink NVR System.
  2. Backup Important Data Before Replacing the HDD: If you are replacing the HDD and the original drive contains important recordings, make sure to download and back up the recordings before proceeding with the replacement.
  3. Power Off Before Replacing and Format HDD Afterwards: Make sure to power off the NVR before replacing/adding the HDD. Afterward, verify if the HDD is detected on the NVR storage interface, format it, and reboot the NVR to start using. Refer to: How to Check/Format HDD via Reolink NVRs.

Method 1. Replace the Existing HDD with Another HDD with Higher Storage

Applies to: All NVRs.

Preparation: An HDD and a screwdriver.

  • Step 1: Open the NVR box with the necessary tools (i.e. screwdriver).
  • Step 2: Find the HDD, replace it with a new one, and tighten the screws.
  • Step 3: Place the upper plate of the NVR back on its' box.
    For more detailed info, refer to: How to Change the HDD for Reolink NVR.

Method 2. Add an External HDD via eSATA Port

Applies to: RLN8-410, RLN16-410 (Hw. H3MB02), NVS8, RP-PN8.

For NVRs above with an eSATA port, we can add an external HDD via the eSATA port.

Preparation: An HDD and a hard disk enclosure (HDD enclosure) supporting 3.5" SATA HDD with eSATA cable.

  • Step 1: Place the HDD into the hard disk enclosure. Make sure the the SATA interface of the HDD align properly with metal contact points of the HDD enclosure.
    connector connector on HDD enclosure install hdd
  • Step 2: Connect the enclosure to the eSATA port of the NVR. Since the HDD cannot be powered through the eSATA port of the Reolink NVR, make sure to plug in the power supply for the HDD enclosure. Do not mistakenly connect the HDD enclosure to the USB port.esata cable power supplyHDD enclosure

Method 3. Place Another HDD inside the NVR

Applies to: RLN16-410, RLN36, NVS16, NVS36, RP-PN16.

Preparation: An HDD and a screwdriver.

  • Step 1. Open the NVR box gently.
  • Step 2. Plug the HDD into the exact port on the PCB board, then fix the HDD to the base of the NVR.

  • Step 3. Put the upper plate back on the NVR box and restore it to its original state.

    Place Another HDD

  • Position 1 is where you can put and fix the extra HDD inside the NVR.
  • Position 2 is the SATA plug for the extra HDD.
  • Position 3 is the power supply plug for the extra HDD.

  • As you can see in the picture below, we provide 4 screws for the installation of an additional HDD.

    Four Screws

Note: It is important for you to make sure that the HDD is powered on using the power supply plug. Otherwise, the extra HDD would not work at all.

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