How to Expand the Capacity of Reolink NVRs

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.

Method 1: Add an external HDD via eSATA port.

Method 2: Replace the existing HDD with another HDD with higher storage.

Method 3: Place another HDD inside the NVR.

Note: The last method only applies to RLN16-410 and RLN 36, as there is reserved space and plugs inside them.

Add an External HDD via eSATA Port

Step 1. Prepare an HDD and a junction cable.

Step 2. Plug the HDD into the eSATA port of NVR referring to the following instructions.

Note: As the HDD can’t be powered on by the eSATA port of Reolink NVR, it needs an additional power supply.

1. HDD with HDD enclosure. Besides plugging the HDD into the eSATA port of the NVR, you also need to plug the power in. Consult your HDD enclosure supplier for guidance if necessary.

2. HDD with junction line. Plug one end into the eSATA port, and the other end into the power supply.

Replace the Existing HDD with Another HDD with Higher Storage

For the old RLN8-410 NVR system and the previous version RLN16-410 NVR system, we can replace the existing HDD with a 4TB HDD, for the new hardware version RLN16-410 NVR and RLN8-410 system, we can replace it with a 6TB HDD. 

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.

Place Another HDD inside the NVR 

There are enough space and reserved plugs for two HDDs in RLN16-410 PoE NVRs.

For the previous RLN16-410 NVR system with an eSATA port, we can add two internal 4TB HDDs and one 4TB via eSATA port, which means its maximum capacity can be expanded to a total of 12TB.

For the new hardware version 4k version RLN16-410 NVR system without an eSATA port, it will support two 6TB internal HDDs, a total capacity of up to 12TB, too.

For the RLN36, it has three reserved HDD slots inside, which can support 3*16TB HDD, a total of up to 48 TB

Step 1. Prepare an HDD, and 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.

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.

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.

You need to format HDD and reboot the NVR after changing/adding the HDD.