Spotlights that repeatedly switch on/off can disrupt your home's ambiance and security. Why does my light turn on by itself? This article explores common causes and practical solutions to restore your lighting's proper functionality.

Applies to: Reolink cameras with spotlights. Click on the link to find out which cameras are spotlight-supported: Which Cameras Support the Spotlight

Symptoms for the Spotlights Auto-Switching on/off Repeatedly

The spotlights may flicker or flash rapidly or turn on/off at irregular intervals. It may struggle to maintain a steady glow, frequently shutting off unexpectedly.

Troubleshooting Steps for the Keep Turning on/off Spotlights

There are two categories for troubleshooting cameras with spotlights due to the variety of types available. Kindly select the appropriate solution for your specific type of camera.

  • DC-powered Cameras

    1. Meets the power requirements
    2. Installation with no strong light or reflective objects: avoid placing the camera indoors directly facing a well-lit doorway, near a smooth wall, or in front of mirrors, bright lamps, or glossy, reflective ceilings or floors.
    3. Power test:
      • Wi-Fi Cameras: please change the adapter with the same specification and try to remove the power extension cords if you use it. (Note: For Doorbell Wi-Fi, its adapter should be 24V DC or 12-24V AC, and the transformer should be 16V AC, 50/60 Hz, 30 VA. When the doorbell is powered by the existing wiring, it is recommended to connect a jumper wire. You can test it on different compliant adapters and transformers.)
      • PoE Cameras: please swap the short network cables and ports between the NVR/injector/switch/router and cameras, or use a compliant adapter.
    4. Test Turning on the Spotlights: please set spotlights to always on to see if the issue is solved. How to Configure Spotlight Settings for Your Camera. If it works, please switch back to Auto and monitor it.
    5. Upgrade to the latest firmware version: here is a link to help you How to Upgrade Firmware for Reolink Products
    6. Reboot the camera: please reboot the camera to see if the issue is resolved.
    7. Restore or reset the camera: if the camera is online, please restore it How to Restore Reolink Products Otherwise, please reset it How to Hard Reset Device by Pressing the Reset Button (Note: Restore only resets basic settings and will not reset network settings or clear recordings.)  

  • Battery-powered Cameras

    1. Power test: please make sure that the camera is fully charged, with no low battery reminder on the app. You could also try charging it with a solar panel or adapter and removing the power extension cords if you use it.
    2. Movement test: please disable the PIR first How to Turn on/off the PIR Sensor and enable the detection types of person/vehicle/others How to Set up Record Schedule for Battery-powered Cameras. Then monitor if the spotlights turn on when a person/vehicle/pet is moving in front of the lens. If the spotlights turn off when the events stop moving, the software may cause issues, please contact technical support.
    3. Upgrade to the latest firmware version: here is a link to help you Online Reolink Camera Firmware Upgrade via Reolink Software
    4. Reboot the camera: please reboot the camera to see if the issue is resolved.
    5. Restore or reset the camera: if the camera keeps connecting, please restore it How to Restore Reolink Products Otherwise, please reset it How to Hard Reset Device by Pressing the Reset Button (Note: Restore only resets basic settings and will not reset network settings or clear recordings.) 

If you've finished the above troubleshooting but have no vail, please contact technical support and send a video to show the abnormal spotlights.