Learn how to reset your Reolink NVR recorder effectively. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you restore your device to its factory settings.

Applies to: RLN8-410, RLN16-410, RLN36 and RLN12W.

Please note that this operation could only be done on NVRs with the hardware version N2MB02, N3MB01, N7MB01, H3MB18, N6MB01, and N5MB01.

Reolink NVR Reset Applicable Situations

  1. Forgot NVR password
    • If you have another device that can access the NVR, it's best to use the Reolink software on that device to restore the NVR and recover your password. This method is straightforward and feasible for customers in different locations. Unfortunately, if you don’t have any other device to access the NVR, you will need to reset the NVR password using the following methods.
  2. Want to reset NVR to factory settings
  3. NVR is not functioning properly

Forgot NVR password: Answer the Password Security Question

Step 1. Connect the NVR to a monitor with an HDMI/VGA cable. Then power on the NVR.  

Step 2. Click Forgot Password button.

login window new ui

Step 3. Click the Answer box to input the answer to the security question, and click the Go to Reset.

answer the question

Step 4. Now you can input a new password and confirm it. Then click OK.

reset password

If this method does not work, please refer to the reset method below to recreate your password.

Reset the NVR by Pressing the Reset Button

For RLN12W:

Make sure that the NVR is powered on, find the reset button on the back of the NVR, then keep pressing the reset button until you hear the buzzing “bee”.

reset rln12w

For RLN8-410/RLN16-410/RLN36:

Step 1. Power off the NVR. Then use a screwdriver to remove the outer case of the NVR.

Step 2. Power on the NVR. Press the Reset button for 10 seconds until you hear the buzzing “bee”.

 The Reset button of 8-Channel NVR:

Reset Button of 8-Channel NVR

The Reset button of 16-Channel NVR:

Reset Button of 16-Channel NVR

The Reset button of RLN36:

reset button for RLN36

After the reset, you can complete the NVR's initial configuration using the mobile App, computer Client, or the NVR monitor. Below is an example of the Initialization Wizard screen popping up on the NVR monitor.

setup wizardcreate password

To verify a successful reset, listen for a "bee" sound and check for the Initialization Wizard on the Reolink software.

  • If you don’t hear the "bee" sound, ensure you're pressing the correct reset button and that the NVR is powered on (The green power indicator light on the NVR's front panel is lit.).
  • If you hear the "bee" sound but the Initialization Wizard doesn’t appear or the screen remains locked, please record a video showing the entire reset process and the NVR's response, then contact Reolink Support.