Are you having trouble with Reolink NVR playback not working? This article provides troubleshooting tips to help you resolve these issues.

Applies to: All Reolink NVRs

Symptoms for Reolink NVR Playback Not Working

The HDD is recognized normally, and there are recordings on the playback page, but clicking on the recording does not start playback. 

Troubleshooting Steps for Reolink playback not working

Before starting the troubleshooting, please confirm: Is the issue with playback occurring in the App, the Client, the monitor, or is it affecting all software interfaces? 

Here are the two scenarios:

  1. Unable to playback on the App or client, but can playback on the monitor.

  2. Unable to playback on the monitor.

Unable to playback on the App or Client, but can playback on the monitor.

1. Ensure that the playback issue is not related to the device or the network connection, you can try the following steps:

  • Switch Network Connections: Change the network connection on your phone or computer, for example, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.

  • Switch Camera Stream Modes: Change the camera's clear and fluent modes: How to Change Stream Mode in Live Viewing

  • Switch Software Access: Use different software to access the camera, such as switching between the Reolink App, Client software. Note: make sure to use the latest version of the Reolink APP and Client.

2. Please format the HDD after rebooting NVR. How to Format HDD

3. After powering off the NVR, please reconnect the HDD by unplugging and plugging it back in.

4. Download the video through an NVR monitor or APP/client to check whether the video file is normal. How to Backup Recordings from Reolink Products

5. Please restore or reset the NVR. Refer to:

6. Make sure the firmware version of your NVR and camera is the latest. How to Manually Update firmware for Reolink Device

7. Please confirm if the issue affects all cameras or just a specific one.

Unable to playback on the monitor.

1. Please confirm whether the APP/Client can play the recordings successfully.

2. Please download the video through the NVR monitor or APP/Client to check whether the video file is normal. How to Backup Recordings from Reolink Products

3. Please format the HDD after rebooting NVR. How to Format HDD

4. Make sure the firmware version of your NVR is the latest. How to Manually Update firmware for Reolink Device

5. After powering off the NVR, please reconnect the HDD by unplugging and plugging it back in. 

6. Please restore or reset the NVR. Refer to:

If the above suggestions don't work, please contact Reolink Support Team and provide the following information for further guidance:

1. The system info for the NVR. Refer to: How to Find out System Information via Reolink App

2. Details of the issue, troubleshooting steps you've already taken and their results.

By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues with Reolink playback not working on the APP/Client or monitor. If you need further assistance, don't hesitate to contact Support for personalized guidance.