If you’re experiencing issues with the Reolink spotlight not working at night, checking this article, identifying the causes behind this issue can help ensure your security system provides full coverage and reliable performance.
Applies to: Which Cameras Support the Spotlight
Symptoms for Spotlight not Working
1. The camera triggered an alarm at night, successfully recording video, sending push notifications, emails, and activating the siren, but the spotlight did not work.
2. (For Reolink battery-powered cameras only) The spotlight is not functioning during night-time live views.
Troubleshooting for Reolink Spotlight Camera not Working at Night
1. Check Camera Compatibility with the Spotlight: Verify which cameras support the spotlight feature.
2. Ensure the Camera is Online and Accessible: Make sure the camera is connected and you can access it normally.
3. Verify Adequate Power Supply:
- For PoE cameras: Avoid using excessively long Ethernet cables and ensure that the PoE switch or injector meets the specifications. Refer to: Getting Started with Ethernet Cable & How to Power on Reolink PoE Cameras.
- For Wi-Fi cameras: Use the original adapter and avoid using power extension cords.
Try using a different power supply to see if the issue persists. This helps rule out power-related issues affecting the spotlight.
4. Manually Test the Spotlight: Try manually triggering the spotlight in the camera preview interface to see if it turns on. Refer to: How to Configure Spotlight Settings for Your Camera
- If the spotlight turns on, proceed with the following troubleshooting steps.
- If the spotlight does not turn on, skip steps 5 through 8 and continue with step 9.
5. Check Night Vision Mode: (Except for CX series) Ensure the camera is in night vision mode (i.e., the image is black and white).
6. Verify Alarm Trigger: Confirm that the camera has triggered an alarm.
- For Battery-Powered Cameras: Ensure the PIR motion sensor has been triggered. You can test this by enabling the siren and moving in front of the camera at night to see if the siren activates.
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For Non-Battery Cameras: Ensure the camera has detected the set detection type (person, vehicle, or animal). You can verify this by checking if you have received related alarm push notifications or recordings.
7. Check Spotlight Settings: Ensure the spotlight settings are configured correctly. Refer to: How to Configure Spotlight Settings for Your Camera.
8. Inspect Camera Installation Location: Make sure the camera’s installation location does not have direct exposure to strong light sources or objects that could cause reflections.
9. Update Camera and NVR Firmware: Visit the Download Center – Reolink to find the latest firmware for your camera. Refer to: How to Upgrade Firmware for Reolink Products to update the camera to the latest version. If camera is working with Reolink NVR and the NVR firmware is not up-to-date, it may cause compatibility issues. Upgrade the NVR firmware to the latest version available on the official website.
10. Restart and Reset/Restore the Camera:
- Restart: Power cycle the camera.
- Reset or Restore: If restarting does not resolve the issue, perform a reset or restore of the camera. Refer to: How to Hard Reset Device by Pressing the Reset Button / How to Restore Reolink Products
If the issue remains unresolved, please provide the following information when contacting Support:
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Troubleshooting Steps and Results
Detail the steps you have already taken and the results of each. -
Camera Preview Page Screenshot
Provide a screenshot of the camera’s preview page to help assess the installation environment. -
System Information Screenshot
Include a screenshot of the camera/NVR’s system information. Refer to: How to Find out System Information (Firmware Version) via Reolink Software