How to Reset Reolink Password: Hard Reset and App Recovery Methods

How to Reset Reolink Password: Hard Reset and App Recovery Methods

Reolink systems are known for being user-friendly, and their password recovery options are no exception. In 2026, you can regain access using either a digital recovery (if you've pre-configured your account) or a physical hard reset.

1. The Digital Recovery Method (No Reset Required)

If you have access to the Reolink App or PC Client and previously set up a recovery email, you can avoid a factory reset.¹

• For the Reolink Account: If you are locked out of the app itself, tap "Forgot password?" on the login screen.² Enter your registered email, and Reolink will send a verification code to reset your account credentials.³

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• For an NVR via Monitor: On the NVR's local login popup, click "Forgot Password."⁴

  
  

  • Option A (Security Questions): If you configured these, answer them correctly to set a new password instantly.

  • Option B (Recovery Email): If configured, the NVR will send a 6-digit code to your email.⁵ Enter this code on the monitor to unlock the system.

    
    

2. The Hard Reset Method (Physical Button)⁶

If you never set up a recovery email or security questions, a physical hard reset is necessary. This will restore the device to factory settings (Username: admin / Password: (blank)).⁷

For Reolink IP & Wi-Fi Cameras:

1. Locate the Button:

   • Bullet/Dome Cameras: Usually on the "pigtail" cable under a protective cap.⁸

     
     

   • Battery/Argus Series: Usually a pinhole near the SD card slot.⁹

     
     

   • Indoor/E1 Series: Rotate the lens upward to find the reset button or pinhole.¹⁰

     
     

2. The Procedure: While the camera is powered on, press and hold the reset button for 10–15 seconds.¹¹

   
   

3. The Signal: You will hear a voice prompt ("Factory reset was successful") or a short musical melody.¹²

   
   

4. Re-Initialize: Open the Reolink app.¹³ The camera will show as "Uninitialized." Tap it to create a new password.

   
   

For Reolink NVRs:

1. Locate the Button: * On models like the RLN36, the button is on the back panel.¹⁴

   
   

   • On older RLN8/RLN16 models, you may need to unscrew the top casing to find the button on the motherboard.¹⁵

     
     

2. The Procedure: While the NVR is powered on and displaying the Live View, press and hold the button for 10 seconds.¹⁶

   
   

3. The Signal: You will hear a loud "buzzing" beep.¹⁷

   
   

4. Re-Initialize: The NVR will reboot to the Startup Wizard. You can now set a new admin password.¹⁸

   
   

Reolink Reset Comparison Table

Method	Best For...	Will I Lose Recordings?
Email/Security Questions	Remote Access	No
Restore via App	If you still have access on one phone	No
Hard Reset (Button)	Total Lockout / Second-hand gear	No (HDD data is kept)

Pro-Tips for Reolink Users

• "Restore" vs "Reset": In the app settings, the "Restore" button performs a factory reset without you having to climb a ladder.¹⁹ Use this if you want to wipe a camera you can still log into.

  
  

• Admin Username: The default username is always admin in lowercase.²⁰

  
  

• Initialization: After a reset, HTTP/HTTPS ports are often disabled by default. You must use the Reolink App to re-enable them if you want to use a web browser.

Expert CCTV Support in Cleveland

Struggling to find the internal reset button on your NVR or dealing with a camera that won't respond to the reset pin? Cleveland Security Cameras provides on-site expert support for Reolink, Dahua, and Hikvision systems.

We can help you recover your account, re-wire faulty reset buttons, and ensure your 2026 security firmware is up to date and hack-proof.

Contact Our Technicians

• Phone: 216-333-8245

• Email: contact@clevelandsecuritycameras.com

• Service: Professional CCTV recovery and network hardening in Cleveland, Ohio.