How To Change Time On Reolink Camera

Maintaining accurate time on your Reolink security camera is crucial for several reasons, including reliable recording timestamps, accurate event notifications, and seamless integration with other security systems. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to adjust the time settings on your Reolink camera.

Accessing Your Reolink Camera

Before changing the time, you must first access your Reolink camera's settings. This can be done through two primary methods: the Reolink Client software on your computer or the Reolink mobile app on your smartphone or tablet.

Using the Reolink Client Software

1. Install and Launch the Reolink Client: Download the Reolink Client software from the official Reolink website and install it on your computer (Windows or macOS). Once installed, launch the application.
2. Log In to Your Camera: The software will typically auto-detect Reolink cameras on your local network. If your camera isn't automatically detected, you may need to add it manually using its IP address, username, and password. Enter the required credentials and click "Login."
3. Navigate to Device Settings: Once logged in, locate your camera in the device list. Double-click on the camera to view its live feed. Then, look for a "Settings" or "Device Settings" button, often represented by a gear icon. Click on this icon to access the camera's configuration options.

Using the Reolink Mobile App

1. Download and Install the Reolink App: Download the Reolink app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and install it on your mobile device.
2. Add Your Camera to the App: Launch the Reolink app and create an account or log in to your existing account. To add your camera, tap the "+" button, typically located in the upper-right corner of the screen. Follow the on-screen instructions, which may involve scanning a QR code on the camera or manually entering the camera's IP address and credentials.
3. Access Device Settings: Once the camera is added and connected, tap on its name to view the live feed. Look for a "Settings" button, usually depicted as a gear icon. Tap this icon to access the camera's configuration settings.

Changing the Time Settings

After successfully accessing your Reolink camera's settings, follow the steps below to adjust the time.

Locating the Time Settings

The exact location of the time settings may vary slightly depending on your camera model and the version of the Reolink software or app. However, they are generally found within a "System," "General," or "Basic Settings" section.

• Reolink Client: Look for a tab or menu item labeled "System," "General," or something similar within the device settings window. Within this section, you should find an option for "Time & Date," "Date & Time," or simply "Time."
• Reolink App: In the app's settings menu, scroll through the options until you find a section like "System," "General," or "Basic." Inside this section, look for an option labeled "Time & Date," "Date & Time," or "Time Synchronization."

Configuring the Time Zone

Setting the correct time zone is crucial for accurate timekeeping. Choose your time zone from the provided dropdown menu. Many Reolink cameras support automatic time synchronization via NTP (Network Time Protocol), which can maintain accurate time by synchronizing with internet time servers.

• Enabling NTP: Look for an option labeled "NTP," "Synchronize with NTP Server," or "Auto Time Sync." Enable this option to allow your camera to automatically update its time from an NTP server. You may be able to select a specific NTP server or use the default Reolink server.
• Selecting Your Time Zone: Select your appropriate time zone from the dropdown menu. Ensure that you select the correct time zone, taking into account daylight saving time if applicable in your region.

Manually Setting the Time and Date

If you prefer to set the time and date manually, or if NTP synchronization is unavailable or unreliable, you can disable the NTP option and enter the time and date directly.

1. Disable NTP: If the "NTP," "Synchronize with NTP Server," or "Auto Time Sync" option is enabled, disable it.
2. Enter the Correct Date: Use the provided date picker or input fields to enter the correct year, month, and day.
3. Enter the Correct Time: Use the provided input fields to enter the correct hour, minute, and second. Ensure you are using the correct time format (12-hour or 24-hour) as specified in the settings.

Applying and Saving Changes

After making the necessary adjustments to the time settings, it is essential to apply and save the changes. If you fail to do so, your adjustments will be lost, and the camera will continue to display the incorrect time.

• Locate the "Save" or "Apply" Button: Look for a button labeled "Save," "Apply," "OK," or "Confirm." This button is typically located at the bottom of the settings window or menu.
• Click the Button: Click the "Save" or "Apply" button to save your changes. The camera may briefly reboot or restart its time synchronization process.
• Verify the Time: After saving the changes, verify that the camera is now displaying the correct time. You can do this by viewing the live feed and checking the timestamp overlay. You can also check the system logs for confirmation of successful time synchronization.

Troubleshooting Time Synchronization Issues

If you encounter issues with time synchronization, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

• Check Your Internet Connection: NTP synchronization requires an active internet connection. Ensure that your camera is connected to the internet and that your network is functioning properly.
• Verify NTP Server Settings: If you are using a custom NTP server, verify that the server address is correct and that the server is accessible. You may need to consult your network administrator for assistance.
• Firewall Configuration: Ensure that your firewall is not blocking NTP traffic (port 123). You may need to configure your firewall to allow outbound UDP traffic on port 123 to the NTP server.
• Camera Firmware Update: Ensure that your camera's firmware is up to date. Outdated firmware may contain bugs or issues that can interfere with time synchronization.
• Manual Time Setting as a Temporary Solution: If you are unable to resolve the time synchronization issue, you can manually set the time as a temporary solution. However, you will need to periodically check and adjust the time manually.

Important Note: After any power outage, it is advised to check the time on your camera. Power loss can sometimes cause the camera's internal clock to reset, especially if the camera doesn't have a battery backup for the real-time clock (RTC).

Regularly verifying the accuracy of your Reolink camera's time is a good practice to ensure the reliability of your security footage.

Why Accurate Time Matters

Correct time settings are essential for accurate event logging, which is critical for security investigations and incident analysis. Without correct time, identifying the sequence of events or the exact moment of an intrusion becomes difficult. Proper time synchronization also ensures compatibility with other security systems that rely on time-based triggers or schedules. Furthermore, it avoids confusion when reviewing recorded footage, especially when multiple cameras are involved. Therefore, taking the time to properly configure and maintain the correct time on your Reolink camera is a small investment that yields significant benefits in the effectiveness of your security system.