Does Reolink Work with Alexa? Compatibility and Integration Guide - MWTA (2024)

Integrating smart home devices for enhanced convenience and security has become increasingly popular. My research shows that Reolink, a trusted name in smart security cameras, is mostly compatible with Amazon Alexa, one of the leading smart home platforms. The functionality allows for hands-free voice control, granting me the ability to view live feeds, playback recorded videos, and receive notifications for motion detections—all through compatible Alexa-enabled devices.

Linking Reolink cameras to the Alexa ecosystem is a simple task. In my experience, it’s just a matter of enabling the right settings within the Reolink app. The process generally involves logging into my Reolink account, selecting the Smart Home option, and then enabling the particular camera. Once successfully enabled, the camera becomes manageable via Alexa voice commands.

However, not all Reolink cameras are integrated with Alexa’s capabilities. Some specific models, such as the Reolink Duo series and the battery-powered versions, including the Reolink Go series, are not yet supported. It’s crucial for me to be aware of which models are compatible when considering setting up a Reolink camera with my smart home system powered by Alexa.

Understanding Reolink and Alexa Integration

Integrating Reolink cameras with Alexa allows me to manage my security devices using voice commands and interact with them through Echo Show or other Alexa-enabled devices. The setup process is straightforward and enhances my smart home setup by adding reactive voice control features to the security system.

Compatibility and Supported Devices

As of my latest information, all Reolink cameras, including Reolink Go, Argus series, NVR kits, and most IP cameras, except for model IPC_381, are compatible with Alexa. These devices can be used in various countries, including the US, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and the UK. The devices must be connected to the internet to work with the Reolink App and Amazon Alexa App.

Setting Up Reolink with Alexa

To integrate Reolink cameras with Alexa, I begin by logging into my Reolink account via the Reolink App. I navigate to the Cloud > Smart Home option to enable the Smart Home feature. Once enabled, the camera appears as ‘Unbind’ indicating successful activation. Next, I open the Amazon Alexa App, find the Reolink Smart Home Skill, and click “Enable to Use.” After logging in to my Reolink account, I permit device interaction and wait for a confirmation link. Finally, I discover devices under the Alexa app to add my Reolink camera to the network.

Reolink Smart Home Skills for Alexa

By enabling the Smart Home Skills in the Alexa app, I can use voice commands through Alexa to control my Reolink cameras. This skill allows me to not only view the camera feed on my Echo Show but also to arm or disarm the cameras, and receive motion alerts. The integration is particularly convenient for quickly managing my security system without needing to physically interact with my devices or the apps.

Managing Your Reolink Cameras with Alexa

With the integration of Reolink cameras and Amazon Alexa, I can conveniently monitor my home using voice commands and smart home technology.

Voice Commands and Control

My Reolink security cameras work well with Amazon Alexa, allowing me to use voice commands for live monitoring. After enabling the Reolink skill in the Alexa app and linking my account, I can ask my Alexa-enabled device to show the live feed on devices like my Echo Show or a TV with Fire Stick. Commands like “Alexa, show the front door camera” bring up the live view, making it hands-free to keep an eye on different areas of my home.

Routines and Automation

Creating routines in the Alexa app enhances my smart home experience. I can automate my Reolink cameras to work with other smart devices, such as turning on lights when motion is detected. An example routine could be: when my Reolink doorbell camera detects motion, the Alexa device announces someone’s at the door, and the porch light turns on.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, issues like not being able to discover devices or not receiving notifications can occur. When troubleshooting, I ensure my Reolink camera is online and the Reolink Smart Home function is enabled. For any persistent connectivity or detection problems, I cycle power on my camera and Echo device, and I double-check if the Reolink skill is correctly linked and up-to-date. This typically resolves the issues and restores the smart home functions.

Enhancing Home Security with Reolink and Alexa

Integrating Reolink cameras with Amazon Alexa can significantly enhance the security and manageability of my home, allowing me to leverage real-time monitoring, smart home integration, and advanced control features.

Real-Time Monitoring and Notifications

With compatible Reolink security cameras linked to my Alexa device, I can easily call up a live stream to a display-enabled device such as the Echo Spot, Fire TV, or Fire Stick. This integration allows me to see live video feeds from my cameras simply by using voice commands. When motion is detected, Reolink cameras can send push notifications to my mobile device, allowing me immediate awareness and the chance to view the live stream or recorded footage stored in the cloud.

Key Features:

• Live stream via voice control
• Push notifications on motion detection

Smart Home Integration

Connectivity between Reolink cameras and Alexa facilitates a cohesive and efficient smart home experience. I can create routines where my Echo device acts as a doorbell chime when someone approaches my Reolink video doorbell WiFi, or I can activate smart home functions, like turning on lights, when a camera detects movement. This seamless integration enables my device to become a comprehensive hub for home security management.

Integration Aspects:

• Echo device as a doorbell chime
• Activation of other smart devices through routines

Advanced Features and Accessibility

Integration with Alexa opens up an array of advanced features for my Reolink cameras. I can adjust camera settings, control the two-way audio using the microphone and speaker, and command the camera to switch to night vision all through voice commands to my Alexa device. Additionally, accessing my camera’s feed is quicker than ever; I can use the Echo tablet or any Alexa-enabled screen to instantly view what my camera sees.

Control Capabilities:

• Adjust camera settings via voice
• Activate two-way audio and night vision through Alexa-enabled devices

Maximizing the Potential of Your Smart Home

In my pursuit of creating a seamless smart home environment, I’ve learned that the integration of various devices and platforms, as well as the expansion of capabilities with the right add-ons, are crucial steps toward an efficient setup.

Connecting Multiple Devices and Platforms

My journey began with ensuring a robust internet connection to facilitate communication between devices. With a reliable router like the Netgear Nighthawk or TP-Link, I created a network foundation strong enough to handle multiple smart home devices without lag or disruption.

Next came the task of connecting my smart home devices to my Reolink cameras and Amazon Alexa. It’s important to note that not all Reolink cameras work with Alexa. For example, the Reolink Duo PoE, Reolink Duo WiFi, Reolink Duo (battery), and Reolink Duo 4G are not compatible. However, I successfully integrated my Reolink Argus 3 Pro and Argus PT by enabling the Reolink Alexa Skill.

Here’s how I made my devices discoverable on the Alexa app:

1. Open the Reolink App and log in to the cloud account.
2. Navigate to the “Smart Home” page.
3. Enable the compatible Reolink device.

After these steps, I launched the Amazon Alexa App and followed these instructions:

• Select Devices, then Your Smart Home Skills.
• Tap Enable Smart Home Skills and search for the “Reolink Smart Home” skill.
• Finally, I linked my Reolink account and, once confirmed, used the “Discover Devices” feature to finalize the setup.

This allowed me to bring together various platforms, such as my Reolink C1 cameras and Alexa, for effective control and monitoring.

Expanding Capabilities with Reolink Add-Ons

To further enrich my smart home system, I explored additional Reolink products and services. While some Reolink cameras come without a subscription, others, like the Reolink Argus 3 Pro, offer enhanced features with a subscription, providing an even greater sense of peace of mind.

The inclusion of add-ons has granted me the ability to scale my system. For instance, Reolink’s solar panels for battery-powered cameras keep my devices charged, ensuring I never miss a moment on my property.

As a proponent of home automation, I wanted my smart home to do more than just surveillance. By utilizing the virtual assistant Alexa through voice commands, I’ve realized efficient home automation that gives me comprehensive control over my domain.

Through these approaches, I’ve optimized my smart home for both control and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, I have compiled some of the most commonly asked questions about using Reolink cameras with Amazon Alexa.

How can I integrate Reolink cameras with my Alexa Show for live viewing?

To integrate Reolink cameras with an Alexa Show for live viewing, I first make sure the camera is compatible and enabled on the Reolink App. Then I add the Reolink Smart Home skill in the Alexa app and authenticate my Reolink account. Once the setup is complete, I simply ask Alexa to show the camera feed on my Show device.

Are there any Reolink cameras that are not compatible with Alexa?

Yes, certain Reolink cameras currently do not work with Amazon Alexa. These models include the Reolink Duo PoE, Reolink Duo WiFi, Reolink Duo (battery), Reolink Duo 4G, Reolink Go, Reolink Go PT, and the add-on cameras included in the NVR Kit.

Which commands can I use to control my Reolink camera through Alexa?

I use voice commands such as “Alexa, show [camera name],” to view live feeds, or “Alexa, discover my devices” to add new Reolink cameras to my Alexa ecosystem. Alexa also allows me to playback recorded videos if the Reolink camera supports the feature.

Is it possible to have Alexa alert me when my Reolink camera detects motion?

Yes, it’s possible for Alexa to alert me when my Reolink camera detects motion. However, this requires that I enable the appropriate settings in the Alexa app to receive notifications.

How can I use the Reolink Smart Home App to manage my cameras with Alexa?

Using the Reolink Smart Home App, I manage my cameras with Alexa by linking the app to my Amazon account. I also ensure that the Smart Home Skill for the camera is enabled, and settings like device binding are correctly configured.

Can I use voice commands to communicate through my Reolink camera using Alexa?

While Alexa supports various voice commands for controlling Reolink cameras, currently, using voice commands to communicate directly through the cameras may not be supported. I usually check the specific camera’s features and the Alexa skill details for current functionalities.