Reolink NVR and Internet

Mar 1, 2026
3
1
AnyTown, US
I have been using the desktop app on my Windows 11 laptop to connect to the Reolink NVR locally on my network without issues for a couple of years now. Last month I blocked the laptop from the internet on the Verizon router and have had nothing but issues since. The app ran fine at first until the first time I needed to restart it. Closing the app and restarting will result in 5 processes in Task Manager, but no app on the desktop. Was able to connect to the NVR via browser. Reset the laptop to factory default and the app ran ok for a couple of days until had to restart it again and now back to the same issue, app won't launch. This morning I re-enabled the internet access for the laptop and the app started fine.

Why does the desktop app need internet access if I am connecting locally to the NVR?
 
Did you ever scan a QR code on the NVR using a smartphone app or enter the NVR's serial number into that desktop app on the laptop?

What is the name of the "desktop app" on the Windows laptop you're speaking of?

BTW, your profile says you're 126 years old....what's your secret? :cool:
 
The app is called Reolink, downloaded from their website.
I believe it's the Reolink "Client".

I do not understand how you were able to view remotely (not on your LAN) if you did not 1) forward a port in your router or 2) enter the NVR's UID number in the client or 3) install a VPN on your router and phone .:idk:
 
So the laptop is wireless?

Did you remove internet access from the phone?

I suspect Reolink being Reolink probably requires a periodic ping on their servers for the app to work.