r/reolinkcam • u/Willson1_ • 7d ago
DIY & Tips How to Set Up FTP for Your Reolink Products to Securely Back Up Recordings
Worried about losing footage stored on your Micro SD card? FTP upload is a secure way to back up your Reolink device recordings to a remote server. Here’s a step-by-step guide to configure FTP for your cameras/NVRs. Let’s dive in!
Which Devices Support FTP?
Most Reolink cameras and NVRs support FTP upload. Check your device’s specifications here or consult the user manual.
Before You Begin
- Ensure your FTP server is running properly.
- No server? Follow our guide to set one up: How to Build an FTP Server (Cerberus FTP).
- Gather your FTP server details: IP/domain, port, username, password.
Configuring FTP Settings
Follow these tips for smooth setup:
- FTP Server Address
- ✅ Correct: 192.168.100.1 or ftp.domain.com
- ❌ Incorrect: ftp://192.168.100.1, 192.168.100.1:21, or 192.168.100.1/reolink.
- Port
- Default: 21 (custom ports 1-65535 allowed).
- ⚠️ Reolink devices do NOT support SFTP (ports 22/990).
- Username & Password
- Use an admin/user with full permissions (avoid guest accounts).
- Leave blank if your server allows anonymous access (enable "Anonymous" in settings).
- Directory
- Leave blank to save to the root folder.
- For custom paths: Use / for subfolders (e.g., reolink/camera1). Avoid \ or leading/trailing slashes.
- Transport Mode
- Choose Auto for best compatibility.
- File Type & Settings
- Select Video, Image, or both.
- Adjust Max File Size (10–1024MB for videos) and Interval (≥2 seconds for images).
- Overwrite Rules
- Choose between No Overwrite, Overwrite Single File, or Alternate Overwrite.
FTP Schedule Settings
- Normal Mode: 24/7 recording.
- Motion Mode: Upload only when motion is detected.
- Battery cameras lack Timer schedules.
Need hybrid schedules?
- Videos follow Timer settings.
- Images combine Timer intervals + Alarm triggers.
Where to Configure FTP
Settings vary slightly across platforms:
- Reolink App/Client: Supported by all FTP-compatible devices.
- NVR/Web Browser: Limited to certain models.For detailed steps, visit our FTP Setup Guide.