How to Set Up Email Alerts on Reolink Devices: A Step-by-Step SMTP Guide

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If you want to receive instant email alerts (with snapshots!) from your Reolink cameras, NVR, or Home Hub when motion is detected, SMTP configuration is key. Let’s break down what SMTP is and how to set it up for your Reolink devices.

What is SMTP?
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is a communication protocol used to send emails between servers. Reolink devices use SMTP to deliver alerts directly to your inbox whenever motion is detected, ensuring you’re always informed—even when you’re away from your surveillance area. This feature adds an extra layer of security by letting you act quickly in critical situations.

Step-by-Step SMTP Configuration
Step 1: Access Email Alert Settings

1. Open the Reolink App and log in to your device.
2. Tap the ️ Device Settings icon (top-right corner).
3. Navigate to Email Alerts.

Step 2: Enable & Configure Email Alerts

1. Toggle Enable Email Alerts ON.
2. Tap Set Up Now.
3. Enter the Sender Email Address and its Password (the account that will send alerts).
4. Fill in the SMTP Server and SMTP Port (see notes below).
5. Tap Save to confirm.

SMTP Server & Port Tips:

• For Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook: The app will auto-fill the SMTP server/port once you enter the email address.
• For other providers (e.g., iCloud, ProtonMail): Manually input the SMTP server/port. Check your email provider’s documentation for details.

Step 3: Customize Email Settings
Tap Email Settings to adjust:

1. Sender Email: Must match your SMTP server.
2. Password: Use the sender email’s password.
   1. Security Tip: For accounts with 2FA (like Gmail), generate an App Password instead of your main password. Learn more.
3. Recipient Email: Enter the email that will receive alerts. This can be the same as the sender’s address or a different one.
4. Email Content: Choose to attach Pictures/Video or send Text-only alerts.
5. Email Interval:
   • Set a time limit (e.g., 10 minutes) to avoid spam. Only one email will be sent per interval, even if multiple alarms trigger.
   • Note: Battery-powered cameras do not support interval settings.

Step 4: Test Your Configuration

1. Tap Test to verify if alerts send successfully.
2. If the test fails, troubleshoot using our guide: Reolink Email Test Failed.

Step 5: Set Up Email Schedule

1. Tap Schedule to customize when alerts are sent.
2. Alarm Schedule: Receive emails only when motion is detected during selected times/days.
3. Timer: Receive emails regularly at set times (based on your Email Interval), regardless of motion.
   • Note: Battery cameras do not support Timer mode.

Key Notes
For Battery-Powered Cameras:

• No Email Interval or Timer settings.
• Alerts depend solely on motion detection.

SMTP Server Requirements:

• Ensure SSL/TLS is enabled (ports 465/587 are recommended).
• Double-check server/port accuracy for non-Gmail/Yahoo/Outlook accounts.