Work with Home Assistant: Reolink Doorbell WiFi for a Hassel-free Smart Home Security Setup

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If you’re looking to upgrade your smart home security with zero compromises on privacy, customization, or reliability, we’ve got exciting news: the Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi is now a Platinum-certified "Works with Home Assistant" device!  Let’s explore how this sleek, feature-packed doorbell integrates seamlessly with Home Assistant (HA) to create a truly autonomous, *local-first* security system.
Why Reolink Doorbell + Home Assistant?

• No Cloud, No Hassle: Operate 100% locally—no subscriptions, no internet dependency. Block your doorbell’s web access? It’ll still work flawlessly with HA.
• AI-Powered Precision: Detect visitors, packages, pets, and more with Reolink’s advanced analytics.
• Deep HA Integration: Unlock automations, notifications, and controls that put YOU in charge.
• Affordable + Future-Proof: Crisp 2K/5MP video, two-way talk (via Reolink app), and local SD/NVR storage—all at a fraction of the cost of cloud-based rivals.

Core Features Enabled by Home Assistant
1. Instant Rich Notifications

• Doorbell press? Get a snapshot + live stream notification on your phone, tablet, or HA dashboard.
• AI Detection Alerts: Know if it’s a person, package, or pet at your door—no false alarms from wind or shadows!

2. Seamless Automations

• "Welcome Home" Scene: Unlock doors, disable recordings, and turn on lights when HA detects your phone’s geofence.
• Intruder Deterrent: Trigger outdoor lights, sirens, or even PTZ cameras to pan toward the doorbell’s view.
• Quiet Hours: Auto-pause notifications at night or during meetings (via HA’s time/calendar triggers).

3. Privacy Control

• Privacy Mode Switch: Disable the camera/API instantly via HA. Perfect for when you’re home and want zero surveillance.
• Local Storage Only: Footage stays on your SD card or Reolink NVR—no cloud uploads.

4. Customizable Audio/Visual Feedback

• Play Chimes on Smart Speakers: Ring your Google Home, Echo, or Sonos when the doorbell is pressed.
• Status LED Control: Turn the doorbell’s LED on/off or set it to auto (e.g., always on at night for visibility).

5. Advanced Camera Controls

• Stream Options: Choose between low-latency snapshots or HD streams (H264 "Fluent" by default for broad compatibility).
• Night Vision Sync: Auto-switch to IR B&W mode based on HA’s sunrise/sunset triggers or outdoor light status.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide
1. Initialize Your Doorbell

• Use the Reolink app to connect the doorbell to WiFi and set a local username/password (avoid special characters like # or %).

2. Add to Home Assistant

1. Go to Settings > Devices & Services > Add Integration > Reolink.
2. Enter the doorbell’s IP address (find it in your router or Reolink app).
3. Input your local credentials (not cloud account!).

3. Enable Key Entities

• Binary Sensors: Visitor (doorbell press), AI Person Detection, Package Detection.
• Camera Streams: Enable the "Fluent" stream for dashboards.
• Switch Entities: Privacy Mode, Record Audio, Infrared Lights.

4. Build Automations
Example YAML snippet for a doorbell-triggered scene:
yaml
alias: "Doorbell Press: Lights & Notification"  
trigger:  
  - platform: state  
    entity_id: binary_sensor.reolink_doorbell_visitor  
    to: "on"  
action:  
  - service: light.turn_on  
    target:  
      entity_id: light.porch_lights  
  - service: notify.mobile_app_phone  
    data:  
      message: "Someone's at the door!"  
      data:  
        image: "{{ states.camera.reolink_doorbell_fluent.attributes.entity_picture }}" 

Why This Combo Rocks for Security

• Zero Latency: Events like doorbell presses or motion are pushed to HA in real-time via TCP/ONVIF.
• Battery-Free Reliability: The WiFi doorbell is wired (no charging!), ensuring 24/7 uptime.
• Expandable: Pair it with Reolink cameras/NVRs in HA for whole-home coverage.

Limitations to Note

• No HA-native 2-way audio (use the Reolink app for live talk).
• 4K/H265 streams may require browser tweaks (stick to "Fluent" H264 for dashboards).

With Reolink + Home Assistant, you’re not just buying a doorbell—you’re building a private, customizable, and bulletproof smart security system. Got questions or cool automation ideas? Drop them below!