Setup Guide

Set Up SpectrumSIM on a
Reolink Camera

Follow these steps to get your cellular camera connected to the SpectrumSIM network in under 15 minutes.

~15 minutes

9 Steps

Reolink Cellular Cameras

Activate Your SIM Card

Before inserting the SIM, activate it on the SpectrumSIM Platform. Activation ensures the card is provisioned and ready for cellular data.

Activation must be completed before inserting the SIM into the camera.

Attach the Antenna

Locate the antenna that came with your Reolink camera and screw it firmly onto the antenna port. Without the antenna, the camera cannot connect to the cellular network.

Prepare the Nano SIM Card

Your SpectrumSIM is a 3-in-1 card. Carefully punch out the Nano SIM — the smallest of the three sizes. Be gentle to avoid damaging the chip contacts.

Insert the SIM Card

Insert the Nano SIM card fully into the camera's SIM slot, gold contacts facing down. You may need a SIM ejector pin or paperclip to seat it completely.

Verify Network Connection

Power on the camera. If the SIM is properly inserted and activated, you'll hear a voice prompt confirming network connection.

"Your camera is connected to the network" — you're all set! Scan the QR code with the Reolink app to begin using your camera.

Not Connected? Configure APN

Good news: newer Reolink camera models work with SpectrumSIM out of the box — no APN changes needed. However, if you have an older model and hear "Your camera has not connected to the network" or "Please activate your SIM card", you'll need to manually update the APN. Continue with steps 7–9 to fix this.

APN stands for Access Point Name — it tells the camera which cellular network to use.

Remove the Micro SD Card

Locate the Micro SD card slot on your Reolink camera and carefully remove the SD card. You'll use it to transfer the APN configuration file to the camera.

Connect SD Card to Your Computer

Insert the Micro SD card into your computer using a built-in card slot or an external Micro SD card reader (adapter). It will appear as a removable drive.

Create the APN Configuration File

Using Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac), create a new file named my_custom_apn.txt with the content below. Save it in the same folder as the video folder on the SD card.

my_custom_apn.txt

                    apn
                    =
                    puffin
                  

                    username
                    =
                    (leave blank)
                  

                    password
                    =
                    (leave blank)
                  

Or skip the manual step: download the pre-made file here.

After saving the file, press the Reset Button on the camera with a pin to apply the changes.

Troubleshooting

Still Having Issues?

Here are the most common causes and how to fix them.

Reset Button Required

Changes to the APN file only take effect after you press the Reset Button on the camera using a pin. Don't skip this step.

Damaged SIM Card

SIM cards can be difficult to remove and may be accidentally damaged in the process. If the camera doesn't recognize the SIM, try a replacement.

Free Device Check-In

Still stuck? Ship your device to us and we'll diagnose it — free of charge for SpectrumSIM customers. Contact us for shipping instructions.