How to Set Up Reolink CX810 for Color Night Vision

By Reolink Official: Security Cameras and Systems for Home & Business | Published: 2026-10-18

Category: How-to Guides

Step-by-step guide to configuring the Reolink CX810 PoE camera for vivid ColorX night vision. Learn installation, settings, and troubleshooting tips.

Quick Answer

To enable ColorX night vision on the Reolink CX810, connect it via PoE to a switch or NVR, then adjust the night vision mode to Color in the camera's settings menu.

Why ColorX Matters for Night Surveillance

Traditional IR cameras switch to black-and-white in low light, losing detail. The Reolink CX810 uses ColorX technology to capture vivid color footage even in near-darkness, relying on its large sensor and advanced image processing rather than visible or infrared LEDs. This means you can identify clothing, vehicle colors, and other critical details that monochrome video misses.

PoE vs. Wi-Fi: What You Need to Know

The CX810 is a Power over Ethernet (PoE) camera, so it requires a wired connection to a PoE switch, injector, or NVR. This setup provides both power and data over a single cable, offering a more stable and interference-free connection than Wi-Fi. If your installation location lacks an Ethernet drop, you may need to run a cable or consider a Wi-Fi camera instead.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Connect the Camera via PoE: Use an Ethernet cable to connect the CX810 to a PoE switch, PoE injector, or a PoE port on your Reolink NVR. Ensure the device you connect to supplies 802.3af PoE power. The camera will power on automatically and its status LED will turn solid blue within about 30 seconds. Common mistake: Using a non-PoE switch without an injector will leave the camera unpowered. Verify your switch supports PoE or add an injector between the switch and camera.
Step 2: Find the Camera on Your Network: Download and open the Reolink app or client software. Use the 'Add Device' or 'Scan' function to discover the CX810 on your local network. The camera should appear with its default IP address. If it does not, check that your router's DHCP is enabled and the Ethernet cable is securely connected. Checkpoint: If the camera doesn't appear, temporarily connect it directly to a PoE switch and a laptop to isolate network issues.
Step 3: Access the Camera Settings: Tap or click on the discovered camera to enter its live view. Then navigate to the 'Settings' menu (gear icon). On the app, go to Device Settings > Display. On the client, go to Camera > Image > Display.
Step 4: Enable Color Night Vision Mode: In the Display settings, locate the 'Night Vision' or 'IR Mode' option. Change it from 'Auto' or 'IR Only' to 'Color' or 'Color Mode'. This tells the camera to use its ColorX technology instead of infrared LEDs, keeping the video in full color even in low light. Common mistake: Leaving the mode on 'Auto' may cause the camera to switch to IR mode when it detects very low light, overriding ColorX. Manually set it to 'Color' for consistent color night vision.
Step 5: Adjust Exposure and Brightness: Still in the Display settings, fine-tune the 'Exposure' and 'Brightness' sliders to optimize the image for your specific lighting conditions. Start with the default values and increase brightness slightly if the image appears too dark. Avoid maxing out exposure, which can introduce noise.
Step 6: Test and Save Your Settings: View the live feed at night or in a dimly lit area to confirm the camera is displaying color video. If the image is still black-and-white, revisit Step 4 to ensure the mode is set to 'Color'. Once satisfied, tap 'Save' or 'Apply' to store the configuration. Checkpoint: If color night vision still doesn't activate, check that the camera's firmware is up to date via the 'Firmware' section in settings.

Product Facts

CX810: The Reolink CX810 features ColorX technology that provides vivid color footage even in low-light conditions. This means you can capture clear, color video at night without needing additional floodlights, making it ideal for driveways and entryways.
CX810