How Much Data Do Reolink 4G Cameras Need in Normal Usage

If you're using a Reolink 4G camera to monitor remote areas without Wi-Fi—like a construction site, farm, or vacation home—knowing how much mobile data it uses is critical. Whether you're choosing a Reolink SIM card, comparing prepaid SIM options, or planning your monthly data budget, understanding Reolink 4G camera data usage helps you avoid unexpected overages and ensures reliable performance.

This guide will break down data consumption by feature, offer practical tips for minimizing usage, and recommend SIM card options best suited for Reolink cameras.

How Much Data Does a Reolink 4G Camera Use?

Reolink 4G cameras typically use around 1GB to 4GB of data per month in standard use cases. The actual data usage depends on a few key factors:

Reolink GO PT PLUS as an example

Reolink 4G Camera Data Usage Overview

Here is a quick reference table based on the default bitrate settings:

Key Factors That Affect Reolink Data Usage

1. Video Quality Settings

Higher resolution means higher data usage. A Reolink 4G camera set to 1080p or 2K will consume more data than when using standard definition (SD).

Clear is the best image quality.

For Reolink PoE cameras and WiFi cameras (except battery-powered ones), the resolution could be 4MP (1440P), 5MP (1728P), 8MP, and 12MP depending on your setting.

For Reolink battery-powered cameras, the Clear resolution is 2MP (1080P) or 4MP.

Fluent is the lowest image quality. For Reolink cameras, the Fluent resolution is 640P.

Balanced/Standard is the image quality between Clear and Fluent.

2. Recording Mode

Motion-triggered recordings (the default setting) save a significant amount of data.

Every time when the camera detects a movement, it will trigger an alarm and carry out the relevant alarm actions like recording and sending out push alerts.

The length of the motion recording depends on the post-motion recording duration that you set up.

24/7 recording is not recommended on mobile networks unless you have an unlimited data plan.

A 1080p camera recording at 2 Mbps (megabits per second) will use approximately 1 GB per hour.

This equates to approximately 24 GB per day (24 hours * 1 GB/hour) of continuous recording at 1080p.

To store a week's worth of footage, you would need approximately 168 GB (7 days * 24 GB/day).

NOTE: The more data your camera uses, the more storage space it will need. Continuous recording can quickly add up.

3. Live View Frequency

Watching live video on a frequent basis adds up quickly. A 10-minute live view session in HD can use roughly 150–250MB.

4. Cloud Upload Frequency

Automatic uploads to the cloud, especially in real-time, can increase your data consumption significantly.

How to Choose the Right SIM Card for Reolink Cameras

To operate a Reolink 4G camera, you need an IoT SIM card that supports 4G cellular data and is compatible with major local operators. Here are the key considerations:

1. Multi-Network Support (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon)

When your camera is in a remote area, a SIM card that supports multiple networks can automatically select the best available signal. This prevents service interruptions if one carrier has poor coverage in your location.

2. Prepaid Plans Preferred

Prepaid SIM cards for Reolink offer greater flexibility and cost control, especially for seasonal use or remote monitoring. You can choose between 30-day, 60-day, or 360-day plans without worrying about automatic renewals or forgotten payments causing service interruptions.

3. Recommended: Eiotclub Reolink SIM Card

Eiotclub Prepaid 4G SIM Card are specifically designed for Reolink cameras and offer several advantages:

• Coverage across AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks
• No contracts or activation fees required
• Customized data packages for typical Reolink usage (1-4GB monthly)
• Flexible plan durations: 30/60/360 days
• 10-year quality guarantee
• Professional customer service team with expert knowledge of all Reolink products and configurations

For a more in-depth guide on selecting and optimizing the right connectivity for your device, please refer to our comprehensive article: Best SIM Card for Your Reolink Camera System.

How to Reduce Data Usage

Want to stretch your data plan even further? Here are some pro tips:

• Use Motion Detection Mode Only: Disable continuous recording unless absolutely necessary. Motion-triggered recording can reduce data usage by up to 90% compared to 24/7 recording.
• Adjust Video Resolution: Choose "Balanced" or "Fluent" in the app settings. Switching from "Clear" to "Fluent" mode can reduce data consumption by approximately 75%.
• Limit Live View Sessions: Only access live video when essential. Consider using snapshots instead of live streaming for quick status checks.
• Schedule Uploads Wisely: If using cloud storage, set it to upload during off-peak hours or limit uploads to specific event types (person detection only, not all motion).
• Optimize Motion Detection Zones: Set up specific detection zones to avoid triggering recordings from irrelevant movements like tree branches or passing cars.
• Adjust Recording Duration: Reduce post-motion recording time from the default 30 seconds to 10-15 seconds for most scenarios.
• Use Time-Lapse Instead of Continuous Recording: For construction or long-term monitoring, time-lapse mode captures periodic snapshots rather than continuous video.
• Enable PIR Detection: For battery-powered models, PIR (Passive Infrared) detection is more accurate than pixel-based motion detection, reducing false triggers and unnecessary recordings.
• Monitor Data Usage Regularly: Check your camera's data consumption weekly through the Reolink app to identify any unusual spikes and adjust settings accordingly.

Control Your Usage, Maximize Your Coverage!

Reolink 4G camera data usage doesn’t have to be a mystery. By understanding your camera’s behavior and choosing the right SIM card for Reolink, you can confidently set up 24/7 monitoring without burning through your data.

If you're looking for a hassle-free, affordable solution, consider a Reolink prepaid SIM from trusted providers like Eiotclub. It’s the perfect companion for your Reolink 4G security setup.