The most likely reason you cannot copy files onto the Reolink camera's SD card is that the SD card is write-protected or the file system is corrupt or incorrect.
The files system_index_main and system_index_sub are files created by the Reolink camera to manage the recorded video data; they indicate the camera has already begun using the card and formatted it in its proprietary way, making it difficult or impossible to manually copy other files onto it.
Here is a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and fix the issue:
🔒 Step 1: Check for Write Protection
First, rule out the simplest causes on the SD card itself and the computer's card reader.
Check the Lock Switch: The most common reason for not being able to copy/paste to an SD card is the physical write-protect lock switch on the side of the full-size SD card adapter (if they are using a microSD card in an adapter).
Action: Have the customer slide the small switch on the side of the adapter to the "unlocked" position (usually towards the contacts).
Try a Different Reader/Port: The SD card slot on the computer or the card reader itself might be faulty and incorrectly reporting that the card is locked.
Action: Ask the customer to try a different card reader or a different USB port on their computer.
🛠️ Step 2: Format the SD Card
If the lock switch is not the issue, the card's file system is likely the problem. Reolink cameras require a specific format, often FAT32 (especially for cards 32GB or smaller), or sometimes exFAT for larger cards. The safest and most effective way to format the card for Reolink is to use the camera itself.
Option A: Format via the Reolink Camera/App (Recommended)
This method ensures the card is formatted with the correct proprietary structure and files (system_index_main, etc.).
Insert the SD Card: Ensure the card is securely inserted into the Reolink camera.
Access Settings: Open the Reolink App or Client Software on their phone or computer.
Navigate to Storage: Go to the camera settings (gear icon) and find the Storage or Device Information section.
Format: Select the SD card and tap the "Format" option, then confirm.
Note: Formatting will erase all existing data on the card. The customer should ensure they don't need the existing recordings before proceeding.
Option B: Format on a PC (If Option A Fails)
If the camera cannot format the card, the customer should format it on their PC:
For 32GB or smaller cards: They can typically use the built-in Windows or macOS formatting tool and select the FAT32 file system.
For cards larger than 32GB: Windows may only offer exFAT or NTFS, which might not be compatible. They will need a third-party formatting tool (like the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool or DiskGenius) to force a FAT32 format on larger cards, or they can try formatting it as exFAT and see if the camera accepts it.
Reinsert into Camera: After PC formatting, re-insert the card into the camera and let the camera attempt to format it again to create its necessary system files.