---
title: "How to Fix Media Not Linking in DaVinci Resolve"
author: "Alex Johnson"
category: Troubleshooting
excerpt: "When the 'Relink Media' button fails, try these advanced methods to force DaVinci Resolve to link your media correctly."
image: "/cutsio-thumbnail.svg"
tags: "DaVinci Resolve, Relink Media, Troubleshooting, Media Offline"
---

Sometimes you know exactly where your files are, you point DaVinci Resolve directly to the folder, and it *still* refuses to link the media. This stubborn "Media Not Linking" issue usually means there's a metadata mismatch.

Here is how to fix media not linking in DaVinci Resolve when the standard relink tool fails.

## The Problem: Why Won't It Link?
When you click "Relink," Resolve isn't just looking for a file with the same name. It checks several pieces of metadata:
1.  File Name
2.  Timecode Start/End
3.  Reel/Tape Name
4.  Audio Channel Count

If the new file differs from the original offline file in *any* of these metrics, Resolve will refuse to link them to prevent catastrophic sync issues in your timeline.

## Fix 1: The "Force" Replace (Replace Selected Clip)
If you know the file is correct, but Resolve is being stubborn about metadata, you can force a replacement.

1.  Find the new, working media file on your hard drive and drag it into your **Media Pool**.
2.  Select the broken, offline clip in your Media Pool.
3.  In the same Media Pool, right-click the *new* working clip you just imported.
4.  Select **Replace Selected Clip**.
5.  Resolve will force the old offline clip to adopt the file path and properties of the new clip, instantly updating it across all your timelines.

## Fix 2: Check Your Timecode
A common reason media won't link—especially after transcoding or round-tripping through another program—is stripped timecode.

*   Right-click the offline clip and check `Clip Attributes > Timecode`. Note the starting timecode.
*   Import the "new" file you are trying to link to and check its timecode.
*   If they are different (e.g., the new file starts at `00:00:00:00` instead of the original `01:23:45:12`), Resolve will never link them. You must use the "Replace Selected Clip" method above, or manually alter the new clip's timecode to match the old one before relinking.

## Fix 3: Reel Name Mismatches
If you are trying to link proxy files or colored renders back to original camera media, Reel Name mismatches are the most common culprit.

*   Go to **Project Settings > General Options > Conform Options**.
*   Toggle the setting for "Assist using reel names from the..." Try switching it between "Source clip file pathname" and "Embedded in source clip file," then attempt to relink again. 

By understanding *why* Resolve is refusing the link, you can use these workarounds to force the connection and get your edit back on track.