In comparison with the previous structure determination of poly[diaquadi-μ-formato-nickel(II)], [Ni(HCOO)2(H2O)2]n, based on Weissenberg film data [Krogmann & Mattes (1963). Z. Kristallogr. 118, 291–302], the current redetermination from modern CCD data revealed the positions of the H atoms, thus making a detailed description of the hydrogen-bonding pattern possible. Both Ni2+ cations in the crystal structure are located on inversion centres and are octahedrally coordinated. One Ni2+ cation is bound to six O atoms of six formate anions whereas the other Ni2+ cation is bound to four O atoms of water molecules and to two formate O atoms. In this way, the formate anions bridge the two types of Ni2+ cations into a three-dimensional framework. O—H...O hydrogen bonds of medium strength between water molecules and formate O atoms consolidate the packing.