We are very glad to help you set up your new Blink Video Doorbell.
The Blink Video Doorbell camera is weather resistant, has two-way talk, and can send motion notifications with video to the Blink app. The doorbell is powered by two size AA batteries, and you can connect your chime wiring to ring when the doorbell button is pressed.
Alexa enabled devices can show you camera views and arm/disarm systems for motion detection. Click for Alexa Skills and Features.
Follow this link for Blink Video Doorbell Technical Specifications.
You set up a Blink Video Doorbell with the Blink Home Monitor mobile app. Tap the section below for instructions to install the Blink app and make an account.
The most recent version of the Blink app is always available in your app store.
Blink supports most smartphones, tablets, and many Alexa enabled products.
Follow the link or scan the QR code to access the most recent Blink app download.
To Get Started with the Blink app, follow the instructions below:
1. Launch the Blink App and tap Create Account at the bottom of the screen.
2. Select your country from the drop-down menu and tap Next.
3. Confirm your region and tap OK.
A region is pre-selected based on your IP address.
4. Enter a valid email address, and tap Next.
5. Create a password and tap Create Account.
The password requirements are listed at the bottom of the screen.
6. Complete the multi factor account verification process.
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New Account PIN |
New Account with Expired PIN |
PIN codes are valid for 40 minutes. After one minute, the "Resend PIN Code" option appears.
When you have verified your email address, the app configures your SMS text phone number to send alerts and for account verification.
Select your country code from the menu that is displayed when you tap the flag icon next to the Phone number entry line.
Enter the phone number you wish to use for device verification and tap "Next".
If you prefer to not use SMS, the PIN code can be read to you by an automated Voice call instead.
To choose this option, select "Voice call" and tap "Next".
Note: The SMS text option should only be used with mobile phone lines and will not work with landlines. Blink ONLY uses this number to positively associate your device to the Blink app - to make sure the person making changes is you. Your information is private and will not be used for additional purposes or shared with third parties.
Click to learn why we need your phone number. Contact Customer Service if you don't have a phone number.
Example SMS Text Message:
PIN codes are valid for 40 minutes. After one minute, the "Resend PIN Code" option is presented.
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Verify SMS PIN |
Verify with PIN |
When the verification step is complete, you are prompted to link your new Blink account to your Amazon account, by tapping on the "Link Accounts button". This is an optional step. Click to learn how to link your accounts at a later time.
You also have the option to select "Skip" which will take you to the home screen, without linking your accounts.
Then sign into your existing Amazon account or create a new one if needed. The link is then established between accounts and click Next.
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Overview:
Adding the Blink Video Doorbell is just like other Blink devices.
The Blink doorbell has a QR code in the battery compartment to represent the device serial number (DSN). The doorbell ships in two parts, the back plate and the doorbell.
Back plate and Doorbell
If the doorbell is mounted, or has the back plate attached, use the opening key to access the QR code. The opening key is taped to the paper mounting template included in the box.
To open the doorbell,
The doorbell can be lifted from the back plate. If the doorbell is wired, do not touch the terminal posts, and use care when reattaching the doorbell.
After use, keep the opening key in a safe place.
DeleteThe Blink Video Doorbell uses two, size AA Lithium non-rechargeable batteries, even when connected to powered wiring. You can add a Blink Subscription any time to receive cloud storage and other features. The doorbell offers three types of installation.
Sync Module (recommended) - The Sync Module is a plugged-in device that wirelessly connects to the doorbell and reduces the amount of battery drain for Blink devices. With a Sync Module, your Doorbell battery life improves up to two years with normal use, and the doorbell is 'always awake' to receive commands. These include arming the system, starting Live View, taking thumbnail images, and updating settings. The Sync Module 2 allows you to save clips to Local Storage on your own USB drive without a subscription. You may also connect powered wiring from your existing chime to ring when the doorbell button is pressed. Without a Sync Module, the doorbell enters "Event Response" mode. If you have a Sync Module to connect, please skip directly to the Sync Module Install section.
Wired - The doorbell is battery powered, however when it is connected to 16v - 24v AC wiring from a chime you already have, the doorbell is able to receive commands for settings changes, to start Live View, and capture thumbnail images. If the voltage is lower than 16v AC, you enter "Event Response" mode.
Event Response - With no Sync Module or compatible wired connection, you enter "Event Response" mode, and the doorbell reduces some features. To save batteries, Event Response stops 'listening' for commands 60 seconds after an event, so you must tap a notification within this time period to enter Live View. For the same reason, you cannot start Live View or take thumbnail images from the Blink app when your doorbell is in Event Response. To update settings changes including arm and disarming the doorbell system, or to take a new thumbnail image, you press the doorbell ringer button each time.
Add your new Doorbell
From the Home screen of the Blink app, tap the blue "Plus" sign + in the upper right corner of the screen to add a new device.
In the next screen, tap the device you wish to add. Then the blink app requests to use your device camera to scan a QR code to automate some of the setup process. The QR code represents the device serial number (DSN).
Tap "OK" to safely permit camera access.
If the doorbell is not already open, remove the back plate with the opening key that is taped to the paper template inside the doorbell packaging. Insert and lift the key to open, and turn over the doorbell to find the battery compartment and DSN label.
Make sure the QR code on the doorbell is in your camera view and in focus. Tap the flashlight icon to turn on your camera flash if needed.
A green square appears when your phone camera 'understands' the QR code.
If you tap the "Help me find my QR code and serial number" link, a new screen shows the different Blink devices. Tap the doorbell to see where its QR code is located.
Next, you are asked to select a system you already have, or create a new system for the doorbell to manage by itself. If you do not already have a Sync Module system to select, create a new doorbell system and add the Sync Module afterwards.
Select a system or create a new one.
Sync Module Install
Next, you are presented with a choice to install with, or without, a Sync Module. It is easiest to tap "Add without a Sync Module" and complete the doorbell installation.
To add a Sync Module later, just tap the Plus + and choose the doorbell system during set up, they will be connected automatically.
If you instead choose "Add a Sync Module", the QR code scanner opens for you to set up a Sync Module. When the Sync Module setup is complete, you are put onto the Blink app Home screen.
Then, to add your doorbell, tap the Plus + sign and continue the normal doorbell installation process as follows.
Power-up and Connect
Next, you are shown how to remove the back plate of the doorbell. The metal opening key is attached to the paper template in the doorbell packaging. Keep the key in a safe place for future use. When the back plate is removed, tap "Continue".
Opening Key
Then you are shown where to place 2 size AA lithium non-rechargeable batteries.
When the batteries are inserted correctly, a red LED flashes slowly to indicate the doorbell is ready to be installed. Tap "Discover Device" to complete doorbell installation. If there is no red LED flashing, remove the batteries for 5 seconds and replace. If the batteries are fresh and the light is still not blinking, hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
When your doorbell is discovered, a popup asks if you want to connect the Blink app to the doorbell directly. This connection is important for your system configuration. You can safely tap "Join".
The available 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks in range of the doorbell are displayed. Select yours.
If you do not see your Wi-Fi network in the list, tap the "Refresh List" button to scan the area again. Be sure your Wi-Fi router is transmitting at 2.4 GHz.
Enter your Wi-Fi password and press "Continue". To be sure you enter the password correctly, tap the "eye" icon to view the characters.
When complete, you are shown a success screen. Tap "Continue" to go to the Home screen.
After you install the doorbell, you can add a Sync Module easily.
Follow the instructions below to install a Sync Module, then when you are asked to choose a system or create a new one, choose the doorbell system.
When Sync Module installation is complete, you will be asked if you want to connect the doorbell. Select "Yes" and the connection completes in a few moments.
The Sync Module must be close enough to the doorbell for full connectivity and the best experience. After installation, the signal strength indicator at the bottom of the Doorbell Settings should show three bars of connectivity
to both the Sync Module and Wi-Fi network.
1. From the home screen, tap the Add Device + icon.
2. The Add Device screen displays your device options.
3. The serial number is also printed as a QR code. To scan a QR code, the Blink app requires permission to access the camera on your mobile device.
Tap OK to permit the Blink app to scan the QR code, automatically entering the serial number. If you prefer, you can deny access to the camera by tapping Don't Allow and enter the serial number manually.
To learn where the QR code and serial number are, tap the "Help me find my QR code and serial number" link at the bottom of the Scan QR Code screen.
4. When the QR code is recognized, you are asked to create a new system by tapping the text entry box and providing a name. Tap "Done" to continue.
5. The Add Sync Module screen will instruct you to plug in your Sync Module and then wait for the light pattern of blinking blue and steady green.
When you see the pattern on your Sync Module, tap Discover Device.
Note: If you don't see the blinking blue light pattern, then you may need to reset the sync module. Click for instructions to reset the Sync Module.
6. The Blink app needs to connect to the Sync Module's Wi-Fi network. It is named “BLINK-" followed by four digits from the Sync Module Serial Number.
Tap Join, then you are asked to join your local Wi-Fi network.
7. The Add Sync Module screen displays 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks within range. The Sync Module stores network information for devices that are added to its system. If you do not see your local Wi-Fi network, tap Refresh List at the bottom of the screen. You can troubleshoot Wi-Fi connections here.
8. When you tap your Wi-Fi network name, you are presented with a password entry field. Ensure that your password is correct before you enter it. Incorrect password is a common cause of difficulty getting started. Tap Join to continue.
9. When network setup is complete, you are notified on the screen. Tap Done to complete the install process and view the Blink app Welcome screen where you can now add a camera.
The system name should appear at the top of the Home screen. You are notified that the Sync Module has been added, the 'cloud' icon shows a green connection line indicating that the Sync Module is communicating with the Blink servers, and you can now tap the plus symbol + to add a device.
You have the choice to install the doorbell connected to your own wiring. Batteries are always the main power source, even when the Blink Video Doorbell is connected to powered wiring.
Your mounting kit includes screws and plastic inserts for mounting. It is possible to use double sided foam tape to mount the doorbell, success of this method depends upon the type of adhesive and the surface you are mounting on. Third party clips are available for screw-less mounting to siding.
The camera in the doorbell has a field of view pointing straight out from the mounting surface. If the image does not capture the view you want, adding a wedge or corner mount can help. A Wedge offers 5° vertical tilt (up and down), and a Corner Mount offers 25° horizontal tilt (side to side).
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Wedge (5º up and down) | Corner Mount (25º left or right) |
Click to visit the Amazon purchase page for the Wedge and Corner Mount accessories (external link, opens in a new browser window).
Check the doorbell view and placement by pressing the doorbell button, and then in the Blink app, tap the notification you receive, to enter Live View.
While in Live View, you are looking out of the doorbell camera. You can adjust the position and location to get the view you want, before drilling into your wall.
The included drill template works for the mounts and the doorbell.
1. Drill mounting holes.
Tape the template in place approximately 40 - 48 inches (102 -122cm) above the ground. If you want to use the wiring from a doorbell you already have, place the template so that the wires will reach through the central open area of the wedge.
2. Attach the accessory then the back plate.
The Wedge and Corner Mount ship with a pair of shortened all-purpose screws. They are meant to be used to secure the back plate to the accessory (part 2 below). Use the pointed, regular length screws to secure the accessory to your wall or surface (part 1 below). See diagram for more details.
1. Regular length multi-purpose screws attach the Wedge or Corner Mount to your location through slots in the accessory. |
2. Shortened screws secure the back plate to attachment points molded into the Wedge and Corner Mount. |
Doorbell shown attached to Wedge and back plate. |
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3. Attach the doorbell and test.
Once the doorbell is in place, if it has already been set up, press the doorbell button and you will receive an alert notification. Tap the notification to see through the doorbell camera and make sure the view is what you want. If you have not set up the doorbell yet, visit Setting up your Blink Video Doorbell.
If you have set an Activity Zone or Privacy Zone, be aware of how they have been affected by the change in camera view. You may have to re-set the Activity or Privacy zones.
Click to learn more about Blink Video Doorbell Motion Detection.
Please click the appropriate section below to continue.
If you are mounting the Blink Video Doorbell in the place of your old doorbell button, but not using the wires, please use the provided wire caps to keep the wires from accidentally touching and activating the main chime or causing sparks.
When you mount the Blink Video Doorbell, it is important to have the back plate secured to a flat surface for proper fit. The wedge and corner mounts (included in some packages, or sold separately) can correct the doorbell view when the only available surface is angled, or you want to adjust the view.
Install the Blink app and add the doorbell to your system before you mount it. Please visit Setting up your Blink Video Doorbell before you continue.
To avoid damaging your vinyl siding, you may choose a mounting system other than the included mounting screws.
There are kits available to mount a wireless doorbell on standard vinyl siding. Some good search terms are "surface block" and "vinyl siding wall plate".
If you choose to mount with double sided tape or something similar, be sure to cover the holes that are molded into the back plate, because water and debris can damage the doorbell, or cause it to stop working.
DeleteIf you prefer to mount in a way other than the mounting screws, the following video shows you a way to connect the back plate before it is mounted.
If you mount without screws (double-sided tape, or another method) be sure to cover the screw-holes in the back plate, to prevent moisture entering the doorbell. With normal mounting, the screws fill that space and keep the doorbell weather resistant.
Delete
The Blink Video Doorbell attaches to its back plate. If the back plate is attached to a flat surface, the doorbell can be connected and removed more easily.
Electric Shock Hazard: When your back plate is connected to powered wiring, the terminal posts have live current. If you connect the terminals by touching them with bare skin or a conductive object like a screwdriver, electric shock can result.
You may have received a replacement back plate that looks different from the original.
Responding to customer feedback that the back plate was not rigid enough, we added a stiffener plate and a foam layer where the back plate rests against your mounting surface, and the hooks have been made thicker to add strength.
If you are mounting just the back plate to a surface, use the included all-purpose screws.
Please contact support with any questions or concerns.
A paper template is included with your doorbell to show where the mounting holes are drilled. The template is shipped with the doorbell opening key attached. Save the key for future use.
Tools
You will need tape to hold the template in place, a drill, a drill bit: 3/32-inch (just the screw) or 7/32-inch (for wall anchor), and the clear plastic pouch with screws and wall anchors.
Tape the paper template to your flat surface from 40 - 48 inches (101.6 - 121.9 cm) above the floor. Then drill two guide-holes with a 3/32-inch drill bit, approximately one and one half inches deep (3.8 cm). The template aligns with mounting holes that are molded into the doorbell back plate. Using the mounting holes ensures your doorbell can close as designed.
For mounting on brick, stucco, or drywall-type materials, you may want to use the included white plastic wall anchors. Wall anchors give the mounting screws a way to grip the threads and provide outward pressure against the walls of a drilled hole. Included wall anchors fit the hole from a 7/32-inch drill bit.
Note: It is important that the back plate is flat when mounted. Attaching to uneven surfaces can bend the back plate and reduce weather resistance.
To adjust the view 5º up-down, or 25º side-side, click to learn about installing a wedge or corner mount.
Remove the paper template.
Secure exposed wires if necessary.
If you are not using existing wires, but they are present, twist a grey terminal cap onto each exposed wire tip to prevent dangerous sparking or other issues. Find two terminal caps in the accessory bag with the mounting screws.
Connect your chime wiring if you wish.
If you are connecting the Blink Video Doorbell to existing chime wiring, attach one wire to each terminal screw as shown in the app. If you are adding a Wedge or Corner Mount, put the wires through the mount before attaching the wires to your doorbell back plate.
Note: Connecting to your wiring does not replace battery power. The Blink Video Doorbell is always powered by 2 size AA lithium non-rechargeable batteries.
Use the provided screws to secure the back plate to your location.
All-purpose screws are included with two wall anchors and wire terminal end caps in a clear plastic pouch.
The wall anchors are made of white plastic and are to be used when the threads of the screw cannot reliably stay in place. This happens with brick because the threads are worn down quickly when screwing into place. Insert each wall anchor into a 7/32-inch drilled hole before placing the back plate against your surface. Now, when you insert a mounting screw, threads expand the anchor to grip the hole.
If your back plate has foam on one side, it has a stiffened design. Click to learn about the reinforced doorbell back plate.
Slide the Blink doorbell onto the pins on the back plate, then press the entire doorbell firmly and evenly (with moderate force) against the back plate, while pressing 'down' to seat the hooks and close the latch.
You may feel and hear a soft click as the connection is secured.
Pull up gently to make sure the connection is secure.
Sync Module
Using a Sync Module is strongly recommended to improve doorbell battery life. With our Sync Module 2, you can save daily cloud backups onto a compatible USB flash drive, or save motion events and ringer button press video clips without a subscription.
Wired to 16-24 vAC chime
Ring your existing chime, and use on-demand live view with two-way talk.
Click to visit the Blink Video Doorbell FAQ.
Note: If your wires provide less than 16v - 24v AC, the Blink Video Doorbell enters Event Response, and you are not able to directly control the camera from the Bink app. In Event Response, all setting changes must be completed by pressing the doorbell ringer button to 'wake it up' and update the configuration, or wait for the once-daily check-in.
In a "wired" installation, the Blink Video Doorbell is connected to chime-wiring that you already have. When the Blink doorbell button is pressed, the wiring circuit is closed, and the chime rings. The Blink Video Doorbell is always powered by batteries not the wiring.
Once the Blink Video Doorbell has been added to your system and you have chosen to complete a wired connection, the following screen appears in the Blink app.
When you have the required items (the Doorbell kit, a power drill, and tape) tap "Continue".
Next, you are presented with a screen that describes the power requirements and a checkbox to show that you know your chime fits within these limits: 16 - 24 volts AC at 50 - 60Hz, and 40VA maximum.
Tap "Agree and Continue", then you are guided to turn off electric power to the doorbell and chime you already have, then tap "Continue".
Follow the app instructions to remove your old doorbell.
Are you installing a Wedge or Corner? These can help adjust the doorbell view. Tap the tab below to read the "Yes or No" choices.
Attach one doorbell wire to each machine screw on the backplate. Either wire can be connected to either post. 2 extra screws are provided in a packet in the box.
Attach the backplate to your surface with the screws that are included. If you are not using screws, the holes must be covered with waterproof tape to keep weather resistance.
The camera in the doorbell has a field of view pointing straight out from the mounting surface. If the image does not capture the view you want, adding a wedge or corner mount can help. A Wedge offers 5° vertical tilt (up and down), and a Corner Mount offers 25° horizontal tilt (side to side).
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Wedge (5º up and down) | Corner Mount (25º left or right) |
Click to visit the Amazon purchase page for the Wedge and Corner Mount accessories (external link, opens in a new browser window).
Check the doorbell view and placement by pressing the doorbell button, and then in the Blink app, tap the notification you receive, to enter Live View.
While in Live View, you are looking out of the doorbell camera. You can adjust the position and location to get the view you want, before drilling into your wall.
The included drill template works for the mounts and the doorbell.
1. Drill mounting holes.
Tape the template in place approximately 40 - 48 inches (102 -122cm) above the ground. If you want to use the wiring from a doorbell you already have, place the template so that the wires will reach through the central open area of the wedge.
2. Attach the accessory then the back plate.
The Wedge and Corner Mount ship with a pair of shortened all-purpose screws. They are meant to be used to secure the back plate to the accessory (part 2 below). Use the pointed, regular length screws to secure the accessory to your wall or surface (part 1 below). See diagram for more details.
1. Regular length multi-purpose screws attach the Wedge or Corner Mount to your location through slots in the accessory. |
2. Shortened screws secure the back plate to attachment points molded into the Wedge and Corner Mount. |
Doorbell shown attached to Wedge and back plate. |
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3. Attach the doorbell and test.
Once the doorbell is in place, if it has already been set up, press the doorbell button and you will receive an alert notification. Tap the notification to see through the doorbell camera and make sure the view is what you want. If you have not set up the doorbell yet, visit Setting up your Blink Video Doorbell.
If you have set an Activity Zone or Privacy Zone, be aware of how they have been affected by the change in camera view. You may have to re-set the Activity or Privacy zones.
Click to learn more about Blink Video Doorbell Motion Detection.
Finally, use a two step motion to attach the doorbell to the backplate.
Use the included key to open the doorbell when needed.
Next, you are asked to turn power back on.
Connection successful, tap "Done" |
No connection, check router and internet. |
Now, you are asked to select whether you have a mechanical or digital chime. A mechanical chime makes sound by a physical hammer striking a metal bell or bar. A digital chime plays an electronic recording. If you are having difficulty, please tap the "I'm not sure which chime I have" link in the Blink app or visit this article for more help.
Make your selection and tap "Continue".
When you make a chime selection, the Blink app will present a calibration screen that is appropriate to your system. Please choose the correct link below to continue with chime calibration instructions.
If you are not connecting to a Sync Module or wiring, or if your wiring provides less than 16 volts AC, you enter Event Response. Click below for more details.
Event Response mode starts automatically when the doorbell has no Sync Module connected and powered wiring is not compatible. When the doorbell is connected to a Sync Module system, or to compatible powered wiring, the doorbell exits Event Response.
In Event Response mode, the Blink Video Doorbell powers all of it's own communications, and batteries drain faster than if the doorbell is connected to a Blink Sync Module or powered wiring from a chime system you already have.
"Event Response" appears on the Blink app home screen as an overlay, shown in the image below. In Event Response, the doorbell is not connected to the internet full time, so you must press the ringer button to complete any Settings or Arm/Disarm action.
When you add a Sync Module after the doorbell has been installed, select the doorbell system when you reach that step. If you complete the Sync Module setup on its own system, the doorbell informs you that it is available for connection.
Link: Adding the Blink Video Doorbell to your system
Saving Clips
Event Response mode, by itself, provides motion alerts and doorbell press alerts only. To save video clips when motion is detected or the ringer button is pressed, add the doorbell to a Blink Subscription Plan, or connect to a Sync Module 2 with a recognized USB drive inserted.
Viewing Clips
On the clip list screen, Doorbell clips are shown with a "Bell" icon indicator, and if you do not have a subscription or Local Storage you see the "Non Media Event" screen indicating that an event happened, but no clip was saved.
Alerts and Notifications
When the doorbell button is pressed, or when the doorbell is "Armed" and motion is detected, you receive alerts in the Blink app. You can tap the alert within 60 seconds to enter a Live View session with two-way talk. To save batteries, the doorbell enters a sleep mode after 60 seconds.
Press Doorbell to Save Changes
In Event Response, you must press the doorbell button to 'check-in' and download any new settings changes. Without a button press, or motion activation event, your doorbell checks-in once every 24 hours to automatically download any new configuration changes.
Photo Capture
Photo Capture is available if you have an active Blink Subscription Plan or free trial. Photo Capture stores a photo every hour, and if there are no other events, it puts them together into a compressed-time video you can see in the Blink app's clip list. When a motion event or doorbell press does happen, the Photo Capture stops so your notification can get through, and then resumes after. Each time Photo Capture stops, you receive a video of the images taken up to that point.
Video Thumbnail
When the doorbell is in Event Response mode, and a subscription is active, the on-screen thumbnail is updated each time the doorbell ringer button is pressed.
Unavailable Features
These features are not available in Event Response:
Battery Life
Battery performance is directly related to the amount of use. To improve battery life and gain features, visit Using the Blink Video Doorbell with a Sync Module, or consider connecting your doorbell to an existing chime with Blink Video Doorbell wired installation.
Setting up your doorbell to use Event Response happens automatically when you do not connect to a Sync Module or powered wiring.
Adding the Blink Video Doorbell to your system
After adding the doorbell to your account, you can choose to mount it.
Mounting the Blink Video Doorbell
Event Response does not have special mounting instructions.
Other Options
To improve the battery life of your Blink Video Doorbell and to have more features available, add a Sync Module to your system, or connect to existing wiring from a doorbell.
With a Sync Module 2, you have the option to save clips from the doorbell onto a USB drive as Local Storage without needing a Blink Subscription.
With a Blink Subscription (purchased through Amazon.com) you have a range of features available to cover either one camera or the entire account. Click for more information on Subscription Pricing. In Event Response, without a Sync Module 2 configured for Local Storage, or a subscription, you will not be able to save motion clips, save live views, or receive photocaptures from the camera.
The doorbell notifies you it is ready to install by flashing a red LED in the ring around the doorbell button on the front of the device. During setup, if your doorbell is not found, an error screen appears and you are invited to retry.
It may help to reset the doorbell and try to install again.
There are two ways to reset the doorbell.
If you do not see LED lights and you are sure that the batteries are fresh, please contact Customer Support.