What is the Blink Video Doorbell?
Blink’s Video Doorbell has two-way talk, HD video, motion detection, Blink app alerts, and works with Alexa-enabled devices. The Blink Video Doorbell is powered by two, size AA batteries at all times, and can be wired to ring your existing home chime.
With a Sync Module or compatible wiring, your battery life extends up to 2 years, and you can start Live View or take thumbnails in the Blink app. Without a wired connection or a Sync Module, you enter Event Response mode where you only receive motion alert and doorbell press notifications, and you must tap a notification within 60 seconds to enter Live View with two-way talk.
When you pair the Blink Video Doorbell with a Sync Module and Blink Subscription Plan, you can start Live View sessions in the Blink app and save them to cloud storage, use clip roll editing, see clips faster with rapid viewing, receive daily photo capture clips, use more convenient in-app sharing, and access future features.
With our Sync Module 2, and a Subscription Plan, you can save a daily cloud backup onto a compatible USB flash drive.
With no active subscription, the Sync Module 2 can save motion clips and ringer button press clips in Local Storage, to be viewed in the Blink app.
Where can I get a Blink Video Doorbell?
United States - https://www.amazon.com
Canada - https://www.amazon.ca
United Kingdom - https://www.amazon.co.uk
Germany - https://www.amazon.de
France - https://www.amazon.fr
Italy - https://www.amazon.it
Spain - https://www.amazon.es
Netherlands - https://www.amazon.nl
...and local retailers.
DeleteHow does the Blink Video Doorbell work with wiring?
When the Blink Video Doorbell ringer is pressed, the wired connection's circuit is closed, and your digital or mechanical chime rings. Learn about Blink Video Doorbell wired installation.
Mechanical or digital chime systems that provide 16 to 24 volts AC are compatible with the doorbell. If your chime system provides less than 16 volts AC, the doorbell enters Event Response mode and stops listening for commands after 60 seconds, to save batteries.
DeleteCan I install Blink Video Doorbell wired or wire-free?
Yes, the Blink Video Doorbell can be wired or wire-free. When wired, the Blink Video Doorbell is able to extend battery life and rings your existing chime.
Even when wired, the doorbell is always powered by size AA, 1.5 volt, Lithium non-rechargeable batteries.
You can choose to not have the chime activate while still using the power to extend battery life and exit Event Response mode.
DeleteHow do I mount the Blink Video Doorbell?
Mount the doorbell after you install the Blink app, and add the doorbell to your account. When you do mount the Blink Video Doorbell, it is important to have the back plate secured to a flat surface for weather resistance.
Remember to install the Blink App and then add the Blink Video Doorbell to your system before you mount it. Please visit Mounting the Blink Video Doorbell for detailed mounting instructions.
Why do I get time lapse clips?
A feature available with subscriptions and trial is Photo Capture. This feature is active by default and can be controlled in your Blink Video Doorbell Settings.
With Photo Capture, your camera takes an image once per hour, and if there are no other events they are all put together into a video. If there is an event (motion alert or Live View) the images taken up to that point are put together.
DeleteHow do I enable my doorbell?
When your doorbell is set up and connected, it is active and available to be armed, by default.
If your doorbell has been discovered by an Alexa device, open the Alexa app and enable your doorbell for Announcements.
DeleteWhat are my storage options?
Blink Subscription Plan -
Unlimited clips are saved to the cloud for 60 days each.
A new Blink Video Doorbell includes a free 30-day trial of the Blink Subscription Plus Plan that includes all of your Blink devices.
You can subscribe to a single device Basic plan for just $3 a month, or $10 per month for unlimited devices and cameras on your account.
Local Storage -
To store videos without a subscription, you attach devices or cameras to a Sync Module 2 with a recognized USB flash drive inserted (sold separately).
Note: If your account was created on, or before April 15, 2020, the doorbell saves to your free cloud storage.
Do I need a Blink Subscription Plan to use the Blink Video Doorbell?
No, you can use all Blink products without a Blink Subscription Plan - you can save clips to local storage for no monthly fee using a Sync Module 2 with USB flash drive (sold separately).
Note: If your account was created on, or before April 15, 2020, the doorbell saves clips to your free cloud storage.
DeleteCan I use local storage with my Blink Video Doorbell?
Yes! To enable Local Storage for the Blink Video Doorbell, simply attach it to a Sync Module 2 system (external link to Amazon purchase page) with a compatible USB flash drive inserted. Click to learn more about Local Storage.
DeleteHow long does a pair of batteries last?
Battery life will change with device settings, use, and environmental factors. When paired with a Sync Module, a Blink Video Doorbell can achieve up to two years of battery life with the default settings and normal use.
DeleteWill I be notified when battery power is running low?
Yes, you are notified when battery levels drop to "low". A battery level indicator is shown on the home screen of the Blink app, and on the doorbell Settings screen. Click to visit the doorbell settings page.
DeleteCan I use rechargeable batteries?
No, the Blink Video Doorbell only uses one pair of non-rechargeable, Lithium Metal, size AA, 1.5v batteries. Click to visit the Amazon purchase page for recommended batteries (external link).
DeleteDo I need a Wi-Fi connection to set up my Blink Video Doorbell?
Yes, the Blink Video Doorbell needs an always-on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network with an upload speed of at least 2Mb per second. If the available bandwidth is too low, you may receive intermittent Live View, or clips that take a long time to load.
DeleteDoes the Blink Video Doorbell support Two-Way Talk?
Yes, on mobile devices with echo suppression, the Blink app has a Tap-to-Talk button in the Live View screen. If your mobile device does not support echo suppression, you must hold the Push-to-Talk button while speaking during the Live View session.
When the doorbell is attached to a Sync Module, or powered wiring, you are able to start a Live View session when you wish.
When the doorbell is in Event Response, you can only start a Live View session by tapping motion alert notifications within 60 seconds.
The Blink Video Doorbell supports two-way talk on Alexa enabled devices like the Echo Show. Click for details about Alexa Skills and Features.
How will the Blink Video Doorbell notify me?
When the Doorbell button is pressed, the Blink Doorbell sound is played from the speaker, and your existing doorbell chime will ring inside, if it is connected.
The Blink app also plays the Blink Doorbell sound and provides motion notifications. Blink products only interact with the Blink mobile app at this time.
The Blink app shows a notification when the doorbell is pressed or motion is detected. You can tap notifications to enter a Live View session with two-way talk.
When the doorbell is in Event Response, it stops listening for your tap after 60 seconds, to save batteries. When the doorbell is connected to compatible powered wiring, or a Sync Module, you can tap the notification at any time.
For doorbell announcements from Alexa, an Echo device can be connected through the Blink SmartHome Skill. Click to learn more about using Alexa enabled devices with the Blink Video Doorbell.
DeleteDoes the Blink Video Doorbell support Two-Way Talk on Echo devices?
Yes, new to the Blink Video Doorbell, you can now talk to your guests and listen through the doorbell on a supported Echo device using the Blink SmartHome Skill.
Alexa enabled devices with a screen will show you the doorbell view.
When your doorbell is in Event Response, Two-Way Talk only works if the doorbell is pressed or motion detection is active.
Learn more about using Alexa enabled devices with the Blink Video Doorbell.
DeleteDoes the Blink SmartHome skill support auto live view with doorbell press or motion detection?
The Blink SmartHome skill does not support "auto live view" when the Blink Video Doorbell is pressed or motion detection is triggered. You need to respond to the notification by saying "Alexa, answer the [doorbell name]."
When the doorbell is connected to compatible powered chime wiring or a Sync Module, you can start a Live View just by saying "Alexa, show me the [doorbell name]."
For example, to enter Live View if your device is named "front door" you can say, "Alexa show me the front door."
Note: When a doorbell is in Event Response mode, Alexa is not able to start the Live View from a voice command.
Can I use my Echo device as a chime?
Yes, with the Blink SmartHome Skill integration, your Echo device can alert you with Doorbell Announcements when your guests press the doorbell ringer button, or when motion is detected.
Instead of a chime sound, Alexa announces "Someone is at your [doorbell name].
Click to learn more about using Alexa enabled devices with the Blink Video Doorbell.
DeleteCan the doorbell announcement sounds be changed on my Echo device?
Yes, when Doorbell Announcement is enabled, you can change the Echo ringer sound.
Click for details about using Alexa devices with the Blink Video Doorbell.
Please open your Alexa app and navigate to:
Devices > Cameras > [your doorbell name] > Doorbell Sound.
I am an existing customer, do I get free cloud storage?
Accounts that were created on, or before April 15, 2020 continue to have the original 7200 seconds (2 hours) of cloud storage per Sync Module. The Blink Video Doorbell shares this cloud storage with the rest of the Blink devices on your account.
DeleteWhat happens to my videos after the 30-day trial of the Blink Subscription Plus Plan?
When a Blink Subscription Plan or 30-day trial of the Blink Subscription Plus Plan ends, no new clips are saved. Clips you already have are available in the Blink app for a maximum of 60 days each (30 days in the EU/UK), and then delete automatically.
To share clips from the Blink app, a subscription plan is required. You can save locally and share outside of the Blink app if you don't have a subscription.
If you have a Sync Module 2 with a recognized compatible USB drive, and your subscription stops, clips begin saving to Local Storage.
Local Storage clips stay on the USB drive until you delete them manually.
Local Storage clips are in a different folder than the "Clip Backups" folder that is created when the subscription is active and a recognized USB drive is in the Sync Module 2.
Local Storage clips are viewable in the Blink app when you tap the Media button .
Click to learn more about how to access Clip Backups on Your USB Drive.
DeleteDoes the Blink Video Doorbell require a Sync Module?
No, the Blink Video Doorbell can manage its own system, but when installed with a connected Sync Module, doorbell battery life is improved and advanced features are available.
All Blink devices interact with the Blink mobile app, where you also view video and change settings. There is no personal computer access to your Blink account.
DeleteDoes the Blink Video Doorbell support Local Storage on its own?
No, the Blink Video Doorbell has no way to store clips by itself. If you add the doorbell to a system managed by a Sync Module 2 (external Amazon sales page), you can save clips to Local Storage on a USB drive (sold separately) inserted into the Type A port.
Local Storage clips are viewable in the Blink app until you delete them.
If the USB storage is full, no more clips are saved.
DeleteIs the Mini a lightweight plug-in chime for my doorbell?
Yes it is! Now, any Blink Mini camera on the same system with a doorbell can play the chime sound when your doorbell button is pressed. This is a convenient way to make sure you don't miss a visitor or delivery. Normal chime sounds and notifications still come through the Blink app.
Click to learn more about using your Mini camera as a chime.
If you already have a doorbell installed, add a Mini camera to the system the doorbell is on. If you already have a Mini installed, add the doorbell to the Mini system.
Add the doorbell and Mini to a Sync Module system for even more convenience.
Any number of doorbell and Mini cameras can be used together when they are all on the same system.
The Mini will interrupt the chime sound and stop playing to manage any camera event that happens, so you never miss a clip.
DeleteIs the Blink Video Doorbell compatible with existing chimes?
Yes, the Blink Video Doorbell can be connected to powered wiring from your mechanical or digital chime. When the ringer button is pressed, the wired circuit is closed and your chime rings.
The doorbell is compatible with with chime transformers rated from 16-24 volts AC (vAC). If your existing chime has less than than 16 vAC, the doorbell enters Event Response mode.
Click to learn more about Wired installation.
Third-party wireless chimes are incompatible with the Blink Video Doorbell.
DeleteCan I control the chime volume?
Yes, you can adjust the chime volume during setup. When a chime is recognized, the app takes you though calibration steps.
Click to learn more about Mechanical Chime Calibration and Digital Chime Calibration.
Does the doorbell work when the power goes out?
The Blink Video Doorbell needs a working Wi-Fi connection to send alerts and update settings. Wireless internet routers are usually plugged in to the main electrical supply, so if the power is out, the Wi-Fi is off.
Since the doorbell is battery powered, it will continue to play the Blink chime when the ringer button is pressed, but you will not receive notifications or video until Wi-Fi is connected to the internet.
If you have a wired installation, and power to the chime system goes out, a doorbell press only plays the Blink chime sound from the doorbell. When power to the chime system comes back on, a doorbell press will activate the chime and play the Blink chime sound from the doorbell.
DeleteWhat is the operating temperature of the Blink doorbell?
The Blink Video Doorbell works normally from -4º F to 113º F (-20º C to 45º C)
DeleteWhat if I lost the mounting screws during the installation?
We have provided spare mounting screws and weatherproofing washers in the box. If you need additional mounting screws, please don’t hesitate to contact Customer Support.
DeleteHow much does a Wedge or Corner Mount change my doorbell view?
Wedge: 5° vertical tilt (up or down)
Corner Mount: 25° horizontal tilt (side to side)
To adjust your camera position in the opposite direction, flip your Wedge or Corner Mount 180º so that the top and bottom switch positions.
Does my Blink Video Doorbell count towards the ten device maximum per system?
Yes, the Blink Video Doorbell is considered to be like other Blink cameras when it is on a system managed by a Sync Module. The Blink Video Doorbell can manage its own communications with the Blink servers, which impacts battery life, as it uses more power to communicate. Click to learn more about the Blink Video Doorbell.
Is the doorbell waterproof? Do I need to install under a cover?
The Blink video Doorbell is rated IP-54 weather resistant to rain, dust, cold and heat, within typical limits. For more details, visit the Blink Video Doorbell Technical Specifications page.
The doorbell is not designed to be immersed in water.
DeleteIs the Blink Video Doorbell compatible with IFTTT, HomeKit, Siri, IOT, or other home automation ?
The Blink Video Doorbell only works with Amazon Alexa enabled devices.
Click to learn more about Blink products that are compatible with IFTTT, click How Do I Use IFTTT Applets with Blink?
What if my wired chime doesn't ring?
During normal setup, you can test the doorbell sound. If your doorbell is not making the chime sound, or if it is not ringing your existing chime, visit the Troubleshooting the Blink Video Doorbell page.
Existing wiring for external doorbell buttons can have corrosion that may prevent the full current from being available. Remove corrosion if present and only connect bare wires to the doorbell terminal posts.
Delete