Important: This feature requires Blink app version 57.0 or higher. It is being rolled out over a two-week period, so customers with an active ai plan may not have access yet if the feature has not been enabled for their account.
Unusual Activity Alerts works with Blink Video Descriptions to identify unusual events on your property. The system analyses motion detection patterns and activity type from your recent history, and it flags events that deviate from recent patterns as "Unusual Activity" in your notifications. This helps you quickly spot which events need your attention.
You also have the option to limit notifications to only unusual events. All events are still recorded and saved in your clip list so you won't miss anything. Flagged clips include a description of why the event was identified as "Unusual Activity."
Note: When Unusual Activity Alerts is turned on, there will be a delay in flagging unusual activity, as the feature enters a learning period to establish normal activity patterns. The time may vary depending on how much activity your cameras detect. During this time, you will keep getting your normal notifications.
Some examples of when Unusual Activity Alerts sends a notification:
- A person approaches your front door at an unusual hour.
- Unexpected activity in an area that is normally inactive or unoccupied.
Important:
- Requires an active Blink basic ai or plus ai plan.
- Only available in the US (excluding Illinois due to state legislation).
- Only available in English. The primary language must be set to English on your mobile device.
- Requires Blink Video Descriptions to be turned on. If you turn off Blink Video Descriptions, Unusual Activity Alerts automatically turns off.
- Not compatible with Blink XT, XT2, and Indoor (1st Gen) cameras.
Managing Unusual Activity Alerts
Turn alerts on or off
Unusual Activity Alerts is an opt-in feature. You must turn it on to receive "Unusual Activity" notifications. To turn this feature on or off:
- In the Blink app, tap Settings.
- Tap Blink ai features.
- Toggle Unusual Activity Alerts on or off. This sets the alert for all your eligible devices and tags events that break from normal patterns as "Unusual Activity."
Note: Unusual Activity Alerts requires Blink Video Descriptions to be turned on. Otherwise, devices will not appear in the Unusual Activity Alerts device list.
Manage alert notification settings
- In the Blink app, tap Settings.
- Tap Blink ai features.
- Under "Unusual Activity Alerts," tap Manage Settings.
- Toggle on Unusual Activity Alerts Only.
- To set Unusual Activity Alerts only for certain devices, tap the box next to the camera that you want to choose.
Viewing your clips
With Unusual Activity Alerts turned on, all recorded clips are still saved in your clip list. Events tagged as "Unusual Activity" include a short description explaining why the event was considered unusual. Unusual events appear as individual clips and are not grouped into Moments.
To view your clips:
- In the Blink app, tap Clips.
- Scroll through your clip list to find your recordings.
- Tap a clip to play it.
FAQ
I turned on Unusual Activity Alerts, but I'm still getting notifications for routine events. What should I check?
This is normal behaviour for the feature. By default, Unusual Activity Alerts only tags certain events as "Unusual Activity," and does not suppress any other notifications.
If you only want to receive notifications for unusual activity, in the "Unusual Activity Alerts" Settings, turn on the option for Unusual Activity Alerts Only.
DeleteI received an Unusual Activity Alert and I'm concerned for my safety. Who can I contact for help?
If you have safety concerns due to an alert, please contact your local authorities.
DeleteDoes an Unusual Activity Alert mean that my Blink account was hacked?
No, it does not mean your account was hacked. This alert refers to unusual motion activity detected by a Blink camera. It does not refer to your account's security.
DeleteDoes Unusual Activity Alerts delete any of my recordings?
No, Unusual Activity Alerts only affects the notifications you receive. All motion events are still recorded and saved in your clip list.
DeleteWill I still get notified if someone rings my doorbell?
Yes. Doorbell press events are always delivered and are not affected by Unusual Activity Alerts.
DeleteWill I still get notified for all events during the learning period?
Yes. Whilst the feature is learning your property's patterns, you'll continue to get notifications as normal. Once the learning period is complete, you'll be notified of events that are different from established patterns.
DeleteWhy is there a delay in my notifications?
The Unusual Activity Alerts feature uses Blink Video Descriptions to understand what's happening in each new event, then compares it against your recent activity history before deciding whether to send a notification. This may cause a short delay.
DeleteCan I use Unusual Activity Alerts without Blink Video Descriptions?
No, Unusual Activity Alerts needs Blink Video Descriptions to be turned on. If you turn off Blink Video Descriptions, Unusual Activity Alerts automatically turns off too.
DeleteWe are committed to Responsible, Trusted AI
We are committed to ensuring we are building safe and responsible AI-powered products and features throughout our design, development, deployment, and operation. To help ensure Unusual Activity Alerts generates reliable and appropriate results, we built a protection system. The system consists of both VLM built-in guardrails and real-time guardrails to ensure appropriate notifications are provided to customers.