Alexa FAQ

This article provides answers and troubleshooting suggestions to commonly asked questions about Alexa features and compatibility with Blink devices.

General

Where can I download the Alexa app?

You can find the Alexa app in various app stores like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft.

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Does Alexa offer two-way audio for all Blink devices?

Currently, the Blink Video Doorbell is the only device compatible with Alexa's two-way audio feature. To learn more, visit Alexa Supported Features.

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Are Blink products compatible with the Amazon Sidewalk network?

No, Blink products do not currently support the use of the Amazon Sidewalk network.

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Supported Non-screen Devices

  • Echo Dot (2nd, 3rd, and 4th Gen)
  • Echo Plus (2nd and 3rd Gen)
  • Echo Studio (2nd and 3rd Gen)
  • Echo Tap (motion announcements not supported)
  • Echo Pop/Echo Pop Kids
  • Echo Glow (when paired with Alexa device, i.e., Echo Dot)

Supported Screen Devices

  • Echo Spot 
  • Fire Tablets (all models)
  • Fire TV Editions
  • Fire TV Stick
  • Fire TV Cube
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What should I do if the Blink SmartHome skill is not working?

If you experience issues with the SmartHome skill, please visit our Troubleshooting guide.

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Live View

Does Live View automatically display on the Blink SmartHome skill?

No, the Live View on the Blink SmartHome Alexa skill doesn't activate automatically upon doorbell press or camera motion detection. You can launch a Live View on your Alexa-enabled screen device by saying, "Alexa, show me [doorbell name]."

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Why doesn't my Alexa-enabled device show Live View?

If your Alexa-enabled device won't show a Live View from your Blink device, open the Blink app and access Live View from your Blink camera. If Live View from the Blink app is possible, the issue may be with your Alexa-enabled device.

Try the following tips:

  • Install the latest version of the Blink and Alexa apps. 
  • Update the software on your Alexa-enabled device.

If you cannot access Live View from the Blink app, contact Blink Customer Support. If you are experiencing issues with your Alexa-enabled device, visit Alexa Devices Help.

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Why isn't Live View supported on my device?

If you get the error "Live View not supported on this device," it means you can't access Live View in the Alexa app. To learn more visit, Alexa Devices Help.

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Why isn't Live View working with Alexa and my Blink Video Doorbell?

When Live View doesn't work with Alexa and your Video Doorbell, consider updating your device's software. If the Video Doorbell is in Event Response mode, Live View is only available by tapping the motion notification for a doorbell press or motion event within 60 seconds of receiving the notification on your mobile device. To learn more, visit Alexa Devices Help.

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Why is Alexa asking for a code when disarming my system with my voice?

To disarm by voice using Alexa, you must create 4-digit Voice Code during device discovery. If you skipped setting up the Voice Code, visit Arm and Disarm Your System with Alexa for instructions.

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Announcements and Routines

Can my Alexa-enabled device notify me of motion events for my Blink camera?

YesTurn on Motion Announcements in the Alexa app and your Alexa compatible device will notify you when your Blink camera detects motionTo learn more, visit Alexa Motion Announcements

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 If I snooze my Blink system, will Alexa stop announcing motion?

No, Alexa will continue to announce motion events even if you have snoozed notifications for your camera or system. To disable Motion Announcements, visit Alexa Motion Announcements

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Why is Alexa announcing my old Blink devices?

Occasionally, if you change or update the name of a device from the Blink or Alexa app, Alexa will continue to announce using the previous name. To resolve this issue, you need to disable and re-enable Doorbell Press Notifications. If re-enabling doorbell press notifications do not resolve this issue, visit Troubleshooting the Blink SmartHome Skill.

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Can I set up Alexa Routines with my Blink devices?

Yes, to learn more about integrating Blink devices into Alexa Routines, visit Alexa Routines.

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Can I enable Motion Detection on my camera?

Before you turn on Motion Detection for your camera, you must first arm your Blink system. To learn more, visit Understanding Motion Detection.

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Can I trigger Motion Detection with Alexa Routines?

Yes, you can trigger an Alexa Routine when you enable Motion Detection in your Blink camera or Doorbell. To learn more, visit Alexa Routines.

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Alexa Error Messages

"Sorry, cameras don't work on this device."

Only Alexa-enabled devices with screens, like Echo Shows and Fire Tablets, can execute certain Alexa voice commands. If you use a command like "Alexa, show me [camera name]" on a non-screen Alexa-enabled device, Alexa will say, "Sorry, cameras don't work on this device." To learn more, visit Alexa Devices Help.

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"Couldn't find a device named [name you requested]."

This occurs when Alexa has not discovered the Blink device you are wanting to control. To confirm the Blink devices listed in the Alexa app:

  1. Open the Alexa app and tap Devices at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Ensure that your Blink devices appear on the list. 

If your Blink devices are not appearing, the next step is to manually discover them. If you continue to experience issues, visit Troubleshooting the Blink SmartHome Skill.

"Please specify a system." 

This happens if you have multiple Blink systems set up on your Blink account, and you say "Alexa, arm" without specifying which system you want to control. Be sure to include the exact system name you want to control. For example, if you named your system home, say “Alexa, arm home.”

To learn more, visit Can I have multiple Blink Systems on one Account?

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