If you are new to Blink, we have assembled a list of commonly asked questions making it easier to find answers. If your question is not answered below, be sure to check out our dedicated FAQ section here, or use the search bar above.
Do I need Wi-Fi?
Yes! Wi-Fi is a main component of your Blink system. Blink requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Internet connection with a minimum of 2 Mb per second (2Mbps) upload speed (from your network to the internet).Can I access my Blink system from my computer?
The Blink mobile app contains all camera and system settings, camera scheduling, and clip sharing functions.
Can my Blink account and systems be accessed by family members?
You may also connect Alexa enabled devices through the Blink SmartHome skill. Learn more about Alexa compatibility.
How many devices can I add to a Blink system?
What is the range of the Sync Module? How far away can camera units be placed?
Assuming standard construction techniques (single building, no unusually dense construction materials) the Sync Module should be able to communicate with Blink cameras up to (and perhaps over) 100’ away in any direction. We also recommend keeping the Sync Module near your wireless router for best signal strength. The article describing signal strengths, and how to check them, is here. The goal is to have 'three bars' of signal connectivity at the Sync Module and each camera as depicted on the Sync Module screen in the Blink app.Can I power my cameras with a USB cable or solar panels?
Blink cameras are designed to be powered by size AA 1.5 volt Lithium non-rechargeable batteries, or USB power cable. All cameras ship with their own power supply. The Blink Solar Panel Mount accessory is available at amazon.com (external link to the purchase page).
Some third party manufacturers claim to be compatible with Blink products. Third party power solutions are not supported because of the various problems and safety issues that may arise. Blink accessories are designed be safe for your use.
We cannot warranty devices connected to unreliable power sources, or when weather protection is removed. For the best experience, please only use the power solution that was provided in the original packaging, or authorized Blink products.
If you need replacement parts, contact Customer Support to discuss your options.
What kind of batteries does Blink use? Are they easy to replace?
Blink cameras are powered by size AA 1.5 volt Lithium non-rechargeable batteries. Battery powered cameras ship with batteries, and they’re easy to replace when the time comes. Simply open the battery compartment, take out the old batteries, and insert the new pair. The device powers up and regain communications without input from you.
Blink camera batteries should be replaced by Energizer Ultimate size AA 1.5 volt Lithium non-rechargeable batteries, or their equivalent. These batteries can be purchased here.
Do not use Lithium Ion ( Li-ion ) rechargeable batteries as they may cause issues with your camera.
How long do the batteries last?
The XT, and Indoor (gen 1) battery life is up to two years, based on 40,200 seconds of recording, averaging 50 seconds per day.
- Using Alkaline or re-chargeable batteries. (Specifically NOT recommended)
- Slow internet connection
- Extreme temperatures
- Weak signal strength between camera and Wi-fi
- Weak signal strength between camera and Sync Module
DO NOT use "Lithium Ion" (Li-Ion) batteries as these may cause issues with your camera. Recommended replacement batteries can be purchased here.
How far from the camera can a person be seen?
What's the maximum distance Blink cameras sense motion detection?
Can a Blink camera detect motion through a window or glass?
Mini cameras are somewhat capable of motion detection through glass, since they use pixel difference analysis instead of IR heat signature. This can only work under very limited conditions such as when light is present, with the camera positioned as close as possible to the glass, and with the recording LED and IR LED disabled to reduce reflections. The Blink Mini was not designed to detect motion through glass and the results can be unreliable.
How wide is the field of view?
Do Blink cameras pan and tilt?
For our other cameras, Blink’s included mount will allow you to easily set the positioning of a camera view, but the standard mount is not controlled remotely.
Please visit the appropriate article for more information:
Mounting Your Blink Wired Floodlight Camera
Mounting Your Blink Mini Camera
Mounting the Blink Video Doorbell
Mounting Your Blink Indoor (gen 2) and Outdoor Camera
Mounting Your Blink XT2 Camera
Mounting Your Blink XT
Mounting Your gen 1 Indoor Camera
What is the camera resolution for Blink cameras?
Blink cameras can record up to 1080p resolution, except for the Blink Indoor (gen 1) which has a resolution of 720p. The resolution is configurable in camera settings, learn more from our article here.
The camera frame rate ranges from 7.5 frames per second in low light situations to 30 frames per second in good lighting. The decreased frame rate in low light allows the camera to capture more light and present a clearer picture. Check out our article here about configuring your system to capture images in low light.
What is Instant-On?
How long can I set the camera to record for?
When observing Live View on the Blink Mini, you must tap a "Continue" button every 60 seconds. When using Alexa devices for Live View, the length is five minutes.
How much data does a single clip use?
With just five-second motion clips, a 256 GB USB drive will be full after approximately three-hundred and forty thousand (340,000) clips are stored.
Where are motion clips stored?
If your account was created on or before April 15th, 2020, you will continue to have access to free cloud storage and other features for any devices set up on your account. You are allotted 7,200 seconds of recording per Sync Module.
You can upgrade to saving unlimited number of clips by purchasing a Blink Subscription Plan at any time. Click here to learn more.
Is there Local Storage?
The Sync Module 2 has an active USB 2.0 port that accepts a USB drive between 1 GB and 256 GB in size, with at least 375 MB of free space available.By default, the USB drive directly records motion clips from Blink Outdoor, Indoor (gen 2), and Mini cameras that are attached to the Sync Module 2 system. These clips are available in the Blink app Clip List. Local Storage does not need to be configured other than to set up the Sync Module 2 with a USB drive and connect one or more of the cameras mentioned. Live Views are never saved to the USB drive.
When Cloud Storage is active either with a subscription or free trial, Live View sessions and Motion Clips from Blink Outdoor, Indoor (gen 2), and Mini cameras are saved to the Cloud. If there is a USB drive available, all unsaved clips will be stored in a Clip Backup once per day.
How much storage do I get for recorded clips?
For older cameras - Blink XT2, XT, and Indoor (gen 1) - Blink provides 7,200 seconds (2 hours) of storage space for the life of the product. The storage space is 'given' to the Sync Module these older cameras are attached to.
Can my system automatically arm/disarm?
For Schedules to work, each camera to be controlled must be enabled for motion detection.
What’s Live View?
With a subscription plan, you can save Live View sessions to cloud storage for later viewing. Blink Subscription Plans also enable Extended Live View - exclusively for Blink Mini cameras! This new feature provides images and sound directly from a Mini to the Blink app, up to 90 minutes at a time without user intervention. In addition, you can view regular Live View sessions up to five minutes without tapping on "Continue". Click here to learn more.
You can enter Live View from the Motion Alert system notification on your mobile device. Click to learn how to access Live View.
Live Views are never saved to the USB drive.
Can I record when I’m in Live View mode?
If you have a subscription, Live View sessions can be saved to your clip roll.
Do I need to run software updates on my Sync Module and Camera(s)?
Does Blink have Alexa or IFTTT functionality?
- We will be adding support to other regions for these services in the near future.
- Other third party scripts are not compatible with Blink products at this time.
- Alexa Motion Announcements and Clip Viewing/Clip Status are not currently supported on cameras using Local Storage to record directly to a Sync Module 2 with attached USB drive.
Do Blink devices use Bluetooth?
Can a Siren still be added to a Blink System?
Can a single camera exist in multiple systems or accounts?
Cameras must first be deleted before added to different systems within the same account, or to a different account. Click here to learn more about deleting cameras.
Can my battery powered camera operate during a power outage?
Battery powered cameras require a connection to a Sync Module and to Wi-Fi. Blink Outdoor, and Indoor (gen 2) will attempt to record the first motion event after a power loss and upload that clip to the cloud once the system is back online. The 'offline' or power-out recording feature is not reliable however. Power and internet outages are a cause of system problems, please make sure both are always available. Learn about setting up Blink cameras.
Are Blink systems eligible for home insurance discounts?
No. Blink systems are not eligible, since insurance companies only offer discounts on "hard wired surveillance" security systems that trigger an alert to 911 dispatch.
Delete