Here are a few resources to help you manage your Blink devices.
Getting started
Blink System Requirements
Mobile device and Wi-Fi requirements
Personal Devices* | iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android device, Fire OS mobile device, Echo Show, Echo Dot, Fire TV and Stick |
Software |
iOS 14 or higher Android v6.0 or higher Fire OS v7.0 or higher |
High Speed Internet | Type: DSL, Cable, Fiber Upload Speed: 2 Mbit/sec or more (Satellite internet not supported) |
Wi-Fi | 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n (Mi-Fi devices or personal Wi-Fi hotspots used by cellular networks not supported) |
IP Configuration | DHCP |
Wi-Fi Security | WEP, WPA, WPA2 with TKIP SSID |
* Blink products are strictly for non-commercial use, and NDAA compliance is not implied or assured.
Additional requirements
- A valid email address. Note: You will use this email in the event of a password reset, for communication with us regarding any issues, and for receiving time-limited account confirmation codes. Please be sure it is easily accessible.
- A non-cellular 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network (name and password) and high-speed Internet connection (DSL, Cable, Fiber) with a minimum 2 Mbit/sec upload speed. Unfortunately, due to high latency issues, we do not recommend using Blink with Satellite providers.
- Note: Blink products are unable to gain internet access on networks that require authentication through a third-party login website.
- The Sync Module requires a standard electrical outlet to provide power.
- The Sync Module 2 requires a USB drive in order to use local storage.
- The Blink Mini camera requires a standard electrical outlet to provide power.
Current Blink App Versions
The latest version of the Blink app is always available in your app store. Blink supports most smartphones, tablets, and many Alexa-enabled products.
Select the app store link or scan the QR code to download the latest version of the Blink app.
*If you can't locate the Blink app iOS 6.15.0, please refer to this article: End of Support for Android Version 5 - iOS Versions 12 and 13
How to Update your iOS and Android devices
In order to run the latest version of the Blink app, it's important your mobile device meets the minimum system requirements.
How to auto update your mobile devices
The easiest way to keep the app version of your mobile device current is to turn on the Automatic Update option in your device settings:
- Learn more about how to turn on or turn off automatic updates on the Apple's Support page.
- Learn more about how to update all Android apps automatically on Google Play Help.
How to manually update your mobile devices
- iOS devices can also be updated manually, which may be necessary if the auto update hasn't occurred yet. Learn more about manually updating your iOS device.
- Learn more checking and updating your Android app version.
Download the Blink app and create your Blink account
Blink cameras and devices are controlled through our Blink mobile app. After you download the app for your device, you must create a Blink account and then verify your email address.
Blink systems and settings are connected to your Blink account allowing you to either access your Blink account from other mobile devices or share account access with those you trust. Learn more about sharing your account access.
The latest version of the Blink app is always available in your app store. Blink supports most smartphones, tablets, and many Alexa-enabled products.
Select the app store link or scan the QR code to download the latest version of the Blink app.
*If you can't locate the Blink app iOS 6.15.0, please refer to this article: End of Support for Android Version 5 - iOS Versions 12 and 13
How to Update your iOS and Android devices
In order to run the latest version of the Blink app, it's important your mobile device meets the minimum system requirements.
How to auto update your mobile devices
The easiest way to keep the app version of your mobile device current is to turn on the Automatic Update option in your device settings:
- Learn more about how to turn on or turn off automatic updates on the Apple's Support page.
- Learn more about how to update all Android apps automatically on Google Play Help.
How to manually update your mobile devices
- iOS devices can also be updated manually, which may be necessary if the auto update hasn't occurred yet. Learn more about manually updating your iOS device.
- Learn more checking and updating your Android app version.
Create a Blink account
To get started with the Blink app, follow the instructions below:
With Blink, you have one user account with one email and one phone number. On log in and certain other actions, a verification number is sent to the mobile number or email address of the account.
Note: If you want to share your account with other users, learn more about setting up a second phone or device.
- Launch the Blink App and tap Create Account at the bottom of the screen.
- Select your country from the drop-down menu and tap Next.
- Your region is pre-selected based on your IP address. Confirm your region and tap OK.
- Enter a valid email address, and tap Next.
- Create a password and tap Create Account. The password requirements are listed at the bottom of the screen. Tap the eyeball icon if you want to view what you are typing.
- Complete the multi-factor authentication (MFA) process. Learn more about multi-factor authentication.
Multi-factor authentication steps
Verify your email address
Enter the PIN from the email we sent you and tap Verify.
- PIN codes are valid for 40 minutes.
- If you haven't received the code after 90 seconds, tap Resend PIN Code.
Verify your phone number
Tap the phone number entry line to bring up a keypad.
Enter the phone number you wish to use for device verification and tap Next.
Optional: Select your country code by tapping the flag icon next to the phone number entry line.
If you prefer to not use SMS, the PIN code can be read to you by an automated voice call.
To choose this option, under Receive code by: select Voice call and tap Next.
A SMS text message containing the PIN code is sent to the phone number, and you are shown another PIN entry screen.
- Example SMS text Message:
is: <123456>
Enter the PIN from the SMS text message we sent you and tap Verify.
- PIN codes are valid for 40 minutes.
- If you haven't received the code after 90 seconds, tap Resend PIN Code.
Link your Blink and Amazon accounts
When the phone verification step is complete, you are prompted to link your new Blink account to your Amazon account by tapping Link Accounts. If you don't want to link your account, select Skip to be sent to the Home screen without linking your accounts.
Note: This is an optional step, but we highly recommend linking your accounts at this time. Learn more about the benefits of linking your accounts.
Sign into your existing Amazon account. You will need to know your Amazon login email address and password. Once the link is established between accounts, tap Next.
Delete
Setting up your Blink device
Visit the Setting up your Blink devices category for camera and device setup guides with step-by-step instructions. Popular setup articles are listed below.
- Wired Floodlight Camera setup guide
- Mini setup guide
- Video Doorbell setup guide
- Outdoor and Indoor (3rd Gen) setup guide
- Sync Module 2 setup guide
Wi-Fi and Network Troubleshooting
Use this article to understand optimum network requirements for your Blink devices.
Things to check first
Start with the following:
- Verify signal strengths. Blink App > Device Settings
> General Settings > Camera to Wi-Fi will show your device's signal strength.
- Find out more in the Network layout and Connectivity sections below.
- Power cycle all devices that allow connection to the internet.
- Verify your internet connection and account are active.
Network layout
Where to place your Sync Module
The Sync Module is the hub between the Blink app, Blink Servers and your camera. Without an internet connection, this data exchange is not possible.
In a typical situation (single building, no unusually dense construction materials), the Sync Module should be able to communicate with Blink cameras up to 100 ft. (30m) away in any direction. We recommend keeping the Sync Module near your wireless router for best signal strength. For optimum camera and Sync Module usage, three bars of signal strength displaying on the Sync Module screen is ideal.
Examples of less than ideal Sync Module locations:
- Behind a Television
- Inside a closed cabinet
- Directly on top of your Wi-Fi router
- In a basement
Examples of good Sync Module locations:
- On a window sill, in a central location between your indoor and outdoor cameras
- On TV stand or cabinet, and no less than 3 ft. (1m) and no more than 10 ft. (3m) away from your Wi-Fi router
- Near other equipment that may also be using your Wi-Fi
Connectivity
Camera connectivity issues with your network
The Blink system relies on having good signal strengths for optimal performance in viewing Live Views, uploading motion clips and for best video quality. It is critical for the cameras to show 3 bars of connectivity to avoid performance issues.
Fewer than 3 bars for each connection can create intermittent issues with the performance of your system.
In case of any camera issues on a mesh network, rebooting the router should be a first step.
Assuming standard construction techniques (single building, no unusually dense construction materials) the Sync Module should be able to communicate with Blink cameras up to 100 feet (33m) away in any direction. We recommend keeping the Sync Module near your wireless router for best signal strength.
See the section below to learn about signal strengths and how to check them. You should have three bars of signal connectivity at the Sync Module and each camera, as depicted on the Sync Module screen in the Blink app.
Where to find signal strength in the Blink app
Tap Device Settings above your camera's thumbnail and select General Settings.
You will see a Network section. Depending on the type of camera you have, this section can contain:
-
Change Wi-Fi
- Tapping this allows you to change your device's existing Wi-Fi connection. Use this if you have installed a new router for your network or want to change access points for your devices.
-
Connection to Wi-Fi
- The icon here represents the strength of your Wi-Fi connection to the camera.
-
Connection to Sync Module
- The icon here represents the strength of your Sync Module's connection to your network.
Signal types
Its important to note that the cameras use two types of signals for communication:
- LFR - Low Frequency Radio - is the signal that cameras share with the Sync Module.
- Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) - is the frequency that the cameras communicate with your Wi-Fi router on. Blink supports mesh and merged networks with a single SSID but only communicates on the 2.4 GHz band.
How to boost internet signal
One solution, other than moving the camera closer to the Wi-Fi router, is to install a Wi-Fi extender or booster. A newer, more effective solution is called mesh Wi-Fi.
-
Extenders
A Wi-Fi extender repeats the wireless signal from your router to expand its coverage. Extenders function as a bridge to capture the Wi-Fi from your router and rebroadcast it to areas where the Wi-Fi is weak or nonexistent. This improves the overall Wi-Fi performance and signal strength for all connected devices within range. Learn more about using extenders with Blink cameras. -
Mesh Wi-Fi
Mesh networks eliminate connectivity dead zones by blanketing your home in Wi-Fi. They work by allowing different types of devices to chain off each other as nodes in a network, each broadcasting the radio signal further than the last. The typical mesh network includes several nodes, which act like satellites for your network. One of these nodes is a gateway and connects to the internet through your modem. The other nodes communicate to each other and will expand your wireless coverage every time you add a new node. Rather than communicating with a single access point (like a traditional network), each node of a mesh network communicates with the others. This distributes the overall signal strength and Wi-Fi coverage throughout an area.
Troubleshooting your connection
If your connections to either your Wi-Fi or Sync Module are below 2 bars or less, attempt the following troubleshooting steps.
- Device placement
- Move the device closer to the Wi-Fi router and tap Pull to Refresh to check if the bars increase. Repeat until you see improved signal strength.
- Check your internet
- If you haven't already, attempt a power cycle of the Wi-Fi router.
- Check that your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network is functioning normally and that the internet is available.
- Check that the Wi-Fi network speed is not being reduced by streaming movies and games, or other high bandwidth activities. Two Megabit per second (2 Mb/sec) upload speed (going from your location) must be available to the Blink system at all times. Test your connection by temporarily suspending any streaming of music, movies, video or gaming to prevent consumption of bandwidth.
- If your Wi-Fi password or network has changed, the Blink system will not function correctly until you update the settings.
- Check that the outlet provides power
- To confirm that power is present to the wall outlet, you can try plugging in a different device or appliance.
- Some outlets are controlled by a wall switch, check to see if this applies to your outlet.
- If the wall outlet is not providing power, you can try a different outlet.
- It is also possible that a circuit breaker has tripped, so you may want to check your electrical distribution panel.
- Check that the wall charger provides power
- If your outlet has power and the camera is not getting power, try to use a different wall charger.
- Any standard 5 volt USB wall charger should work. 5 volt USB phone chargers are commonly available.
- Check the cable
- It is possible that the USB cable became damaged from being bumped into. The damage may not be visible from outside.
- You can try the camera's power cable with another device to see if power is present.
- You can try to use another USB Type A male, to micro-usb Type B male, cable. These are commonly used for charging phones and other devices.
Network frequency
Wi-Fi Router Band Settings
Blink products can only connect to 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g/n) networks.
Many newer routers provide 5 GHz Wi-Fi, or switch between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz automatically. The Sync Module will not respond if it has been switched to a 5 GHz network.
What’s the Difference Between 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz Wi-Fi?
When logging into a Wi-Fi network and presented with two bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz — you might have the following questions:
- Which band should I connect to?
- Is one band faster than the other?
- Are both bands part of the same network?
The answer to the last question can clarify the difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Even though they are different frequencies, supported routers can broadcast on both simultaneously, and some can switch between the two bands during operation. Blink devices; however, will only connect to 2.4GHz bands.
Dual-Band Routers
A dual-band router is any wireless internet router that sends out a signal on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. Routers have features that vary based on manufacturer and model. Most dual-band routers automatically broadcast on both bands without any additional configuration, which is why it may not be obvious there are two bands.
Which Band is Better?
The main differences between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands are the speed and range of their networks. A 2.4GHz band transmits farther and can penetrate building materials better with lower power transmission. A 5GHz band; however, can send more data. 5GHz should not be confused with 5G networks that mobile devices use for data transmission.
Many other devices commonly found in homes, such as microwave ovens and garage door openers, also operate on the 2.4GHz band. This can cause interference and reduce speeds. In addition, placing your devices behind dense building materials such as brick, stone, concrete, steel, and aluminum can interfere with signal strength, even when connecting on 2.4GHz.
Band Merging
With the technological advancement of routers, "band steering" is becoming more common. Routers with this feature use the same Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, allowing you to join a single network and receive the advantages of both frequencies.
Note: Blink devices only connect to 2.4GHz bands, even when bands are merged on your router.
Password
Router settings
Make sure that your router is not blocking access to the Sync Module. This can happen if you are alerted that a device is attempting access but the name is not familiar. Blink devices are sometimes identified by their radio chip instead of the Blink product name.
Disable VPN
Do you use a virtual private network (VPN) on your mobile device? If so, please disable the VPN before you set up Blink devices. You can enable your VPN after you complete setup.
If you're continuing to have issues with VPN after setup, make sure your VPN server is in the same time zone as your device.
Important information to discuss with your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
We suggest speaking with your ISP to discuss your home network capabilities. Here is a guide for reviewing your network setup with your ISP.
- Upload speed - The Blink system requires a consistent minimum upload speed of 2Mbps. Any result lower than 2Mbps can cause latency and/or issues establishing or maintaining connection.
- Network congestion - The more devices in your home use Wi-Fi, the more they will be sharing your network's bandwidth. You can disable the Wi-Fi setting for non-Blink devices not in use and reenable it as needed.
- Old routing equipment - What is the age/model of your router? We recommend a router model less than 5 years old to ensure it supports the latest technology. If you're renting network equipment, your ISP may be able to provide you with an upgraded model at no additional cost.
- Packet loss - This means bits of information are being dropped when communicated over the network. This can cause communication failure from your device to your router or your mobile device to your router. Packet loss can occur within your home (device to router) and/or within your connection from your router to your ISP's server.
- Privacy settings/Parental Controls/Firewalls - Network security is important. Ensure these settings are set up so they do not interfere with your ability to connect to your connection to your Blink system. Ensure that each individual Blink device is allowed to establish its own connection. Tip: you can white-list your Blink device's individual MAC addresses. If you are unsure how to do so, check with your ISP.
- Duplicate SSIDs - When two networks in the same location have the same SSID/name, your Blink system may try to connect to the wrong one. This other SSID may be in a different location that is too far for reliable connectivity or may be and incompatible network. Ensure you are attempting to connect to the appropriate SSID.
Managing multiple mobile devices to access your Blink account
Use this article to understand how to login and manage your Blink account across multiple mobile devices with the Blink app. To ensure only authorized persons can access your Blink account, the primary account owner can view all additional devices that access their account.
Accessible devices include mobile phones, tablets, as well as apps such as IFTTT and Alexa SmartHome.
Add your account to a different device
A Blink account can be accessed from other mobile devices if the login name and password are shared with those devices. If you want to log in to your Blink account from a different mobile device, follow these steps.
- Download the app from your device's app store and sign in using the same Blink account username and password.
- When you log in for the first time, a SMS verification code will be sent to the phone number of the primary account owner. This verification code must be entered before that device is given access. Learn more about Multi-Factor Authentication.
- Use this same process if you want to grant a trusted person access to your Blink account on their mobile device.
- Learn more about setting up a second phone or device.
Manage verified mobile devices
The primary account owner has the ability to:
- Manage all other devices on the account
- View all devices that have accessed their Blink account within the last 30 days
- Revoke any device's access to their Blink account if necessary
Once a device has been revoked from an account, the only way that device can regain access is through a multi-factor security process. Learn more about Multi-Factor Authentication. To review the verified mobile devices in your Blink account, follow these steps.
- Tap Settings
.
- Select Account and Privacy.
- While viewing the Account and Privacy screen, tap on Manage Mobile Devices.
- A SMS message with a verification code is sent to the primary account holder's phone number. Enter the code in the Blink app and tap Verify.
If you don't receive the code
The verification code is sent exclusively to the primary account owner's device. If you do not receive a code, you can either wait 90 seconds when the Resend Code button becomes available, or tap on the back arrow in the top left of the Account Verification screen to return to the main Account and Privacy screen.
Note: If you no longer have access to a device that receives this code, you will need to change the phone number located in Account and Privacy Settings. The account password is required to change the phone number.
5. A successful verification leads to a list of all devices that have accessed that account in the last 30 days, including the current device at the top.
Removing access
Once a device has been revoked from an account, the only way that device can regain access is through a multi-factor authentication process. Learn more about Multi-Factor Authentication.
To remove access from a mobile device, tap Remove next to the device name. This immediately logs that device out of the account.
Trust this device
Logins on new devices, or devices that were removed from an account have a Trust this device option during Account Verification. This allows the app to not require a verification code for future logins.
If the password is changed on an account, the Trust this device option reappears at the next login.
Device limit
The Blink app can be added to a maximum of 100 devices. If there's an attempt to log in to over 100 devices, the account owner will see the screen below.
To resolve, you can either:
- Remove some devices using the previously described method.
- Reset the account password, which will remove all the devices that have access to the account except the device you reset the password on.
FAQ
Troubleshooting
Visit the Troubleshooting category to find answers to common questions. Or, select one the troubleshooting articles below.
- Troubleshooting Motion Clips
- Troubleshooting Motion Notifications
- How to update your iOS and Android devices
- Wired Floodlight Camera Troubleshooting
- Mini Troubleshooting
- Video Doorbell Troubleshooting