Troubleshoot the Blink Video Doorbell

Use this article for troubleshooting issues with your Blink Video Doorbell.


Video Doorbell issues

I don't see a red LED during setup

A flashing red LED shows that the doorbell is ready to be set up.

If you do not see a flashing red color in the upper part of the doorbell button, remove the batteries for five seconds, then replace them.

If you do not see a flashing red LED around the doorbell button within one minute, press the reset button and release it.

If there is still no light activity in the white ring surrounding the doorbell button, please double check that you have fresh lithium size AA batteries. If your batteries are fresh, and a reset did not make the lights appear, please contact Customer Support.


If the Blink Video Doorbell disappears from your system or Blink app after you have installed it, try the steps below:

  1. Make sure that your 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi is powered on and functioning.
  2. The Blink doorbell requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network with minimum 2 MB/sec upload speed.
  3. Make sure the doorbell has fresh batteries.
  4. If your doorbell is connected to powered wiring,you may need to turn power back on at the breaker.


If the above steps don't resolve the issue, please contact Customer Support.

I can't connect to Wi-Fi

If the Doorbell is stuck at the stage of connecting to your Wi-Fi network, the most common causes are:

  • Incorrect Wi-Fi password
  • Poor connectivity
  • Your mobile device is not on the same network when installing
  • Wi-Fi router needs to be reset

Tap the eye icon in the Password field to make the characters visible as you type. Then you can make sure the characters are exactly correct for the Wi-Fi network you are trying to join.

The doorbell needs a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network full time. If the Wi-Fi signal is weak at the doorbell location, consider moving the Wi-Fi router closer to the doorbell. You may also add a Wi-Fi extender to the network. Some extenders use electrical wiring to transfer data quickly and provide a Wi-Fi access point wherever there is an electrical outlet.

To get any Blink product connected to the Blink servers and to the app on your mobile device, you should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network the device will be connecting to. If the phone is using a mobile phone data connection, installation may not work as expected. After you complete installation you can use the Blink app from a different internet connection.

Resetting the Wi-Fi router often restores service.

If the above steps don't resolve the issue, please contact Customer Support.

I see a gap between the doorbell and the back plate

The Blink Video Doorbell with an IP-54 weather resistant battery cover has a back plate with three mounting holes. This doorbell does not make a weather tight seal with its back plate and a small gap may be visible after mounting. The most common cause of a gap is using all three mounting holes.

When mounting on a flat surface, use the top and bottom holes. For uneven surfaces, or siding, use the top and middle holes (if present). A gap can sometimes appear when the middle screw is over-tightened.

There are also third party screw-free brackets for use with siding. Blink product warranty does not cover third party accessories, or any injury/damage resulting from their use.

Learn more about mounting the Blink Video Doorbell‍.

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How do I find my doorbell system voltage?

To activate your existing chime when the Blink Doorbell button is pressed, you can connect the wires from your doorbell button to the back plate of the Blink Video Doorbell.

The Blink Video Doorbell can close the wire-circuit and activate a digital or mechanical chime when its button is pressed. Amazon Echo devices can be used as a wireless chime and doorbell announce, but we do not interface with wireless doorbell systems.

Mechanical chime systems in North America usually provide 16 to 24 volts AC at 50 - 60 Hz, 40 VA maximum. The Blink Video Doorbell can use this current to stay online, listening for commands.

If your chime system provides less than 16 volts AC, the doorbell enters Event Response and stops listening for commands after 60 seconds. In Event Response, you are not able to start Live View or take thumbnail pictures from the Blink app. To regain these features and improve battery life, connect the Blink video Doorbell to a Sync Module.


How do I find the system voltage of the doorbell chime I already have?

Your doorbell system chime box will have electrical information on a label or sticker. Some chime boxes have this information imprinted on the plastic mold, making it a little more difficult to see.

It is also possible that the electrical information sticker is inside the housing of the chime.

Please do not attempt to open any electrical case or product when electricity is live.

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Warning

Electrical shock hazard. Disconnect power to installation area at your circuit breaker or fuse box before beginning installation. Always use caution when handling electrical wiring.
Installation by a qualified professional may be required in your area. Refer to your local laws and building codes before performing electrical work; permits plus professional installation may be required by law.




Return to Wired Installation instructions

 


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My wired chime isn't working

Wiring for external doorbell buttons often has significant corrosion that can prevent enough current from being available. Be sure to connect only bare wires to the doorbell terminal posts, and remove corrosion if present.

Weathered wires are also very brittle. The wires may have broken inside the sheath when you were installing the doorbell, and would not be able to carry electrical current.

It is possible the chime itself is not receiving power.

Consult a qualified electrician for the most safe troubleshooting, and be sure to turn off main power to the chime system at the breaker box before working with, or around, any electrical wires.

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Battery Low

The Blink Video Doorbell is powered by two, size AA 1.5 volt lithium non-rechargeable batteries. Even when the doorbell is connected to powered wiring, batteries are the main power source. If the battery level is low, an alert is sent to the account owner and an icon appears.

How to change batteries in the Blink Video Doorbell

This article describes how to remove the back cover and install batteries for the Blink Video Doorbell.

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CAUTION

Electrical Shock Hazard: When electric wires are connected to the back plate, live current is available at the two metal contact posts. Before opening the back cover, turn off all power to the doorbell chime at the circuit breaker.


Release key

To remove the doorbell from its mounting plate, use the release key that came taped to the paper template in the product box.

If you need another key, contact Blink support‍.

Disconnecting from the mounting plate

To disconnect the doorbell from its mounting plate, press the key straight into the slot on the bottom of the unit until the gray catch is released. This will allow you to pull the doorbell off the mounting plate.

Accessing the battery compartment

Remove the battery cover

After disconnecting the doorbell from its mounting plate, remove the weatherproof back cover to access the batteries.

   

Open battery cover 
Flip the doorbell over so you're looking at the back. With your fingernail, lift up the bottom edge of the gray latch located at the bottom of the doorbell. This releases the weatherproof cover, allowing you to remove and replace the batteries.

Note: Keep the cover in a safe place when you change batteries.


How to close the battery cover 

  1. Insert the tabs at the top of the door into the slots near terminal screws.
  2. Push the bottom of the back cover until you see and hear the gray latch click into place.

Remounting the doorbell

Align the top of the doorbell with the top of the back plate so that the hook sets. Next, press the bottom against the back plate firmly until you feel and hear a click.

After you've remounted your doorbell, press the doorbell button to test it.


Video Doorbell with no back cover

Disconnecting from the mounting plate

If your doorbell has an open battery compartment, the latch is opened by pulling the release key toward you slightly. When released, slide the doorbell up while pivoting away from the mounting plate.

Accessing the battery compartment

Once you've dismounted the doorbell, flip the camera over and replace the batteries as needed.

Reinstalling the doorbell

Connect the doorbell to its mounting plate by lining up the pins and using a two step motion - press the doorbell against the back plate firmly (with moderate force), then push down to line up the bottom edges. You should feel a slight click when the doorbell is secure.

After you've reinstalled your doorbell, press the doorbell button to test it.

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Temperature

The Blink Video Doorbell can function normally within the following temperature ranges:

-4° to 113° F (-20° to 45° C)

If your mounting location is in direct sunlight, consider adding a sun shade. Reflected sunlight can be intensely hot as well.

If your doorbell is hot to the touch and not in direct sunlight, or you suspect the batteries might be causing excess heat, please contact Customer Support to troubleshoot.

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Slow Upload Speeds / Bandwidth

Access point / router placement

You may receive a message alerting you when there is poor connectivity with the Blink servers. Be sure your internet connection is working and that it can provide a minimum of 2MB per second upload speeds, or bandwidth (meaning, the amount of data being sent from your location at any given time).

  • Moving your Wi-Fi router closer to the doorbell location can help.

Sync Module placement

If you have a Sync Module managing the system your doorbell is connected to, consider moving it to provide better signal strength between the Wi-Fi router and the doorbell. Check Sync Module signal strengths.

  1. Tap Device Settings > General Settings.
  2. Under Network, it will show you the signal strength the Sync Module has to the doorbell.
  3. If your signal strength is two bars or less, you may need to bring the Sync Module closer to the doorbell.

Advertised internet speed vs. actual internet speed

Your internet provider publishes upload speeds for their service, but the actual upload speed you can use is reduced when many devices are active on the network at one time. If you are receiving poor connectivity alerts with normal network activity, consider increasing the total upload speed that you get from your internet provider. Blink products need an upload speed of 2MB per second or more.

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If you need further assistance, please contact Customer Support.




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