Support Home Outdoor & Indoor Cameras Using the Blink Outdoor and Indoor Camera

Powering your Blink camera with USB

Use this article to understand how to install a micro USB cable on a Blink camera.

The USB port on the back of all Blink cameras can be used with a micro USB cable and adapter to power them, rather than using batteries. Plugging your camera into power adapter with a USB cable allows the batteries to not drain as quickly. This can be beneficial for cameras that are frequently used or capture motion or live view often.

  • For proper safety, use a 5V/1A USB power adapter.
  • Blink Mini cameras do not use batteries and are powered by USB. A cable and power adapter comes included in the box.

Using a USB cable with a power adapter

Indoor camera use

  • Use only size AA 1.5 volt lithium non-rechargeable batteries. The lithium batteries that are included with the Blink device do not have any capability of being recharged.

    • Do not use lithium-ion, alkaline, or rechargeable batteries in your Blink camera.

    • Remove the batteries if you are planning to store your Blink devices for an extended time period.

  • There will be a small amount of drain on your batteries even when your device is powered by a USB cable.

  • If the camera is powered by USB with batteries installed and the power goes out, the camera will continue to run on the available battery power.

    • However, if both your Sync Module and Wi-Fi router are not running on backup power, your camera will not function.

    • If your Sync Module is offline and your Wi-Fi is functional, your camera may continue to detect motion and record and upload clips for a short time period.

    • When power returns, your battery indicator for this camera will display the batteries as OK due to the USB power, but the batteries may be low or depleted.

Outdoor camera use

Weather-resistant Power Cable and Power Adapter pack

Blink offers a Weather-Resistant Cable and Power Adapter Pack rated to the IP-55 Standard. The adapter delivers power to the Blink Outdoor or Indoor (3rd Gen) camera, supporting longer battery life. This cable is not compatible with the Outdoor 4 camera.

Visit the Amazon.com sales page for Blink's Weather Resistant Power Cable and Adapter.

Note: While the camera can run on USB power, you should keep fresh batteries in the camera in case the power goes out, or the cable is disconnected.

A specially shaped USB plug fits the case opening of the camera. When installed correctly, the Power Adapter Pack and Blink Outdoor Camera provide reliable function year-round.

Details

  • IP-55 rated Weather-Resistant
  • Mini USB male, to electrical mains adapter
  • 5 Volt 1 Amp current at the micro USB plug


To Install

  1. Make sure the cable reaches to your camera without being stretched.

  2. Remove the back cover of your camera. Learn more about removing your back cover.

  3. The port protector is attached on the inside of the camera case by a strap. Push the silicone port protector into the opening of the camera's back cover, then pull the silicone port protector to remove.

  4. Ensure the adapter plug and camera case opening are free of debris, dirt, oil or liquid of any kind, and then insert the micro USB end of the plug into the camera. You may feel slight resistance as the silicone is fitting the camera case, however the plug should seat without difficulty. If you feel the need to force the plug to fit, it may not be seating correctly. Please double check if the plug is held with the correct side up.



    Notice in the Side View image of the plug, how the plug shape follows the curve of the camera back. You will still see a small gap (about the width of a fingernail) when the plug is inserted fully, this is part of the plug design.

  5. Once the plug is securely in place, check the fit of your mounting location before connecting the camera to the mount. If the fit is too tight, the USB plug may be pulled from the camera accidentally.


  6. With the cable attached to the camera, plug the power adapter at the other end into your electrical outlet.

  7. Check the camera function by taking a thumbnail image or opening a Live View session to be sure you have the camera view you need.

  8. The USB plug is compatible with Blink accessories. For instance, an opening is molded into the Camera Stand as shown.


    USB plug fitting through the camera stand bracket


TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK
READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

  • Do not force the adapter into a power outlet.
  • Do not expose the adapter or cable to liquids.
  • If the adapter or cable appears damaged, stop using it immediately.
  • When installed, check if the connectors are being pulled by a tight cable.
  • Move the camera if necessary, to prevent the cable from pulling on the connectors and exposing your camera to the elements.
  • Check for any signs of malfunction such as smoke, or a burning smell from the adapter, or the camera it is attached to, as this is a sign of a damaged or incompatible power adapter.


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How to install a USB cable

How to install a USB power cable and power adapter

Note: The following instructions are meant for the Blink Outdoor camera (3rd Gen). Installation on other Blink camera models may vary.

  1. Make sure the cable reaches from the power outlet to your camera without being stretched.

  2. Remove the silicone USB port protector on the back cover of your camera.

  3. Ensure the adapter plug and camera case opening are free of debris or liquid of any kind, and then insert the micro USB end of the plug into the camera. You may feel slight resistance as the silicone is fitting the camera case, however the plug should seat without difficulty. If you feel the need to force the plug to fit, it may not be seating correctly. Double check if the plug is held with the correct side up.




  4. Once the plug is securely in place, check the fit of your mounting location before connecting the camera to the mount. If the fit is too tight, the USB plug may be pulled from the camera accidentally.


  5. With the cable attached to the camera, plug the power adapter at the other end into your electrical outlet.

  6. Take a thumbnail image or open a Live View to check if you have the camera view you need.

  7. Most USB cables are compatible with Blink accessories. For instance, an opening is molded into the camera stand as shown.



    USB plug fitting through the camera stand bracket
Delete

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK
READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

  • Do not force the adapter into a power outlet.
  • Do not expose the adapter or cable to liquids.
  • If the adapter or cable appears frayed or damaged, or the wiring is exposed, stop using it immediately.
  • When installed, check if the connectors are being pulled by a tight cable.
  • If necessary, move the camera to prevent the cable from pulling on the connectors and exposing your camera to the elements.
  • Check for any signs of malfunction such as smoke, or a burning smell from the adapter, or the camera it is attached to, as this is a sign of a damaged or incompatible power adapter. Unplug immediately and do not continue to use it with the device.




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