How to power your camera by USB

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. For proper safety only use 5V/1A USB power adapters. Since Mini cameras are only powered by USB and do not use batteries, a cable and power adapter comes included in the box. The benefit of using USB cables is to not drain batteries on cameras that are frequently used or have a high number of motion clips.

Please be aware that a standard Micro USB cable will remove the weather resistance of any Blink camera (especially on an XT or XT2).


The following steps explain how to install a Micro USB cable into a Blink camera.

How do I install a USB power cable?

  1. Make sure the cable reaches 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, 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.




  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. 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.

  7. USB plugs are generally 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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