The Sync Module handles a large amount of communications between the Blink servers and your doorbell. When the doorbell and Sync Module are connected, battery life is improved to 2 years with normal use, and more features become available.
When the doorbell is connected to the internet full time, you can start Live Views with Two-Way Talk on Alexa devices and the Blink app. You can also take new thumbnail images when you want, and save new settings from the Blink mobile app.
When your doorbell is not connected to a Sync Module, or compatible powered wiring, it operates in Event Response mode, which turns off the connection 60 seconds after an alert is shown.
Click the following section for more information.
Event Response
What is Event Response mode?
If your Blink Video Doorbell is not connected to a Sync Module 2 or is not connected to compatible chime wiring, the doorbell enters into Event Response mode.
When your Blink Video Doorbell is operating in Event Response mode, features such as Live View and two-way audio are only available for doorbell presses and when motion is detected.
Once a Sync Module 2 is added to the doorbell's system, or the doorbell is connected to compatible chime wiring, the doorbell automatically exits Event Response mode.
Using the Blink Video Doorbell with batteries
Your Blink Video Doorbell is powered by two AA lithium batteries. Adding your doorbell to a Sync Module 2 and/or connecting it to your existing chime's wires can extend battery life. However, batteries are the main source of power for the doorbell and are required for your Blink Video Doorbell to function. Battery performance is directly related to the amount of use.
Using your Blink Video Doorbell in Event Response Mode
Wondering which features are available in Event Response mode? See the table or detailed descriptions below to view your options. More features are available when you sign up for a Blink Subscription Plan.
Event Response mode features
| Event Response | Event Response with Subscription Plan | |
| Motion Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Chime App Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Live View through Blink app |
Yes. Tap motion notifications within 60 seconds for Live View. Not accessed directly in the app. | Yes. Tap notifications within 60 seconds for Live View. Not accessed directly in the app. |
|
Live View through Alexa |
Yes |
Yes |
| Save Motion Clips (video) | No | Yes |
| Save Live Views | No | Yes |
| Photo Capture | No | Yes |
| Photo Thumbnail | No | Yes (Only after a doorbell press or a motion event) |
1. Live View and two-way audio (with or without a Blink Subscription Plan)
While your Blink Video Doorbell is in Event Response mode, you can't access Live View from your Blink App. However, Live View and two-way audio are available when:
- Your Blink Video Doorbell ringer is pressed.
- Your system is Armed for Motion Detection and your Blink Video Doorbell detects motion.
Your mobile device will send you a push notification when either of these two events happen. Tap the notification within 60 seconds to enter a Live View session with two-way audio.
2. Viewing and saving clips
Note: An active Blink Subscription Plan is required to save motion clips (video). Saved motion clips from your doorbell appear in Clips with a bell icon 
next to the clip thumbnail.
Without a subscription, Live View and motion clips are not saved.
- While in Event Response mode, your Blink Video Doorbell displays clips as a Non Media Event in the thumbnail area. This indicates an event happened, but nothing can be watched.
3. Photo Capture
Note: To use Photo Capture while in Event Response mode, you must have an active Blink Subscription Plan and your doorbell must be armed. The Photo Capture setting for your Blink Video Doorbell is off by default.
- Photo Capture stores a photo every hour. If there are no doorbell presses or motion events, the photos are compressed into a short video that you can view in the Clips section of the app.
- When a doorbell press or motion event happens, any previous Photo Captures are converted to your clip list, so the new event can be processed right away. Each time Photo Capture stops, you receive a video of the images taken up to that point.
- Learn more about Photo Capture in the Photo Capture FAQ.
4. Photo Thumbnail
Note: An active Blink Subscription Plan is required for Photo Thumbnails.
- Photo thumbnails can't be generated directly within the app while the doorbell is in Event Response mode.
- If you don't have a Blink Subscription Plan, your Event Response mode Blink Video Doorbell will be gray while on the home screen.
- The thumbnail is updated each time the doorbell ringer button is pressed.
Unavailable Features
These features are not available when your doorbell is in Event Response mode even if you have a Blink Subscription Plan. Once a Sync Module 2 is added to the doorbell's system, or the doorbell is connected to compatible chime wiring, the doorbell automatically exits Event Response mode. These features will then become available.
- Access Live View directly from the Blink app
- Scheduling
- Zones
Press your Blink Video Doorbell to save your settings
In Event Response mode, you must press the doorbell button to:
Arm or Disarm the camera.
Turn Motion Detection on or off.
Update any new Settings changes.
Note: If the button isn't pressed, your doorbell checks in once every 24 hours to automatically download any new setting changes.
Additional resources
If you are interested in a adding your Blink Video Doorbell to a Sync Module 2, or connecting it your existing chime wiring, see these articles for more information:
How to add and connect a Sync Module to your doorbell
It is easiest to add the doorbell in Event Response to a Sync Module in the following steps.
- Add a Sync Module to your account.
- Select the existing doorbell system when you are asked to choose.
- Follow the app instructions to join the Sync Module with the doorbell.
Add a Sync Module
1. From the home screen, tap the Add Device + icon.
2. The Add Device screen displays your device options.
3. The serial number is also printed as a QR code. To scan a QR code, the Blink app requires permission to access the camera on your mobile device.
If the access request appears, tap "OK" to permit the Blink app to scan the QR code, automatically entering the serial number. If you prefer, you can deny access to the camera by tapping "Don't Allow" and enter the serial number manually.
Scan the QR code on the back of the Sync Module. To learn where the QR code and serial number are, tap the "Help me find my QR code and serial number" link at the bottom of the Scan QR Code screen.
When the Sync Module is recognized, a green square appears. You are asked to choose a system, or create a new one. Notice if your doorbell system is included in the "Systems without Sync Modules". Standalone Mini cameras will also appear here.
Choose your existing doorbell system
When the doorbell was installed, you created a name for its system. Choose the doorbell system when asked.
After you select the doorbell system, the app shows you what the Sync Module looks like when it is ready to set up. Look for the blinking Blue LED and a solid Green LED, and if the pattern is displayed, tap "Discover Device". If you do not see the pattern, click to learn about the Sync Module Reset Button.
Next, a popup requests permission to join the network created by the Sync Module. Tap "Join".
When the Sync Module is joined, you are presented with a screen of 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi networks within range. Tap your network name.
When you tap your Wi-Fi network name, you are presented with a password entry field. Ensure that your password is correct before you enter it. Incorrect password is a common cause of difficulty getting started. Tap "Join" on your keypad to continue.
While your Sync Module is being connected to your Wi-Fi network and then to the Blink servers, you are shown a waiting screen.
When Sync Module installation is complete, you are asked if you want to connect your doorbell to this new sync Module. Tap "Yes".
When your doorbell is in Event Response, it goes into a sleep mode 60 seconds after an event. To download the new settings and complete the Sync Module setup, press the doorbell button as the next screen requests.
After you press the doorbell button, the following screens appear to show activity and then completion. Tap "Done" when you see "Sync Module 2 added to <your-system-name> system!" and you should be returned to the Home Screen.
Possible Error Messages
If adding a Sync Module does not complete as described, the following error messages might appear.
This screen appears after an unsuccessful attempt to join the Wi-Fi network.
To make sure the doorbell is ready for connection, remove and replace the batteries to restart the blinking Red LED.
This screen may appear if the Wi-Fi password was entered incorrectly. Make sure you have the correct password, and tap "Retry" to attempt to connect again.
This screen may appear if you have already installed your Sync Module and tried to delete it in order to add it to the doorbell system. Follow the instructions to reset your Sync Module and prepare to install it again.