All Blink cameras require a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Internet connection. The cameras use Wi-Fi to send images and notifications so you can view them from the Blink app on your mobile device. At minimum, Blink systems need a connection of at least 2 Mbps upload speed.
Note: The Blink Mini, Wired Floodlight, and Video Doorbell do not require a Sync Module to function, but do require a local Wi-Fi signal.
General Wi-Fi issues
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.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) compatibility
Wi-Fi 6, also known as Wi-Fi 802.11ax is a new wireless technology being implemented in new routers.
Blink devices (Camera and Sync Module) require the use of an 802.11b/g/n network. Blink devices do not support the upcoming standard Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), but those new routers are backwards compatible with 802.11b/g/n, so Blink will continue to function as it does today.
Compatibility List:
802.11b |
2.4 GHz |
Compatible |
802.11g |
2.4 GHz |
Compatible |
802.11n |
2.4 GHz |
Compatible |
802.11n |
5 GHz |
Not Compatible |
802.11ac |
5 GHz |
Not Compatible |
802.11ax |
1-6 GHz |
Not Compatible |
802.11w |
1-6 GHz |
Not Compatible |
Mobile Devices Not Connecting to Wi-Fi
If your mobile device has no connection to your Wi-Fi network, you will not be able to add a Sync Module or Blink camera. However, if you have Wi-Fi off, the Blink app attempts to turn Wi-Fi on in the install process.After a device is added to your Blink system, use the Blink app for all other functions on mobile data alone, or on another Wi-Fi network. Learn more about how to set up and add devices to a Blink system. Here's some tips to help get your device connected to your Wi-Fi network.
- Make sure your device’s Wi-Fi is turned on and not in airplane mode. Depending on your device, Wi-Fi settings can be usually located within your Settings app or by swiping down from the top or up from the bottom of your screen.
- Restart your device, or try switching the Wi-Fi setting off and on again to establish a connection.
- Make sure your mobile device is within range of your router or access point.
- Check that your router and any access points are powered on. Restarting your Wi-Fi router may also resolve this issue.
- Check that other devices are able to connect and function properly on your Wi-Fi. This will rule out any network issues.
- Make sure you have the latest OS installed on your device.
- Turn off Location Services which could cause connectivity issues in some cases.
Learn more about how to set up your Blink devices.
DeleteMy Wi-Fi password doesn't work
This article helps you troubleshoot Wi-Fi password issues.
Troubleshooting
If you receive an "Incorrect password for Your W-Fi" message, try the following tips.
- Often, when adding a camera or Sync Module to your Blink system, the password is mistyped. Try carefully re-entering your password. If you continue to receive the "Incorrect password for Your W-Fi" message, try the next steps.
- Verify the password by checking if it's written on a sticker located on your router.
- Try forgetting the Wi-Fi network on your mobile device's network settings, and then reconnect to it. If you can successfully reconnect using this method, it will confirm you are using the correct password.
- iOS users: How to forget a Wi-Fi network on iPhone, iPad, or Mac
- Android users: Remove saved networks
Other troubleshooting
Working with dual band networks
Many modern routers are dual band, and can broadcast both network frequencies - 2.4GHz and 5GHz. This can sometimes lead to issues when connecting to other smart devices in the home. For example, if your mobile device is connected to the 5GHz network and you're trying to set up a device that needs to connect to a 2.4GHz network, errors may arise, including incorrect password errors.
If your router is dual band, it may be necessary to temporarily disable the 5GHz band in order to connect exclusively to the 2.4GHz band and then add your Blink devices. If you're unable to do this or still receiving errors, contact your ISP or router manufacturer.
What is the Blink Wi-Fi Network?
When adding a Sync Module, Mini, Video Doorbell, or Wired Floodlight Camera, you will be prompted to connect your Blink app to the local Wi-Fi network. It is named “BLINK-" followed by the last four digits of the device's serial number.
The Sync Module manages communications between your Blink devices and our secure servers; therefore your camera needs to connect to its local Wi-Fi. The Blink Mini, Video Doorbell, and Wired Floodlight do not require Sync Modules for those communications, which is why they broadcast their own local Wi-Fi connections.
Sync Module Example
Mini Example
Doorbell Example
It is completely safe to connect your mobile device to your local "BLINK-XXXX" Wi-Fi connection and there are no security issues. If you encounter any problems connecting to your local Blink Wi-Fi, make sure you have the Blink app Local Network (iOS) or Location (Android) permissions enabled on your mobile device. See the links below for more information.
iOS
Learn more about enabling Local Network for your Blink app on your iOS device.
Android
Learn more about changing the Blink app permissions on your Android device.
Moving devices to a different network
How can I move my Blink Mini to a new location or Wi-Fi network?
To move your Mini camera to a new location or Wi-Fi network, you will need to update your camera's settings. These directions apply to when your Mini is a stand alone system and not part of another system on a Sync Module. Click here to learn how to change Wi-Fi settings on a system with a Sync Module.
But don't worry, your saved clips will not be deleted when you reconfigure your Sync Module.
To start, tap the settings icon for the Mini camera you want to change.
From the the Camera Settings screen, select General Settings and tap Change Wi-Fi.
In the Change Wi-Fi screen, follow the instruction to "Press and release the reset button on the camera until red and blue lights flash. When ready, the lights will display: Blinking Blue, Steady Green."
Tap Discover Device and a pop-up message prompts you to join the Wi-Fi network "BLINK-XXXX".
Tap Join and you are shown a list of Wi-Fi networks that the Mini can detect. Locate and tap your home Wi-Fi network. If your network is not on the list, tap Refresh List. You may need to move the camera closer to your Wi-Fi router.
Carefully enter your Wi-Fi password and tap Join on the keyboard.
When complete, a message saying “Mini camera changed Wi-Fi!”.
Tap Done to return to the Home screen.
You can now use your system as normal.
How to update your Video Doorbell's Wi-Fi Connection
To connect your Blink Video Doorbell to a new Wi-Fi network, or reconnect to your existing network, you need the doorbell and the Blink app.
If you are seeing a "Doorbell Offline" message, tap the banner and you will be guided to change the Wi-Fi network.
To change doorbell Wi-Fi
- Tap the doorbell's Device Settings
on the home screen and then select General Settings.
- Tap Change Wi-Fi at the bottom of the screen then complete the steps.
- For safety, if you have connected powered wiring to your doorbell, you should turn off all power to the circuit. Tap Continue after you turn off power to the chime, or if you did not connect powered wiring.
- Remove the doorbell from its mounting plate with the opening key.
- When the doorbell is removed, tap Continue, and the next screen shows where to find the Reset button.
-
Press the reset button for your doorbell. There are two locations for the reset button, depending on your model:
On the back, batteries are open to view. On the back, there is a battery cover. Hold the reset button for 5 seconds, then turn the doorbell over to view the front face and wait for the red LED to flash at the top of the ring surrounding the button. Hold the reset button until green and blue LEDs light up followed by flashing red, at the top of the ring surround. -
When the flashing LED pattern is correct, tap the Discover Device button.
Not blinking red?
If the red LED is not flashing after 30 seconds, tap the Not Blinking Red?
- Remove the batteries for ten seconds, replace them, wait for the red LED. (The red LED does not flash if the doorbell is already installed.)
- Make sure the batteries are fresh.
- Press and hold the reset button until the LED flashes red.
Tap Contact Customer Support if your doorbell still does not display the flashing red light after following the instructions above.
-
Connect the Blink app to your doorbell.
You are shown an alert inviting you to connect to a "BLINK-xxxx" network created by the doorbell. Tap Join.
-
Connect the doorbell to your Wi-Fi. Choose your network name among the list of discovered 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks.
Note: If you do not see your Wi-Fi network, tap Refresh List.
-
Tap the password entry area to open the keyboard. Type your network password and tap Continue.
-
The doorbell connects to the Blink servers and may have to update the system. If you see an "Updating firmware..." message, let it run to completion.
-
When the Wi-Fi network update is complete, you are shown a screen with a green checkmark and a confirmation message. Tap Continue.
-
Connect the doorbell to its mounting plate, and tap Done to return to the Home screen.
Updating the Wi-Fi setting for your Sync Module system
This article explains how to update your Sync Module's Wi-Fi settings in the Blink app.
When you move your Sync Module system to a new location or Wi-Fi network, you will need to set up the Sync Module for its new network. Your Sync Module may stay connected to the same Wi-Fi set up when you move it, but performance is not guaranteed. It is recommended that you manually update the Wi-Fi settings for the Sync Module's new network.
Note: Saved clips are not deleted when you reconfigure the Sync Module Wi-Fi network.
Instructions
- From the Home sceen, tap on Sync Module
and select Change Wi-Fi Network.
- On the change Wi-Fi screen, you will see a blinking blue light above a steady green light.
- Press the Reset button.
- Press until you feel it click, and hold until one of the LEDs turns red; then release the button.
- Press until you feel it click, and hold until one of the LEDs turns red; then release the button.
- When the lights match a blinking blue and solid green pattern, tap Discover Device and you are asked to join the Sync Module's temporary Wi-Fi network. Tap Join, and then select your Wi-Fi network from the available choices.
- Enter your Wi-Fi password and tap Join.
- After the devices have finished communicating, you’ll receive a message, “Sync Module added to <system name> system!”. Once you receive that message, tap Done.
- Your system is ready to be used as normal.
Device issues
Blink Mini Camera Offline
If you receive a "Camera Offline" notification that "Your Blink Mini is offline", it means the Blink servers lost communication with the camera. This will normally fix itself when the network comes back up, or when there is less traffic on the Wi-Fi network. When your camera comes back online, the message will disappear.
Most often, disconnected or slow internet makes the Mini camera lose contact. Most internet providers provide downloads to your location much faster than uploads from your location. If there is a sudden jump in the data being used, the Mini camera may miss a check-in and the offline message may appear.
If your camera keeps disconnecting even when power and Wi-Fi internet are steady, please contact Blink support.
Troubleshoot Mini camera offline message
Check Power
The Blink Mini compact camera is powered by direct connection to a USB standard power adapter instead of batteries. To function, the power cord must be reliably connected to a 5 volt 1 Amp power source, and the molded micro-USB connector must be fully inserted into the camera.
Check Internet
To send you images and sounds, the Mini camera needs a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi internet connection with upload speeds (going out from your network) at least two megabits per second (2 Mb/sec) at all times, including when others are on the same internet connection.
The alert shown in the Blink app provides helpful tips. The first, is to check the Wi-Fi internet and the power supply, then check the camera power connection.
Troubleshooting Wi-Fi
- Check Wi-Fi. Ensure that you can connect to the internet, and that the password has not been changed. If the password has been changed, refer to the next step.
Rebooting the Wi-Fi router is often very effective to resolve Blink connectivity issues.
If you have rebooted your router and Blink does not connect after 3 minutes, continue. - Check your password. If the password is changed, or if you wish to use a different Wi-Fi network, tap the Change Wi-Fi button: Change Wi-Fi and follow the instructions.
If the password or network have not changed, continue. - To repeat the camera installation process, tap the Delete Camera button: Delete Camera and follow the instructions.
If these steps do not reconnect your camera, please contact Blink support.
Doorbell Offline error message
Use this article to troubleshoot error messages in the app relating to your video doorbell.
Network errors
Doorbell Offline error
Your first step should be to check if your Wi-Fi is working because the video doorbell requires Wi-Fi to communicate.
If you have verified your local Wi-Fi network is working, try the following:
- Reset your router. If your Wi-Fi network is slow or stops intermittently, it can help to reset your Wi-Fi router.
- Check your system requirements.
- Check the batteries. In Event Response mode, the batteries may deplete faster than when the doorbell is connected to powered wiring, or on a system with a Sync Module. Perform a power reset of the doorbell by removing the batteries for 5 seconds and then re-insert them. Wait for another 30 seconds to see if the doorbell connects.
If none of these tips resolve your issue, use the following steps for additional troubleshooting information.
Tap the Doorbell Offline message and you will be given two options: Change Wi-Fi or Delete Doorbell. Use the sections below for guidance on how to to follow through with these steps.
Note: If your doorbell is currently mounted, you must remove it from its mounting plate for both of these options.
Change Wi-Fi of a Blink Video Doorbell
To connect your Blink Video Doorbell to a new Wi-Fi network, or reconnect to your existing network, you need the doorbell and the Blink app.
If you are seeing a "Doorbell Offline" message, tap the banner and you will be guided to change the Wi-Fi network.
To change doorbell Wi-Fi
- Tap the doorbell's Device Settings
on the home screen and then select General Settings.
- Tap Change Wi-Fi at the bottom of the screen then complete the steps.
- For safety, if you have connected powered wiring to your doorbell, you should turn off all power to the circuit. Tap Continue after you turn off power to the chime, or if you did not connect powered wiring.
- Remove the doorbell from its mounting plate with the opening key.
- When the doorbell is removed, tap Continue, and the next screen shows where to find the Reset button.
-
Press the reset button for your doorbell. There are two locations for the reset button, depending on your model:
On the back, batteries are open to view. On the back, there is a battery cover. Hold the reset button for 5 seconds, then turn the doorbell over to view the front face and wait for the red LED to flash at the top of the ring surrounding the button. Hold the reset button until green and blue LEDs light up followed by flashing red, at the top of the ring surround. -
When the flashing LED pattern is correct, tap the Discover Device button.
Not blinking red?
If the red LED is not flashing after 30 seconds, tap the Not Blinking Red?
- Remove the batteries for ten seconds, replace them, wait for the red LED. (The red LED does not flash if the doorbell is already installed.)
- Make sure the batteries are fresh.
- Press and hold the reset button until the LED flashes red.
Tap Contact Customer Support if your doorbell still does not display the flashing red light after following the instructions above.
-
Connect the Blink app to your doorbell.
You are shown an alert inviting you to connect to a "BLINK-xxxx" network created by the doorbell. Tap Join.
-
Connect the doorbell to your Wi-Fi. Choose your network name among the list of discovered 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks.
Note: If you do not see your Wi-Fi network, tap Refresh List.
-
Tap the password entry area to open the keyboard. Type your network password and tap Continue.
-
The doorbell connects to the Blink servers and may have to update the system. If you see an "Updating firmware..." message, let it run to completion.
-
When the Wi-Fi network update is complete, you are shown a screen with a green checkmark and a confirmation message. Tap Continue.
-
Connect the doorbell to its mounting plate, and tap Done to return to the Home screen.
Other Troubleshooting steps
Use these steps if you're having difficulty getting your video doorbell online.
What if my doorbell connects to a Sync Module?
When your doorbell is connected to a system managed by a Sync Module and it stops being detected, you receive a notification in the app and an email (if you have email notifications selected).
Troubleshooting
- Use the included key to unlock the doorbell from its mount.
- Power reset the doorbell by removing the batteries for 5 seconds and then re-insert them. Wait for another 30 seconds, then test the doorbell to see if it is connected.
- Move the Sync Module closer to the doorbell for more reliable signal strength and communication.
- Replace the batteries with two new, AA 1.5 volt Lithium non-rechargeable batteries. Increased use, and extended Live View sessions may use batteries faster than expected.
What if my doorbell connects to wiring only?
When we detect that the doorbell is no longer online, you receive a message in the app and by email, that reads: "The connection to your doorbell camera seems to have been dropped. Please check that your Wi-Fi internet and power supply are working to your Blink Doorbell."
Troubleshooting
- Check that your doorbell is attached to the wall plate and that the main circuit breaker is turned back on.
- Sometimes home wiring may be old or not working. This device does not work with broken or low powered wiring and you may need to seek advice from a professional about the wiring in your home.
- Try replacing the batteries. Even if the Video Doorbell is connected to wires, batteries are required to be installed at all times. Replace the existing batteries with two new, AA 1.5 volt Lithium non-rechargeable batteries.
- Adding the doorbell to a Sync Module system increases average battery life to 2 years.
Other Error Messages
If adding a Sync Module does not complete as described, the following error messages might appear.
Doorbell not found
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.
Sync Module 2 failed to connect

Sync Module 2 data is bad

Delete doorbell
If all else fails, delete the doorbell from your Blink system.
- Tap Device Settings
> General Settings.
- Tap Delete Device.
- A confirmation message appears. Tap DELETE to remove the doorbell.
- After you tap DELETE, you will receive an email confirming the device was deleted from your account.
After your doorbell is removed from your account, re-add it back to the account. Learn more about setting up your Blink Video Doorbell.
DeleteIf these steps do not get your doorbell connect to the Blink servers, contact Customer Support.
One camera isn't responding
If one of your Blink cameras isn't responding, you may see error messages such as "Camera Busy" or "Thumbnail Failed."
These messages can happen if your Sync Module isn't able to communicate with the camera.
The following steps may also help in resolving this issue.
- Move your camera closer to your Sync Module. Also make certain that you have 3 bars of signal strength for Camera to Wi-Fi and Camera to Sync Module.
- Power cycle both your modem and router by unplugging them for 30 seconds and plugging them back in. Then wait two minutes for Internet service to be restored and then try using your camera again.
- Power cycle your camera by removing the batteries for 10 seconds and reinsert them. Then check to see if your camera responds to commands.
- If the steps above don't resolve the issue, try a different power source. You can use a micro USB cable and USB power adapter to power the camera with the batteries removed.
If you continue to experience issues, please contact Technical Support to assist you further.
Sync Module Is Offline
If you receive a Sync Module offline message, try the following tips to get your Sync Module back online.
A red LED or no blue LED on your Sync Module also indicates that it has gone offline.
Sync Module offline troubleshooting
If the Sync Module is not connecting to your Wi-Fi network, or if you see a Sync Module Offline banner and the issue does not resolve itself in a few minutes, you can immediately try these troubleshooting steps:
- Verify your Wi-Fi connection is working. Reboot or power cycle the router and wait for internet to return.
- Verify your Sync Module displays a solid green and solid blue light. If you see any other light pattern, power cycle your Sync Module, unplug the power cord from the back of the unit, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. The Sync Module will reboot and display a solid green and solid blue light within 45 seconds. If you see no lights at all, try another outlet.
- If your Sync Module goes offline again, try moving it closer to your wireless router. The best distance is 5-10 feet away.
- You should see 3 bars of signal strength indicated on the Sync Module status screen.
If you perform these steps are the Sync Module will not go online, or there is any other light pattern, it may be necessary to delete the Sync Module from your system and set it up again.
Delete and re-add your Sync Module
Perform these steps when you are physically with the Sync Module in the location where you want to set it up.
- To start, tap the Sync Module Offline banner to display the Sync Module details screen.
- If you updated the Wi-Fi network password, tap Change Wi-Fi Network and follow the instructions. Otherwise, tap Delete Sync Module. A popup displays suggesting you contact Customer Service. Dismiss the popup by tapping OK.
- To delete a Sync Module, you are required to scan or enter its serial number. Scan the QR code on the back of the Sync Module or enter the serial number directly. Learn more about where to find Device Serial Numbers. If you entered it manually, tap Continue.
- A final popup will appear asking if you are sure. Tap Delete.
Note: If the Sync Module is deleted from your account, the system remains there along with any associated cameras or other devices. If you have cameras that rely on a Sync Module to work, they will cease function until a Sync Module is added back onto the system. - After your Sync Module has been deleted, you can immediately add it back your system.
Add a Sync Module
How to add your Sync Module 2 to the Blink app
The following video walks you through the in-app setup of your Sync Module 2. For detailed instructions, see the step-by-step process below.
Add a Sync Module and create a system
- From the Home screen, tap the + icon to add a device.
- On the Add Device screen, tap Sync Module.
- Scan the QR code on the back of the Sync Module or enter your Sync Module's serial number manually.
Note: The Blink app may ask permission to access the camera on your mobile device in order to scan the QR code. If it asks, select Allow. - Once the serial number is recognized, you are asked to create a new system. Tap the text entry box and provide a unique name for your system. If you have other existing systems, this name must be different from other system names you may have in your Blink account. Tap Continue after your new system name is entered.
- The Add Sync Module screen will instruct you to plug in your Sync Module and then wait for the light pattern of blinking blue and steady green.
Tap Discover Device when you see this pattern on your Sync Module.
Note: If you don't see the blinking blue light pattern, then you may need to reset the Sync Module. Learn more about how to reset the Sync Module.
- In order to connect to your network, the Blink app uses your mobile device to first connect to the Sync Module's temporary Wi-Fi network. It's named “BLINK-_ _ _ _" where the last 4 digits are from your Sync Module's serial number. Tap Join.
- After joining is successful, you are asked to join your local Wi-Fi network. Enter the Wi-Fi password and tap Join.
- The Add Sync Module screen displays 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks within range. If you do not see your local Wi-Fi network, tap Refresh List at the bottom of the screen. The Sync Module stores network information for devices that are added to its system. Learn more about how to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connections.
- The Add Sync Module screen displays 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks within range. If you do not see your local Wi-Fi network, tap Refresh List at the bottom of the screen. The Sync Module stores network information for devices that are added to its system. Learn more about how to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connections.
- When your Sync Module has been added to your new system, you will receive a completion screen. Tap Done to finish the process. You're now ready to add your new camera.
The new system name displays at the top of your Home screen and you will also see the Sync Module. A cloud iconwith a green connection line shows the Sync Module is successfully communicating with the Blink servers.
Sync Module 2 Reset Button
The Sync Module 2 has a physical reset button located at the back of the device (number 3 pictured below). When pressed, this button will place your Sync Module into setup mode. Pressing the reset button takes your system offline until you re-add your Sync Module.
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Helpful Tip: Use a fingernail or small object to press the reset button until you feel a slight click.
First, power cycle the Sync Module
If you are having any issues with your Sync Module, first try to power cycle by unplugging the power cord from the back of the unit for 10 seconds and then plug it back in. The device will reboot and reconnect, then show a solid blue and solid green light for normal operation - or solid blue and blinking green when ready for setup.
If needed, press the reset button for 5 seconds
If the power cycle does not result in solid blue and blinking green lights, you may try a reset. Use a small object or fingernail to press the reset button for 5 seconds. You will see a flash of red and then after 15 seconds a blinking blue light and solid green light appear at the front of the Sync Module. The Sync Module is ready to be added through the Blink app.
Contact Customer Service if these steps do not help - a factory reset may be needed.
Sync Module (original model)
On the first released model of the Sync Module, the reset button is located next to the USB port. To push the button, you will need to place a small thin object (like a paperclip or a toothpick) within this recessed hole until you feel a click.
