It’s always troubling when your security camera glitches.
Blink Cameras may be among the best in the market.
Yet even they aren’t immune to malfunctions.
But since I really want you to feel safe at home…
I’ll provide you with several easy fixes for your camera.
Continue reading to learn:
- 9 effective fixes for your Blink camera’s issues.
- The most common reasons why Blink cameras malfunction.
- How to reset all your cameras simultaneously through the Sync Module.
- And this is just the beginning…
Why is my Blink camera not working?
Your Blink camera isn’t working because it couldn’t communicate with the Sync Module. Likely because it’s too far. Or you’re having internet problems. Moving your camera within 100 feet of the module should fix the issue. Also, you may power cycle your modem and router to resolve your connection.
Blink camera not working: 9 fixes
#1: Perform a power cycle on your Blink camera
Some of the most common issues with Blink cameras include:
- Audio problems.
- Being unresponsive.
- Video quality issues.
- Inability to save clips.
- Failure to send motion alerts.
And the easiest way to fix any of these is through a power cycle.
Most gadget owners are likely familiar with that term.
It means resetting your electronic device. And for the most part, it’s extremely effective in resolving tech issues.
Now the way to do this with Blink is by removing its batteries.
So yes, you’d have to unmount your camera first.
I understand it may be inconvenient. Depending on your camera’s location. But it’s definitely worth doing.
Have you already unmounted your camera?
Then you may proceed with power cycling. But first, make sure you have the battery cover’s screw with you.
You wouldn’t be able to remove it by just pulling it away.
The steps are simple:
- Detach the rubber circle that’s covering the screw.
- Unscrew the camera cover.
- Gently lift the cover from the edge.
- Take out the 2 AA batteries.
- Wait for around 30 seconds up to a minute.
- Place the batteries back.
- Put the battery cover back and re-screw it.
#2: Replace your Blink camera’s batteries
If your camera won’t turn on, then it’s likely a battery problem.
One of Blink cameras’ main selling points is the battery life.
The camera itself doesn’t use much power. That’s why the AA batteries that came with the camera can last up to 2 years.
Of course, it’s always possible that the batteries become defective sooner than that.
And if you believe that’s the case, simply replace them.
Blink cameras only use regular AA batteries. And any brand will do.
But since Blink’s an Amazon product…
It also makes sense to buy Amazon AA batteries.
#3: Plug the Blink camera into an outlet
Did you know that you can actually plug your Blink camera into an outlet?
How so?
Blink cameras actually have a micro USB port.
Of course, this option isn’t always ideal. Especially if you’ve positioned your camera where there are no nearby outlets.
But if you can find an outlet, you may try plugging the camera in there.
You’ll only need a micro USB to USB cable. Plus, a 5V power adapter.
And unfortunately, Blink doesn’t provide those for their cameras.
Good thing those are really cheap.
Important note: Ensure that you remove the batteries first. Plugging the camera into an outlet while with batteries may cause damage.
#4: Move your Blink camera closer to the Sync Module
Most Blink cameras will come with a Sync Module.
This is the hub that controls the cameras.
So when your camera is getting error messages…
It’s likely because it couldn’t quite communicate with the Sync Module.
And one of the reasons for that is their distance.
You may actually check your camera’s signal connection with the Sync Module. You can view it via the Blink app.
Just follow these steps below:
- Launch the Blink app on your smartphone.
- Tap the icon with 3 dotted lines beside your camera’s name.
- Scroll down to Status.
- Check the Camera to Sync Module signal.
Ideally, the signal icon should have at least 3 bars.
If it has less than that, then adjust your camera’s position.
You may move it closer to the Sync Module. Or move the Sync Module near the camera. Whichever is most convenient.
Blink’s recommended distance is 100 feet or less.
#5: Adjust your Blink camera’s Sensitivity setting
I mentioned that failure to send motion alerts is a common issue with Blink cameras.
And it’s a serious one. Because those alerts let you know if someone’s out there.
Now you can resolve it by power cycling the camera.
But another way to fix it is by checking the Sensitivity setting. This is what triggers the camera to send motion alerts.
And you or someone may have accidentally switched it off. That’s why the camera’s not sensing the presence of anyone.
To adjust this setting:
- Open the Blink app on your phone.
- Tap the 3 dotted line icon.
- Adjust the Sensitivity slider to at least a 5.
Pro tip: Avoid maximizing the Sensitivity level. When you do that, you’ll likely get many false alerts. Your camera may mistake even small objects as human presence.
#6: Resolve any internet connection issue
There are plenty of security cameras without internet. Blink, however, isn’t one of them.
Blink cameras aren’t able to function offline. And WiFi connection is crucial for the Blink camera and the Sync Module to communicate.
That’s why an unstable internet is another common cause of camera malfunction.
Blink requires at least 2 Mbps of upload speed. Note that this is different from download speed.
Upload speed is how fast a device can send data to the internet. And that’s important when the camera and the Sync Module are trying to send signals to one another.
So if you’re having network issues…
Try to reset your router and modem.
The process is straightforward:
- Unplug the router and modem from the wall outlet.
- Wait for 30 seconds up to a minute.
- Connect both devices back into the power source.
In addition, you may also consider using a WiFi extender. That’ll help if your Sync Module or camera is too far from the router.
Here’s a video on how a WiFi extender can help boost a Blink camera’s signal:
#7: Restart the Sync Module
Another possibility is that Sync Module’s the one glitching. And not the actual camera.
So try restarting it.
Here’s how:
- Unplug the Sync Module from the wall outlet.
- Detach the power cord from the Sync Module.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- Reconnect the power cord to the Sync Module.
- Plug it back into the outlet.
Wait for the blue and green LED lights to turn steady. And then try to check if your camera is now working.
#8: Reset your Blink camera
All Blink cameras have a reset button.
In some models like the Blink Mini, it’s on the bottom of the camera.
For Blink Indoor and Outdoor cameras, it’s in the battery compartment. Besides the right-side battery.
And the reset button is usually hidden in a tiny hole. So make sure to find its location first.
Also, look for a pin or a paperclip. You’ll need it to access the button.
Now here are the steps:
- Insert the pin into the tiny hole until it reaches the button.
- Press and hold the reset button using the pin for about 5 seconds.
The reset process should then begin. And the camera would revert to its factory default settings.
#9: Reset the Sync Module
As an alternative to resetting the camera, you can also reset the Sync Module.
It’s actually more convenient. Especially if you have multiple cameras. And you want to reset them all at once.
On some Sync Modules, the reset button is on the front of the device. At the bottom portion.
On others, it’s on the side, beside the USB port.
So try to locate the reset button first. And then proceed with the steps to reset.
How to reset the Sync Module
- Press and hold the reset button until you hear a clicking sound.
- Release the reset button.
- Wait for the 2 LED lights to blink green and blue.
The blinking lights mean the Sync Module is now in setup mode. All of your cameras will also disconnect from the WiFi.
The next step is to delete the Sync Module from the Blink app.
How to delete Sync Module from the Blink app
- Open the Blink app from your mobile phone.
- Tap the Settings icon. It’s the one with the gear.
- Tap the System Name of your Sync Module.
- Select Delete System.
- Tap Delete again to confirm this action.
Now, you’ll have to reinstall the Sync Module and the cameras to your Blink app.
How to reinstall the Sync Module
- Launch the Blink app from your phone.
- Under Add Device, tap Blink Camera Wireless System.
- Scan the System Module’s QR code.
- Type in the system name for your module.
- Click Discover Device.
- Select your Sync Module and click Connect.
- Select your home WiFi network.
- Enter your WiFi password.
You’ve now reinstalled your Sync Module. And now it’s time to reconnect your camera.
How to reconnect the camera to the Sync Module
- On the Blink app’s home screen, tap the Add icon.
- Click the Blink wireless camera option.
- Scan the camera’s QR code. It’s in the battery compartment.
- Select your Sync Module’s system name.
The app should then automatically search and add your camera. Just repeat the steps if you have multiple cameras to add.
Bonus: Contact Blink for technical support
If the fixes don’t work, then it’s likely a hardware issue.
For that, you should contact Blink’s customer service for help.
They should be able to provide more troubleshooting steps.
And they’ll also give you options for possible repair or replacement of your Blink camera.
People also ask:
Why is my second Blink camera not working?
Your second Blink camera isn’t working because of a poor signal. Which prevents it from communicating with the Sync Module.
To fix that, move the camera closer to the Sync Module. Ensure that their distance is within 100 feet.
Also, try to restart your modem and router to fix your internet issue.
How do I get my Blink camera back online?
To get your Blink camera back online, power cycle your modem and router. That should help resolve any network issue.
You may also move your router closer to the camera if you can. You should also remove possible obstructions between the camera and the router.
Blink is an excellent home security camera. The only drawback is that it can’t operate without the internet. Unlike other security or doorbell cameras that don’t need WiFi.
So if you’re planning to use it long-term, a WiFi extender would be a great investment. With that device, you can ensure that your camera’s connection doesn’t go on and off.
Is there a reset button on the Blink camera?
There’s a reset button on Blink cameras. The location would depend on the model.
On some, you can find it in the battery compartment.
With other models, you can find it on the bottom of the camera. But if the camera’s connected to a Sync Module, it’s more convenient to reset the module instead.
You might also want to check out: 5 Best Security Cameras Without Internet