Blink Armed vs Disarmed

Blink cameras offer two distinct modes for homeowners to take advantage of: Armed and Disarmed modes.

Armed mode means your Blink security system is active, recording footage, and able to send notifications if they are turned on.

Disarmed mode means your Blink cams are not recording or sending notifications.

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When you set up your Blink security system, you’ll encounter Armed and Disarmed modes. These modes control the behavior of your Blink cameras and are central to managing your home security.

In Armed mode, your Blink camera system is fully active. This means:

  • Motion detection is on.
  • You receive notifications on your mobile device for any detected movement.
  • Motion-activated recording begins if movement is detected by your camera.

To enter this mode, you activate the system via the app, which then arms all the connected cameras to your Sync Module or Sync Module 2.

On the opposite end, there is Disarmed mode. When your Blink system is disarmed:

  • Motion detection and notifications are turned off.
  • Motion-activated recording does not occur even if your Blink cam detects movement.

This mode is useful when you’re home and don’t need constant alerts or recordings. You can disarm your Blink security system or individual cameras through the Blink app, providing flexibility and control over your privacy.

Regardless of the mode you select, you can always access the Live View feature to monitor your property in real-time.

Arming and disarming your Blink cameras is crucial for managing your home surveillance. Understanding these modes lets you control when your Blink system detects and records motion.

When your Blink camera is in Armed Mode, it actively monitors for movement and will send motion detection alerts. Additionally, it automatically records a video clip if motion is detected.

Use this mode when you want comprehensive coverage of your property’s security.

Blink Disarmed Mode, your Blink camera is inactive concerning motion detection, meaning no motion alerts are sent and no recordings occur.

This mode is useful when you don’t require monitoring, like when you’re at home and don’t need movement notifications.

To arm Blink, follow these steps on your mobile device:

  1. Open the Blink Home Monitor app.
  2. Navigate to the System tab.
  3. Tap the Armed icon. This will arm all cameras linked to the system.

Motion Detection settings when Armed

After you arm Blink two icons appear on your screen. A snooze icon shaped like a bell and a motion detection icon shaped like a man running.

Turn motion detection alerts on and off by tapping the icon of a man.

  • Blue Man Icon solid color running man means the camera is active:  Motion Detection is turned on.
  • Gray Man Icon motion detection is not active: Motion Detection is turned off.

Snooze motion notifications by tapping the snooze (bell) icon:

Grey icon snooze is off:

a bell shaped grey outline with smaller letter Z to show a snoozing bell

Blue icon snooze is on:

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To disarm your Blink camera, follow these steps on your mobile device:

  1. Open the Blink Home Monitor app.
  2. Navigate to the System tab.
  3. Tap the Disarmed icon. This will disarm all cameras linked to the system.

Schedule Arming and Disarming

Blink Schedule lets you automate the arming and disarming process. You can set up a weekly schedule screen in the Blink app to define specific times for the system to activate or deactivate.

This provides both consistency in your home security and ease of use.

For example:

  • Monday-Friday: Arm at 8:00 AM (when you leave) and Disarm at 6:00 PM (when you return).
  • Weekends: Stay Disarmed or follow a different timing based on your presence at home.

Utilize the scheduling feature to automate arming and disarming your cameras.

Here’s how:

  1. In the Blink app, access the Settings menu.
  2. Select Schedule.
  3. Create custom armed and disarmed times as per your convenience.

This method allows your system to automatically switch modes without manual intervention.

Exploring Advanced Features

Harness the potential of your Blink security system by using its advanced features to tailor security to your lifestyle.

Voice Command Capabilities

You can arm Blink cameras hands-free with voice commands utilizing smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa. Just use your voice code to ensure secure access:

  • Arm your system: “Alexa, arm my Blink system.”
  • Disarm your system: “Alexa, disarm my Blink system. My voice code is [Your Voice Code].”

Alexa can also integrate with the Blink system to create Alexa routines that can perform multiple actions, such as turning on lights along with arming your Blink cam for increased security.

Leveraging IFTTT and Routines

Combine your Blink system with IFTTT (If This Then That) for advanced automation. Create applets that allow your Blink cameras to interact with other smart devices seamlessly.

You can set up an applet to automatically arm your system when you leave home. These integrations simplify your security management by connecting various smart home devices.

When your Blink camera system is not arming or disarming properly, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take:

Check Your Blink App Version: Ensure that you have the latest version of the Blink app installed on your smartphone. An outdated app can cause functionality issues.

Internet Connectivity: Verify that your mobile device and the Blink Sync Module are connected to the internet. A stable connection is essential for the arming and disarming process.

Perform a Power Cycle To reset your Blink system:

  1. Unplug the Sync Module for 10 seconds.
  2. Plug it back in and wait for the system to reboot.
  3. Try arming or disarming again.

Review System Settings

  1. Open the Blink app.
  2. Go to System Settings.
  3. Confirm that the system is set to the correct mode (either armed or disarmed).

Check Camera Settings

  • For Individual cameras:
    • Tap on the camera thumbnail.
    • Ensure motion detection is enabled when armed.

Sync Module LED Status

  • A solid blue light indicates a solid connection.
  • If the light is blinking, the Sync Module is trying to connect to the network.

Contact Support If none of the above solutions work, contact Blink customer support for further assistance. Providing error codes or messages will help in diagnosing the issue quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you disarm a Blink camera?

To disarm a Blink camera:

1. Open the Blink app, and go to the system’s home screen.
2. Locate the “Armed / Disarmed” toggle button and slide it to the “Disarmed” position.
This will disarm the camera and stop it from recording motion events.

What does it mean when a Blink camera is disarmed?

When a Blink camera is disarmed, it does not actively monitor or record motion, ensuring your privacy within the disarmed areas. Disarming the system turns off motion detection and recording features.

How can I arm my Blink camera when I leave the house?

To arm your Blink camera using the Blink app, tap the system you want to control, find the arming toggle, and switch it to the ‘armed’ position to activate motion detection and recording as you leave your home.

How do you set up a schedule for arming and disarming Blink cameras?

To set a schedule for your Blink cameras, use the Blink app to access the settings menu. Select the system you want to schedule, find the scheduling option, and create a timetable for when you want your cameras to be armed vs disarmed.