Blink Camera Not Working

Is your Blink Camera not working properly?

A range of factors can cause a Blink Camera to stop working, including connectivity problems, power issues, and settings within the Blink app.

We will delve into common problems that can arise with Blink Cameras and share practical measures to address them.

How To Fix Blink Camera Not Recording

In this section, we will discuss various troubleshooting steps that you can follow if your Blink Camera is not working properly. We will cover the sub-sections: Power Cycling, Factory Reset, Checking LED indicators, and Inspecting Cables and Connections.

Power Cycling

Power cycling can resolve many common issues with the Blink Camera.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Remove the batteries from the camera for 10 seconds.
2. Re-insert the batteries and check if the camera responds to commands.
3. Power cycle your modem and router by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plug them back in. Wait for two minutes for the internet service to be restored before using your camera again.

Factory Reset

A factory reset can resolve more complex issues by restoring the camera to its original settings.

To perform a factory reset:

1. Hold down the setup button on the base of the camera for 10-20 seconds.
2. Release the button after hearing an audio prompt indicating that the device has restarted in factory mode.
3. Wait approximately one minute for the camera to finish turning on.

Checking LED Indicators

LED indicators on your Blink camera can provide valuable information regarding the current status of the device.

Here are a few common LED behaviors and their meanings:

• Solid green: The camera is connected and functioning correctly.
• Flashing green: The camera is connected, but the battery is low.
• Flashing red: The camera is not connected to the internet, or there is a firmware update in progress.

Inspecting Cables and Connections

It’s essential to ensure proper cable connections between the camera, sync module, and power source. Check for any loose or damaged cables and replace them if necessary.

Here’s how you can ensure proper connections:

1. Make sure the power adapter is securely connected to both the camera and the outlet.
2. Verify that the Ethernet cable, if used, is securely connected to the sync module and your router or modem.
3. Check the signal strength between the camera and sync module through the Blink app.

Advanced Fixes and Support

Potential Incompatibilities

Not all wireless routers or connections are suitable for a Blink camera system. Interference from other devices might cause issues like flashing red, green, or solid blue lights.

To minimize these issues:

• Check your router’s compatibility list.
• Move the camera and/or Sync Module closer to the router.
• Reboot your Wi-Fi router.
• Disable any Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) on your smartphone.

Connectivity Issues

Wi-Fi Network

When experiencing Blink Camera connectivity issues, it’s essential to check your Wi-Fi network first. Make sure your camera is connected to the correct network and that your Wi-Fi router is compatible with the camera.

The camera should be on a 2.4GHz network as it doesn’t support 5GHz networks. Ensure your Wi-Fi router is functioning correctly, and you have the right login credentials for the network.

Router Settings

Your router settings play a huge role in the efficient functioning of your Blink Camera.

Make sure to check the following:

• Bandwidth: Ensure that your Wi-Fi router has enough bandwidth to support the camera along with other devices connected to it.
• Firewall settings: Some routers have strict firewall settings, which may block the camera from connecting. You may need to create an exception for the Blink Camera in your router’s firewall settings.
• Firmware updates: Ensure that your router’s firmware is up to date as outdated firmware can lead to connection issues.

Network Signal Strength

Blink Camera relies on good signal strength for optimal performance like viewing Live Views, uploading motion clips, and providing the best video quality.

It’s crucial for the camera to have 3 bars of connectivity to avoid performance issues. If you see fewer than 3 bars for each connection, it may cause intermittent issues with your Blink Camera.

You can check the camera’s signal connection with the Sync Module through the Blink app:

1. Launch the Blink app on your smartphone.
2. Tap the icon with 3 dotted lines beside your camera’s name.
3. Scroll down to Status.
4. Check the Camera to Sync Module signal.

Interference

External factors could cause interference with your Blink Camera’s Wi-Fi signal.

• Physical obstacles: Ensure that there are no significant barriers, like walls or metal objects, between your Blink Camera and Wi-Fi router.
• Electronic devices: Keep your camera away from other electronic devices like microwaves, wireless speakers, or cordless phones, as they can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.
• Wi-Fi channel: If your Wi-Fi network is on a congested channel, it may cause connection issues. Change the channel on your Wi-Fi router to a less crowded one.

Camera Issues

Batteries

Blink cameras are battery-powered, which means that battery life plays a crucial role in their functionality. When a camera is not working, it might be due to low batteries or drained batteries.

To avoid such issues, check the batteries regularly and replace them when needed. Blink camera battery life can be checked through the Blink app.

Motion Detection

Motion detection is an important feature of Blink cameras, ensuring the camera captures incidents when they occur. If your Blink camera is not working properly with regard to motion detection, there might be an issue with the motion sensor or the settings on the app.

Make sure your device is set to detect motion and has a clear line of sight to the area it’s monitoring. Additionally, check that the sensitivity on the passive infrared (PIR) settings is adjusted to your preference.

Night Vision

Night vision is another essential feature of Blink security cameras, allowing you to monitor your property even in low light conditions. If night vision is not functioning, it could be due to a few factors:

• Ambient light conditions may be affecting the camera’s ability to switch to night vision mode. Ensure surrounding light sources are in a position where they won’t interfere with your camera’s night vision capabilities.
• Another possibility is the infrared LED components surrounding the lens may be obstructed or malfunctioning. Inspect the camera lens area for any obstructions and, if needed, contact Blink Support for assistance.

Offline or Disarmed Blink Camera

Sometimes, Blink cameras may go offline or become disarmed, rendering them incapable of monitoring or reporting events.

If your Blink camera is not working due to being offline or disarmed, try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Check the Wi-Fi connection and signal strength between the camera and sync module. You can do this through the Blink app by following these steps:
   • Launch the Blink app on your smartphone.
   • Tap the icon with three dotted lines beside your camera’s name.
   • Scroll down to “Status.”
   • Check the “Camera to Sync Module” signal.
2. Power cycle both the camera and the sync module. Unplug the sync module’s power source, wait for a few seconds, and plug it back in. Remove the batteries from the camera, wait for a few seconds, and reinstall them. This can help reestablish the connection between the devices.
3. If the camera is still not working, try performing a hard reset. Hold down the setup button on the base of the camera for 10-20 seconds until you hear an audio prompt indicating that the device has restarted in factory mode. Wait for about one minute for the Blink camera to finish turning on. Then, proceed with reconfiguring and reconnecting the camera within the Blink app.

Blink App and Sync Module

Live View Failed

Occasionally, your Blink Camera might experience issues with live view functionality while using the Blink App. Some possible causes of the issue might include a weak Wi-Fi signal, sync module connectivity problems, or software bugs.

To resolve live view problems, follow these steps:

• Ensure your Blink camera is within range of the Sync Module and Wi-Fi network
• Restart your Sync Module and check the Wi-Fi signal strength
• Update the Blink App to its latest version

Armed and Disarmed States

The Blink App lets you arm and disarm your Blink cameras, such as the Blink Mini, Blink XT, Blink XT2, Blink Indoor, and Blink Outdoor. Setting cameras in armed state means they are actively detecting motion, while disarmed state indicates they are inactive.

Here’s how to toggle between the states:

• Open your Blink App and navigate to the system of your choice
• Tap the toggle button next to the camera name to switch between Armed and Disarmed states

Motion Events and Activity Zones

Motion Events are enabled when your Blink cameras are in the Armed state. The cameras will record video clips in response to detected motion. Activity Zones can be customized in the Blink App to focus on specific areas for motion detection.

To set up Activity Zones, follow these steps:

• Open the Blink App and select the camera for which you want to create an Activity Zone
• Tap the gear icon to open camera settings
• Choose “Activity Zones” and adjust the zones as desired

Updates and Firmware

Keeping your Blink cameras, app, and firmware up-to-date is essential to ensure smooth functioning and bug fixes. The Blink App automatically updates to the latest version on most mobile devices, but check your app store for available updates.

Occasionally, firmware updates will be released for Sync Modules and cameras, which can be done manually by following these steps:

• Open the Blink App and navigate to the system settings
• Tap “Firmware Update” for the Sync Module or individual cameras
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process

Contacting Customer Service

If the above fixes don’t resolve your Blink camera issues, consider contacting Blink’s Customer Service for further assistance.

Before contacting support, gather key information, such as:

• Your camera’s model.
• Sync Module and camera serial numbers.
• Your Blink account’s email address.

You can reach Customer Service through email or Blink Support’s webpage.

Warranties and Replacements

If your Blink camera is still not working after advanced troubleshooting, refer to your camera’s warranty. Blink offers a One-Year Limited Warranty for their products.

To claim a warranty or request a replacement, prepare the following information:

• Proof of purchase.
• Camera and Sync Module serial numbers.

Visit Blink Warranty Information for more details on the complete warranty process and terms.

Frequently Asked Questions