Blink Doorbell Chime Not Working

A common issue faced by many Blink Video Doorbell users is their chime not working. The Blink Video Doorbell is designed to work seamlessly with digital and mechanical chimes when its button is pressed. This article aims to provide helpful solutions for when the doorbell chime refuses to cooperate.

Common Causes of Doorbell Chime Not Working

There are several reasons why your Blink Doorbell chime might not be working properly. Some of the common causes include:

  • Incorrect wiring: Connecting the wires improperly to the Blink Doorbell can lead to chime issues. Make sure the wires from your doorbell button are connected to the silver pins on the back plate of the Blink Video Doorbell to fix this issue.
  • Incompatible voltage: Blink Doorbells require a voltage between 16 and 24 volts at 10 Amps for optimal performance and to ensure that the chime works correctly. Check your chime box’s voltage to ensure that it’s compatible with the Blink Doorbell.
  • Doorbell settings: There might be settings within the Blink Doorbell device that are not configured correctly, leading to your chime not functioning as intended. You can adjust these settings in the Blink app by following their support guidelines.

Mechanical vs. Digital Chimes

When dealing with Blink Doorbell chime issues, it’s important to differentiate between mechanical and digital chimes, as the troubleshooting process might differ:

  • Mechanical chimes: These traditional chimes feature a metal hammer that strikes a bell or pipe, producing a sound when the doorbell button is pressed. Mechanical chimes are generally more compatible with various doorbells, including the Blink Doorbell.
  • Digital chimes: These chimes use a speaker to play a pre-recorded sound or tune when the doorbell button is pressed. They often require a specific voltage range and may have compatibility issues with certain doorbells. Ensure your digital chime is compatible with the Blink Doorbell to avoid any chime-related issues.

Checking Wi-Fi Connection

Before diving into other potential issues with your Blink doorbell chime, it’s essential to determine whether your Wi-Fi connection is working properly. A weak or intermittent Wi-Fi signal could cause the chime to stop working. Ensure that your Wi-Fi router is close to the doorbell and follow these steps:

  1. Check if other devices can connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Confirm that your Wi-Fi network isn’t experiencing any issues or outages.
  3. Consider moving the doorbell closer to the router or adding a Wi-Fi range extender.

If your Wi-Fi connection is solid but your Blink doorbell chime still isn’t working, you might need to check the batteries. Remove the batteries from the doorbell, then:

  • Inspect them for signs of damage or corrosion.
  • Test each battery’s voltage with a multimeter.
  • Replace any batteries that are low on voltage or exhibit damage.

Resetting the Doorbell System

Another potential issue that could be preventing your Blink doorbell chime from functioning is a glitch within the doorbell system itself. To reset the system:

  1. Remove the batteries from the doorbell for 5-10 seconds.
  2. Reinsert the batteries and wait 30 seconds before turning the doorbell back on.
  3. Check for chime functionality after the reset.

Verifying Doorbell Settings

Lastly, it’s important to verify the settings within the Blink doorbell system to ensure that everything is correctly set up. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Launch the Blink smartphone app and navigate to the doorbell settings.
  2. Ensure that “Existing Chime” is enabled if you’re using an existing chime system.
  3. Verify that the live view is functioning properly.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and resolve issues with your Blink doorbell chime not working. Remember to be patient and methodical when evaluating the problem, and always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and troubleshooting resources if needed.

Hardwiring the Doorbell System

If your Blink Doorbell chime is not working, it might be due to incorrect wiring or compatibility issues. To hardwire the system, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure the Blink Doorbell’s silver pins on the back are connected to the wires for your chime box.
  2. Make sure that the voltage provided from the chime box to the doorbell is between 16 and 24 volts at 10 Amps.

Remember that while hardwiring the Blink Doorbell, compatibility is crucial. Check if your system meets the required specifications as listed above.

Utilizing a Wireless Chime

Although Blink Video Doorbell does not directly interface with wireless doorbell systems, you can use Amazon Echo devices as a wireless chime and doorbell announcer. By linking the Blink Doorbell to an Echo device, you will receive an audible notification whenever the doorbell is pressed.

To set up the wireless chime, follow these steps:

  1. Make sure your Blink Doorbell and Amazon Echo device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open the Alexa app on your smartphone and select “Devices”.
  3. Tap “All Devices” and find the Blink Doorbell.
  4. Enable “Doorbell Press Announcements” to receive notifications on your Echo device.

Upgrading the AC Transformer

In case your doorbell chime still doesn’t work after correctly hardwiring the system, you might need to upgrade your AC transformer. The Blink Doorbell requires an AC voltage between 16 and 24 volts at 10 Amps. If the transformer does not supply the required voltage, the chime might not work.

To check the voltage of your existing AC transformer, use a voltage meter to measure the output voltage. If it’s below the required range, replace it with a compatible transformer that can supply the necessary voltage.

To integrate your Blink Video Doorbell with Amazon Echo devices, you first need to install a compatible doorbell and then enable the corresponding skill in the Alexa app. After enabling the skill, link the two devices together by visiting your doorbell page on the app. Remember to check if your Amazon Echo and the Sync Module are compatible with your model of the Blink Video Doorbell.

Using Alexa App for Notifications

Once your Blink Video Doorbell is integrated with the Amazon Echo device, you can set up notifications through the Alexa app. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Alexa app on your smartphone.
  2. Tap on “Devices” and then select the specific Amazon Echo device you want to receive notifications on.
  3. Click on “Communications” and then “Announcements.”
  4. Enable the toggle for “Doorbell Press.”
  5. Customize the announcement settings as desired, including choosing which devices should announce when the doorbell is pressed.

With these settings, your Amazon Echo devices will notify you when someone presses your Blink Video Doorbell.

Event Response via Amazon Echo

Aside from receiving notifications, Amazon Echo devices can also be configured to provide two-way communications or to activate an event upon doorbell press. For example, you could initiate a routine that turns on specific smart lights or plays the sound of a door chime through your Amazon Echo speaker. To create a routine:

  1. Open the Alexa app and go to the “Routines” section.
  2. Tap the “+” icon to create a new routine.
  3. Enter a name for the routine, then add an action (e.g., announce “Someone is at the door”).
  4. Set the trigger for the routine (e.g., when the Blink Video Doorbell is pressed).
  5. Click “Save” to finalize your routine.

By integrating your Blink Video Doorbell with Amazon Echo devices, you can receive notifications, communicate with visitors, and automate other actions in response to a doorbell press. Make sure to keep your devices updated and compatible to ensure seamless operation.

Improving Wi-Fi Signal Strength

A strong Wi-Fi connection is essential for the optimal performance of your Blink Doorbell. Ensure your doorbell is within the Wi-Fi router’s range and has a stable Wi-Fi signal. If the signal is weak:

  • Try repositioning your router or the doorbell to close the distance.
  • Remove obstructions between the router and doorbell.
  • Consider using a Wi-Fi extender to strengthen the Wi-Fi signal.

Using Third Party Accessories

While Blink Doorbell is designed to work seamlessly within the Blink ecosystem, you might find better functionality using third-party accessories. These can help improve doorbell performance and resolve chime-related issues. Some popular accessories include:

  • Wi-Fi extenders – to strengthen and stabilize the Wi-Fi signal
  • Chime adaptors – for compatibility with existing chimes
  • Transformer replacements – to ensure optimal voltage output

These accessories can help optimize your Blink Doorbell’s chime performance, but always check compatibility before purchasing.

Reaching Out to Customer Support

If you’ve tried all available solutions and your Blink Doorbell Chime is still not working, reach out to Blink customer support. They can provide expert guidance and further troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue. Depending on the situation, customer support can assist in providing:

  • Troubleshooting procedures
  • Guidance on the Blink app and Wi-Fi password
  • Recommended settings for optimal performance
  • Details on any known issues with Blink servers

Remember, Blink customer support is there to help you get the best performance from your video doorbell. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.

Ensuring Proper Mounting and Weather Resistance

To maintain the health and performance of your Blink Doorbell system, it is crucial to ensure proper mounting and weather resistance. Begin by identifying the mounting hole on your doorbell, which will be used to secure it in place. Use the provided weather-resistant battery cover to protect the power source from damaging external elements.

The Blink doorbell is equipped with an IP-54 weatherproof door, providing protection against dust and water splashes. Keeping the camera lens clean and unobstructed is essential for clear video quality. Regularly inspect your doorbell, removing any dust or debris from the lens and surrounding areas.

Updating and Replacing Batteries

The Blink doorbell system is powered by lithium size AA batteries, which can be found in the battery location within the device. It is essential to replace these batteries periodically to ensure your doorbell continues to function efficiently.

Typically, you should check the battery status by looking at the Blink app. If you notice a decrease in performance or if the device goes offline, it may be time to change the batteries. When replacing batteries, be sure to use fresh, high-quality lithium size AA batteries for the best results.

Proper maintenance and installation of your Blink Doorbell system will ensure optimal performance and longevity. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the full capabilities of your Blink doorbell to enhance your home security and overall peace of mind.