Do Blink Cameras Work with Apple HomeKit?

Blink cameras, a popular choice among consumers, are known for their affordability and ease of use.

Apple Homekit is a platform for managing smart home devices.

Keep reading because I’ll cover several somewhat technical workarounds that have worked for me.

Quick Takeaways

• Blink cameras do not natively support Apple Homekit
• Users seeking a seamless experience should consider other camera options that work with Homekit

Will Blink Cameras Work with Homekit?

Blink cameras are not natively compatible with Apple Homekit.

However, there are possible workarounds that allow you to integrate Blink cameras with Homekit.

These methods require a bit of technical knowledge and might involve using third-party platforms such as IFTTT and SmartThings.

Keep in mind that these workarounds may not be officially supported or guaranteed to work flawlessly.

How to Make Blink Cameras Work with Homekit

While these options may provide some limited functionality, they may not offer a seamless experience like native compatibility would.

Using IFTTT

IFTTT (If This Then That) is a platform that allows you to connect various smart devices and services together using custom triggers and actions.

You can try to integrate your Blink cameras with Apple Homekit using IFTTT by creating applets that control your cameras based on specific conditions.

Here’s how:

1. Download and set up an IFTTT account on your iOS device.
2. Add both the Blink and Apple Homekit services to your IFTTT account.
3. Create custom applets to control your Blink cameras or receive notifications when motion is detected.

Keep in mind that using IFTTT as a workaround may have limitations, such as latency issues and infrequent updates.

This method might not allow for full control and integration.

Using SmartThings

Samsung SmartThings is another option. However it also requires IFTTT integration.

To streamline your setup using SmartThings to pair your Blink device(s) with HomeKit, follow these steps:

1. Download the SmartThings App:
   • Find the SmartThings app on either the Google Play store or the Apple App store and install it on your phone.
2. Set Up SmartThings:
   • Once you’ve installed the app, open it and register for an account.
3. Download the IFTTT App:
   • Get the IFTTT app from your device’s store and install it.
4. Register on IFTTT:
   • Open the IFTTT app, sign up, and create an account.
5. Explore IFTTT for SmartThings:
   • Log into IFTTT.
   • Tap on “Explore.”
   • In the search bar, type ‘SmartThings’ and select it when it appears.
6. Connect SmartThings with IFTTT:
   • Click on “Connect”.
   • Enter your SmartThings account details to link them.
7. Pair Your Blink Camera System:
   • In SmartThings, search for your Blink camera system.
   • Click on it to pair.
8. Pair with HomeKit:
   • Still in SmartThings, search for HomeKit.
   • Click to pair it with your Blink camera system.

As you try these workarounds, remember that your experience will differ from users who have natively compatible devices.

Features may be limited and the integration might not always be reliable. However, these methods can provide a basic connection between your Blink cameras and Apple Homekit for limited control and automation.

Using Homebridge (Obsolete)

Homebridge is an open-source platform that enables integration between various smart home devices and Apple HomeKit.

It allows users to add non-HomeKit compatible devices, offering a wider range of control to their smart home solutions.

Blink Cameras Features and Homekit Functionality

Motion Detection

Blink cameras have built-in motion detection that helps to identify any unusual movement. This triggers an instant alert that is sent to your Apple device.

By integrating with Apple HomeKit, motion detection in Blink cameras can be used to trigger automations or scenes within the Home app.

Live Feed

Apple HomeKit allows you to view the live feed from your Blink cameras remotely using your iPhone or iPad.

The Home app makes it easy to monitor your Blink cameras’ video feeds in real time, ensuring you’re always in touch with what’s happening at home or in the office.

Night Vision

Blink cameras feature impressive night vision capabilities that ensure clear videos even in low-light conditions.

When integrated with Apple HomeKit, the night vision functionality works seamlessly within the Home app, providing users with clear footage regardless of the time of day.

Two-Way Audio

Blink cameras offer two-way audio capabilities, allowing you to communicate with family members, pets, or intruders straight from your Apple device using the Home app.

With Apple HomeKit support, users can speak through the camera and hear responses in real-time.

Notifications

When it comes to staying informed, Apple HomeKit integration with Blink cameras enables instant notifications on your iOS or macOS device.

The Home app will alert you to any unusual motion or events detected by your Blink cameras, ensuring you’re up-to-date on any activity happening on your property.

Home Automation

Apple HomeKit compatibility means that you can create custom scenes or automations involving your Blink cameras.

For instance, you can set up a scene to turn on lights, lock doors, and enable video recording when you leave the house.

This integration makes it easy to control and automate various aspects of your home security through the Home app.

Using Siri Voice Commands with Blink Cameras

Blink cameras are compatible with Apple HomeKit, allowing you to control your cameras using your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

With this integration, you can use Siri voice commands to interact with your Blink cameras and view their live feed.

To start using Siri voice commands with your Blink cameras, you’ll need to set up your devices in the Home app.

Once set up, you can use Siri to perform tasks such as arming or disarming your cameras or viewing live feeds from specific cameras.

Some example voice commands include:

• “Show me the front door camera.”
• “Turn on the living room camera.”
• “Disarm the Blink security system.”

Combining Siri voice commands with Apple HomeKit allows you to create automated scenes and schedules.

Scenes can be customized to perform multiple actions simultaneously, such as turning on your lights, unlocking doors, and activating your security cameras.

With Siri voice commands, these scenes can be easily controlled using only your voice.

Alternatives to Blink Security Cameras that work with Homekit

Although Blink cameras do not work natively with Apple HomeKit, there are various other security cameras that do. Here are several options that work seamlessly with HomeKit for easy control using iPhones and Siri.

Eufy

If you’re looking for alternative security camera options that work with Apple HomeKit, consider the eufyCam 2, which offers local storage and a long-lasting battery life, making it an attractive choice for home security.

This camera system seamlessly integrates with smart home devices via HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT.

Arlo

Arlo’s Pro and Ultra cameras offer a high-quality option that is known for their durability and reliability. They integrate well with Apple HomeKit and can be controlled through Siri voice commands.

If you prefer a wired option, the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera also supports HomeKit compatibility.

Eve Cam

Eve Cam is another great choice, as it is designed specifically for Apple HomeKit. This indoor security camera lets you view live videos and receive alerts on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Since it’s built with privacy in mind, the footage is only accessible by you and your family members through HomeKit.

Logitech

Logitech Circle View is another compatible camera with Apple HomeKit. This home security camera offers 1080p video resolution, a 180-degree field of view, and night vision capabilities.

Storing your video footage securely on iCloud, the Logitech Circle View ensures your privacy is maintained.

Netatmo

Netatmo’s Smart Indoor Camera and Smart Outdoor Camera are popular choices for those who prefer a more discreet and stylish design.

These cameras work with Apple HomeKit, allowing you to monitor your property using the Home app or Siri voice commands.

Additionally, the outdoor model comes with intelligent detection features such as facial recognition and vehicle detection.

Securing your Blink Camera Footage with Homekit Secure Video

You can enhance the security and accessibility of your Blink camera footage through Apple Homekit Secure Video.

This service integrates Blink cameras with Homekit, allowing you to store and analyze video recordings securely in iCloud.

This end-to-end encrypted storage ensures that you can safely monitor your home via the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Mac.

With the subscription, your video recordings will not count toward your iCloud storage limit, which is an added advantage for Apple users.

To connect your Blink camera to HomeKit Secure Video, follow these steps:

1. Download the free Home app on your Apple device if you haven’t already.
2. Open the Blink app and select the camera you want to add to Apple Homekit.
3. Tap the settings icon in the top right corner of the screen.
4. Scroll down to the “Smart Home” section and tap “Apple HomeKit.”
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to add your Blink camera to Apple HomeKit.

Once you have successfully connected your Blink camera to Apple HomeKit Secure Video, you can enjoy a range of features:

• Live video streaming with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only you or the users you invite to your home can view the video.
• Custom scene settings, like “Good Morning” or “Away From Home,” which can be controlled through your Apple device.
• The ability to assign specific users access to view your videos, either while they are in your home or anytime.

By utilizing Apple Homekit Secure Video, you can augment the security and privacy of your Blink camera and have greater control over your home’s surveillance system.

Limitations and Considerations

Paid Subscriptions

When using Blink cameras with Apple HomeKit, it is important to note that certain features may require a paid subscription.

This typically includes access to cloud storage for video recordings, and it may also cover advanced detection features or custom alerts.

It’s essential to consider the additional costs of these subscriptions when integrating your Blink cameras with Apple HomeKit.

Outdoor Camera Usage

Blink offers various camera options, including both indoor and outdoor models. However, not all outdoor cameras may be fully compatible with Apple HomeKit.

Before choosing an outdoor camera, make sure to verify its compatibility and full range of HomeKit features.

It’s also important to install and maintain outdoor cameras correctly to ensure reliable performance in various weather conditions.

Remote Access

With Blink cameras and Apple HomeKit, you can remotely control and monitor your camera system using the Home app or Siri.

However, achieving successful remote access depends on a reliable internet connection for both your Apple device and the Blink camera system.

When setting up your Blink cameras with Apple HomeKit, be sure to consider your internet’s speed and connectivity, and make necessary adjustments to maintain a stable connection for uninterrupted control and monitoring.

Integration with Other Smart Home Devices

When considering Blink cameras and their compatibility with Apple HomeKit, it’s important to explore how they integrate with other smart home devices, enhancing your overall home security and automating various aspects of your living space.

Smart Locks

Blink cameras can work together with smart locks through Apple HomeKit, enabling users to control their door locking systems via their Apple device.

Some examples of compatible smart lock brands include August, Schlage, and Yale. Pairing your Blink camera with a smart lock allows for seamless entry and exit management, creating a more secure smart home environment.

Smart Lights

By connecting Blink cameras to smart lighting solutions through HomeKit, users can automate their lighting based on motion detection or scheduled times, increasing both security and energy efficiency.

Some popular smart light brands that integrate with HomeKit are Philips Hue, LIFX, and Nanoleaf.

Thermostats

HomeKit also allows Blink cameras to integrate with smart thermostats, enabling users to adjust their home temperature based on occupancy or time of day.

This can result in energy savings and improved comfort. Compatible thermostat brands include ecobee, Honeywell, and Emerson Sensi.