Introduction
Blink Outdoor Camera simplifies home security. Set up your Blink Outdoor Camera system step-by-step, whether you’re a novice or an expert. Blink Outdoor Cameras use long-lasting AA lithium batteries. Low-maintenance and cost-effective, the batteries last two years under normal use.
Real-time battery level monitoring in the Blink Home Monitor app lets you know when batteries need replacing. Wireless, battery-powered Blink Outdoor Cameras let you monitor your environment easily. These weatherproof cameras are great for watching your home’s exterior, backyard, or other outdoor areas.
Before starting setup, make sure you have everything. One or more Blink Outdoor Cameras, a steady internet connection, a smartphone or tablet, and the iOS or Android Blink Home Monitor software are required. Blink Outdoor Camera setup is covered here. First, we’ll install batteries and link the camera to your home network. We’ll then set up motion detection zones and notifications in the Blink Home Monitor app.
What App To Use For Blink Outdoor Camera?
With multi-system support and simple setup, you can easily control multiple Blink cameras within one single app! The Blink Home Monitor app will alert you to what matters, day or night, no matter where you are. Just Blink and you’re home.
Easy Setup
Blink Home Monitor app simplifies Blink Outdoor Camera setup. It walks you through connecting your cameras to the Sync Module and home Wi-Fi. The straightforward UI makes setup easy for newcomers.
Live View and Remote Control
The Blink Home Monitor app lets you watch live Blink Outdoor Camera broadcasts. Using your smartphone or tablet, you may monitor your environment, property, or loved ones. The app lets you arm and disarm cameras from your phone.
Motion Detection and Alerts
The app lets you set motion detection zones and sensitivity. Motion in the designated zones triggers rapid smartphone notifications. This feature alerts you to Blink Outdoor Camera activity so you can keep informed and take action.
Cloud Storage and Playback
The Blink Home Monitor app stores Blink Outdoor Camera footage in the cloud. Depending on your subscription level, you can playback recorded footage from the app’s library while away from home. You can analyze occurrences, save critical material, and share recordings with family or authorities.
Can I Set Up A Blink Camera Without Wi-Fi?
A3: Setting up a Blink camera without Wi-Fi is very simple. All you need to do is connect the Blink Sync Module to the camera, insert the AA batteries, and then connect the Sync Module to the Blink app. From there, you can configure the camera settings and begin using the camera.
Local Network
Blink can run on a local network without internet access. Within the local network range, the Blink cameras and Sync Module can still communicate. Live view, alarms, and cloud storage require an internet connection.
Mobile Hotspot
If you don’t have a Wi-Fi network but have a mobile hotspot from a cellular device, you can temporarily connect the Sync Module and Blink cameras to it. This may involve data charges, and your connection quality and stability may vary depending on cellular coverage.
Local Storage
The Blink Sync Module 2 allows the Blink XT2 to save clips locally. Without an internet connection, the Sync Module 2 can save recorded clips to a USB flash drive or external hard drive. The footage and camera settings still require Wi-Fi.
How do blink outdoor cameras work?
It’s powered by two included AA lithium-ion batteries and works over Wi-Fi, sending alerts and recording video clips from 5 seconds to 60 seconds long when triggered by motion. It features 1080p full HD video quality with a 110-degree field of view, two-way audio, and night vision.
Camera Hardware
Blink outdoor cameras are wireless, battery-powered devices that capture video and audio footage. They feature a durable and weather-resistant design, allowing them to withstand outdoor conditions. The cameras are equipped with a wide-angle lens to capture a broad field of view, infrared sensors for night vision, and a microphone for audio recording.
Sync Module
The Sync Module serves as the central hub that connects the Blink outdoor cameras to your home Wi-Fi network. It communicates wirelessly with the cameras, receiving video and audio data and forwarding it to the Blink cloud servers. The Sync Module also controls the camera’s functions, such as arming and disarming, and manages the camera’s settings.
Wi-Fi Connection
To function properly, Blink outdoor cameras require a stable Wi-Fi connection. The Sync Module connects to your home Wi-Fi network, providing internet connectivity for the cameras. This connection allows the cameras to transmit video and audio data to the Blink cloud servers and enables you to access the cameras remotely using the Blink Home Monitor app.
Motion Detection
Blink outdoor cameras are equipped with built-in motion sensors that detect movement in their field of view. When motion is detected, the cameras automatically start recording a short clip of video and audio. The cameras utilize advanced motion detection technology to minimize false alarms and only trigger recordings when significant motion is detected.
Cloud Storage
The recorded video clips are securely stored in the Blink cloud servers. Blink offers different storage options, including free and subscription-based plans. With a Blink cloud storage subscription, you can access and review recorded footage remotely through the Blink Home Monitor app. The cloud storage ensures that your footage is safe and easily accessible, even if the camera is tampered with or stolen.
Is Blink Outdoor camera free?
You can use your Blink camera without a monthly fee, but there aren’t many features compared to free plans from brands like Ring, Arlo, and Google Nest. Still, it’s a nice way to save some cash when you don’t want cloud video storage.
Free Features
When you purchase a Blink Outdoor camera system, several features are available to you at no additional cost. These include:
Live View
You can access live video feeds from your Blink Outdoor cameras using the Blink Home Monitor app without any subscription fees. This allows you to monitor your property in real-time from anywhere.
Motion Alerts
The cameras can detect motion within their field of view and send motion alerts to your mobile device. These alerts inform you when activity is detected near your cameras, enabling you to stay informed about potential security events.
Two-Hour Cloud Storage
Blink offers free cloud storage for recorded video clips. The clips captured by the cameras are stored in the cloud for up to two hours, allowing you to review recent events without any additional cost.
Basic Features
You can access essential camera settings, such as adjusting motion detection sensitivity, creating custom motion detection zones, and scheduling when your cameras are armed or disarmed.
Subscription Plans
In addition to the free features, Blink offers subscription-based plans called Blink Plus and Blink Premium. These plans provide enhanced functionality and extended storage options. Here are the key aspects of these subscription plans:
Blink Plus
The Blink Plus plan is available at a monthly or annual subscription fee. It offers extended cloud storage for recorded video clips, with storage for up to 60 days. This allows you to access and review past events for a longer duration. Blink Plus subscribers also gain the ability to save and download video clips for sharing or archiving purposes.
Blink Premium
The Blink Premium plan is a higher-tier subscription offering. It includes all the features of Blink Plus and provides additional benefits like an extended device warranty, exclusive discounts on selected Blink products, and priority customer support.
Can blink outdoor cameras see at night?
Yes, Blink cameras work at night, thanks to the IR LED embedded into the device. This helps your camera capture a clear black-and-white image even during low light conditions.
Infrared (IR) Illumination
Blink Outdoor cameras utilize infrared LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) to illuminate the scene when it’s dark. These LEDs emit infrared light that is invisible to the human eye but is detected by the camera’s image sensor. The IR illumination helps the camera to capture clear black-and-white video footage in low-light or no-light conditions.
Automatic Activation
When the ambient light level drops below a certain threshold, the Blink Outdoor camera’s infrared night vision mode is automatically activated. This ensures that the camera seamlessly transitions into capturing video with enhanced visibility in the dark. As a result, you can rely on the camera to monitor and record activity even when there is minimal light available.
Clear Night Vision Footage
The infrared night vision technology employed by Blink Outdoor cameras allows for capturing clear video footage in the dark. While the footage is in black and white due to the absence of visible light, the camera’s image sensor and lens work together to produce sharp and detailed images. This enables you to identify people, objects, and events during nighttime surveillance.
Range and Coverage
The range and coverage of the night vision capability of Blink Outdoor cameras depend on factors such as ambient light conditions, the camera’s positioning, and the specific camera model. Generally, the infrared night vision of Blink Outdoor cameras can reach up to a range of around 20 feet (6 meters), allowing for effective monitoring of outdoor areas, yards, driveways, or entry points even in complete darkness.
How long do Blink cameras last?
Two years
According to Blink, their cameras can last up to two years on a single set of AA lithium batteries. However, this estimate is based on the cameras being used for an average of 40,000 seconds per month, which equates to about 1,333 seconds per day.
Battery Life
Blink cameras use AA lithium batteries, which offer excellent longevity compared to other battery types. On average, Blink cameras can last up to two years with typical usage. This estimate assumes that the cameras capture an average of 4,000 five-second video clips per year. However, individual usage patterns may vary, and battery life can be influenced by several factors.
Motion Detection
The primary factor that affects battery life is the frequency of motion detection. When a Blink camera detects motion, it wakes up and starts recording a video clip. Therefore, the more motion events the camera captures, the faster the battery drains. Adjusting motion detection sensitivity and customizing motion detection zones can help optimize battery life by reducing unnecessary recordings.
Camera Settings
The Blink Home Monitor app allows you to customize various settings that can impact battery life. For example, increasing the re-trigger time (the interval between consecutive motion events) can extend battery life by reducing the camera’s active time. Similarly, adjusting the camera’s sleep duration, which determines how long the camera remains inactive between motion events, can help conserve battery power.
Environmental Factors
Extreme temperatures can affect battery performance. Blink cameras are designed to operate within a specific temperature range (typically from -4°F to 113°F or -20°C to 45°C). Exposure to temperatures outside this range may reduce battery life. It’s important to consider the climate and weather conditions in your area when assessing battery performance.
Where to setup Blink camera?
Setting up your camera
- On the Blink app Home screen, tap the + icon in the top right corner.
- On Add Device, tap the Mini Camera.
- Add your camera to an existing system or create a new system name if you’d like.
- You will be instructed to plug in your camera and wait for the lights on the camera’s face to appear.
Entry Points
Placing Blink cameras near entry points such as doors, windows, and gates is crucial for capturing any potential activity or unauthorized access. These areas are common targets for intruders, and having cameras positioned to monitor these points enhances your security measures.
High-Traffic Areas
Identify high-traffic areas on your property where people frequently pass through. These could be pathways, driveways, or gathering areas. Placing cameras in such areas can help capture valuable footage of any activity or events that occur, providing you with a comprehensive view of your surroundings.
Backyard and Outdoor Spaces
If you have a backyard or outdoor space, consider placing Blink cameras to cover these areas as well. Backyards often contain valuable assets like vehicles, equipment, or recreational items. Monitoring these spaces can help deter theft or vandalism and provide evidence in case of any incidents.
Perimeter Coverage
To ensure comprehensive surveillance, consider positioning cameras along the perimeter of your property. This allows you to monitor any potential breaches or suspicious activity near your property boundaries. Placing cameras at different angles can provide overlapping coverage and eliminate blind spots.
Height and Angle
Mount the Blink camera at an appropriate height and angle to capture the desired view. Consider the camera’s field of view and adjust its position accordingly. A higher mounting position can provide a broader coverage area, while a lower position may offer more detailed footage of specific areas.
Protection and Visibility
Ensure that your Blink camera is protected from the elements and potential tampering. The camera’s weather-resistant design helps withstand outdoor conditions, but it’s still advisable to position it in a way that minimizes direct exposure to rain, snow, or direct sunlight. Additionally, make sure the camera is visible to serve as a deterrent to potential intruders.
Are Blink Outdoor cameras easy to install?
Set up with the Blink Outdoor camera was pretty easy, but we still had to take our time and not skip any steps. We already had our Blink Home app downloaded, but if you don’t, that’s the first step you’ll take. We grabbed the Sync Module 2, plugged it in, and got it connected to our Wi-Fi.
Wireless Design
Blink Outdoor cameras are wireless, meaning you don’t need to worry about running any cables or dealing with complicated wiring during installation. This eliminates the need for professional installation services and makes the process much simpler for users.
Battery-Powered
The cameras are powered by AA lithium batteries, which are included in the package. This eliminates the need for electrical outlets or hardwiring, providing flexibility in camera placement. The battery-powered design also ensures that the cameras continue to operate even during power outages.
Sync Module Setup
The Blink Outdoor camera system includes a Sync Module that acts as the hub connecting the cameras to your home Wi-Fi network. Setting up the Sync Module involves a straightforward process of connecting it to your Wi-Fi network using the Blink Home Monitor app. Once connected, the Sync Module communicates with the cameras, enabling remote access and control.
Intuitive Mobile App
The Blink Home Monitor app, available for iOS and Android devices, provides step-by-step instructions for setting up and configuring your Blink Outdoor cameras. The app guides you through the entire installation process, from connecting the Sync Module to adding and positioning the cameras.
Mounting Options
Blink Outdoor cameras come with a mounting kit that includes screws and anchors for easy installation. The cameras have a versatile design that allows you to mount them on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces based on your specific needs. The mounting process is simple and requires basic tools.
Conclusion
The Blink Outdoor Camera system utilizes a Sync Module, which serves as the bridge between the cameras and your Wi-Fi network. The Sync Module should be placed indoors, within range of your cameras and Wi-Fi router, to ensure a stable connection. The Sync Module before adding and configuring your cameras. To connect your Blink Outdoor Camera to the Blink cloud servers and access its features, you need a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
Make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal in the area where the camera will be installed. If necessary, consider using Wi-Fi range extenders to ensure adequate coverage. The Blink Home Monitor app offers various customization options to tailor your camera system to your specific needs. You can create custom motion detection zones, adjust sensitivity settings, and set up specific recording durations. Explore these options to fine-tune your camera’s performance and reduce unnecessary alerts.
Blink offers both free and subscription-based cloud storage plans. With the free plan, your Blink Outdoor Camera stores motion-triggered recordings for up to two hours. However, for extended storage and additional features like sharing and downloading footage, you may want to consider subscribing to one of the available plans, such as Blink’s Plus subscription.