Blink App Not Loading or Crashing? Here's What to Do
When you need to check on your home, the last thing you want is for the Blink Home Monitor app to be stuck on the loading screen or to crash entirely. This is a common problem that can usually be fixed with a few simple troubleshooting steps.
This guide will walk you through the solutions, from the most basic to the more advanced, to get your Blink app working again on your iPhone or Android device.
## Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection
The Blink app needs a stable internet connection to communicate with Blink's servers and your cameras.
- Check Wi-Fi: If you're on Wi-Fi, make sure it's working on other devices. Try turning your phone's Wi-Fi off and on again.
- Check Mobile Data: If you're using mobile data, ensure you have a strong signal (e.g., 4G or 5G). Try to load a webpage in your browser to confirm your data is working.
- Switch Connections: If you're on Wi-Fi, try switching to mobile data. If you're on mobile data, try connecting to a reliable Wi-Fi network. This can help determine if the issue is with your network or the app itself.
## Step 2: Force Close and Re-open the App
A temporary glitch in the app's memory is a very common cause of loading issues. Force-closing the app completely clears it from memory and allows it to start fresh.
- On iOS (iPhone X and later): Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app switcher. Find the Blink app and swipe it up and off the screen to close it.
- On iOS (iPhone with Home Button): Double-press the Home button to open the app switcher. Swipe the Blink app up to close it.
- On Android: Open the recent apps screen (this can be a swipe-up-and-hold gesture or a dedicated button, depending on your device). Find the Blink app and swipe it away to close it.
After closing the app, wait about 10 seconds and then try opening it again.
## Step 3: Restart Your Phone
If force-closing the app doesn't work, the next step is to restart your entire device. This can clear up deeper system-level issues that might be preventing the app from launching correctly.
- On iOS: Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the power-off slider appears. Slide to power off. Wait for it to shut down completely, then press and hold the side button to turn it back on.
- On Android: Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears, then select "Restart".
## Step 4: Clear the App Cache (Android Only)
Over time, the app's cache can become cluttered or corrupted, leading to performance problems. Android users can clear this cache without losing any data.
- Go to your phone's Settings.
- Tap on "Apps" or "Applications".
- Find and select the Blink app from the list.
- Tap on "Storage" or "Storage & cache".
- Tap the "Clear Cache" button. Do not tap "Clear Data" or "Clear Storage", as this will log you out and reset your app settings.
## Step 5: Check for App Updates
You may be running an older version of the Blink app that has a bug or is no longer compatible with Blink's servers.
- Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Search for "Blink Home Monitor".
- If you see an "Update" button, tap it to install the latest version.
## Step 6: Check for Blink Service Outages
While less common, the problem could be on Blink's end. If their servers are down, the app won't be able to connect and load.
- Check Blink's official Twitter account (@blinkforhome) as they often post updates about service status.
- You can also check third-party service status websites like DownDetector to see if other users are reporting similar problems.
If you've tried all these steps and the app still isn't loading, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the app as a final resort. This will require you to log back in with your email and password, so make sure you know your credentials.