How to Fix Frustrating Blink Camera Lag and Buffering
Blink cameras are designed for quick and easy home monitoring, but a laggy video feed can ruin the experience. When you open the Live View, you want to see what's happening now, not 15 seconds ago. If your stream is constantly buffering, freezing, or showing a significant delay, it compromises your security and is incredibly frustrating.
The root cause of Blink camera lag is almost always related to network connectivity. The video signal has to travel from your camera to the Sync Module, and then from the Sync Module to your Wi-Fi router, and finally over the internet to your phone. A bottleneck anywhere in that chain will result in lag. This guide will help you identify and fix that bottleneck.
Step 1: Analyse Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength
The Blink system has two key wireless connections, and both need to be strong:
- Camera to Sync Module: This is the connection from your Blink camera to the Sync Module.
- Sync Module to Wi-Fi: This is the connection from your Sync Module to your home's Wi-Fi router.
The Blink app allows you to check these signal strengths.
- How to Check: Open the Blink app and go to the settings for the camera that is lagging. You will see signal strength indicators for both connections.
- What to Look For: If either of these signals shows only one or two bars, you have found a likely cause of the lag.
Step 2: Optimise Your Device Placement
Based on the signal strengths you found, you may need to move your devices closer together.
### If the 'Camera to Sync Module' Signal is Weak
- Move the Sync Module: Try moving the Sync Module to a more central location in your home, closer to the lagging camera.
- Reduce Obstructions: The signal is weakened by thick walls (especially brick or concrete), large metal appliances, and mirrors. Ensure the path between the camera and Sync Module is as clear as possible.
### If the 'Sync Module to Wi--Fi' Signal is Weak
- Move the Sync Module Closer to the Router: This is the most effective solution. Even moving it a few feet into the same room as the router can make a huge difference.
- Avoid Interference: Do not place the Sync Module directly on top of your router or next to other electronics like cordless phones or microwaves, which can cause wireless interference.
Step 3: Check Your Internet Speed
While Blink cameras don't use a lot of data, they do require a stable upload speed to send video to you.
- Run a Speed Test: Use a speed testing app or website on your phone while connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Check Upload Speed: Blink recommends a minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps. If your upload speed is consistently lower than this, especially during peak hours, your internet plan may not be sufficient, causing buffering and lag. Contact your internet service provider if you suspect this is the case.
Step 4: Other Important Fixes
If you've optimised your network and placement, consider these other potential solutions.
### Power Cycle Your Equipment
A simple reboot can clear up many temporary glitches.
- Blink Camera: Take the batteries out of the camera for 60 seconds, then put them back in.
- Sync Module: Unplug the Sync Module from power for 60 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Router: Unplug your Wi-Fi router from power for 60 seconds, then plug it back in.
### Check Your Batteries
Weak batteries can sometimes cause performance issues.
- Use Recommended Batteries: Always use 1.5v AA lithium batteries as recommended by Blink. Alkaline or rechargeable batteries may not provide consistent power.
- Replace When Notified: If the app indicates a low battery level, replace them promptly.
By systematically improving the signal path between your camera, Sync Module, and router, you can eliminate the bottlenecks that cause lag and enjoy a smooth, responsive video feed from your Blink security system.